GHIRARDELLI HISTORY
1852: Domingo Ghirardelli, a native of Rapallo, Italy, goes into the chocolate business in San Francisco.
1885: Ghirardelli has 30 employees and ships throughout the United States and overseas.
1893: The chocolate factory moves to Ghirardelli Square on San Francisco's northern waterfront.
1894: Ghirardelli dies at age 77.
1906: The factory escapes damage in the great San Francisco earthquake and fire.
1962: In an early example of historic preservation, the antiquated factory is sold to local business interests for conversion to retail space.
1965: San Francisco declares Ghirardelli Square an official city landmark.
1982: National Historic Register status granted to Ghirardelli Square.
