The popular chocolate shop L’Atelier du Chocolat is getting ready to open its doors at its new location. Formerly situated at 321 Marin Boulevard, L’Atelier’s new location is at 251 Newark Avenue and is run by popular chocolatier Eric Girerd. Read to learn more about L’Atelier du Chocolat’s opening.
(Photo credit: @latelierduchocolatny)
Timeline of the Reopening
L’Atelier Jersey City first opened in 2015 on Marin Boulevard at the base of Grove Point. Like most small businesses, the chocolate boutique was affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Owner Eric Girerd tried saving the location by setting up a GoFundMe.
He wrote on the fundraising page: “As a small business with only four employees, L’atelier du Chocolat has managed to be in business for almost over 19 years. We have been proudly creating artisanal chocolates and serving them alongside cafe-style pastries and drinks. We are also proud to have appeared in The New York Times and TimeOut. When the lockdown began due to the pandemic, we have been trying so hard to make ends meet. Unfortunately, it was not enough and so with your help, we will have the chance to be able to start once again. This will be a great help to my business but also to my very loyal and hardworking employees as they will have the chance to continue working to support themselves and their family.”
(Photo Credit: @latelierduchocolatny)
In January 2021, it was reported that the chocolate boutique would be relocating to Newark Ave since Eric stated “their current landlord has hiked their rent to the point that they can no longer stay in business.” Jersey City Upfront posted a photo of L’Atelier’s new location with a sign announcing its new name, “D’Exception Boutique.” It’s unclear whether the name is still expected to change.
Read More: These Are the 37 Businesses That Opened in Hoboken This Year
Months later in October 2021, L’Atelier became active again on social media and posted a photo of the interior of the new location with no caption. The sneak peek was of a painted gold ceiling with bright lights, giving a Versailles vibe (see below).
(Photo credit: @latelierduchocolatny)
It wasn’t until recently when a fan by the name of Sandrine posted on Facebook about Atelier’s rep-opening. “One of the best Chocolate chef[s] in the USA is re-opening end of next week in Jersey City! I am so excited! Just met him spontaneously as he was finishing the ‘Atelier’ and he showed me a tour of the place! If you pass by JC: 251 Newark avenue is where you want to stop for pastries and Chocolate!” she wrote.
Chocolate Galore
Eric Girerd’s famous chocolates are made with the finest selected ingredients and artisan techniques. The chocolates that vary in flavors are served as single pieces, in a four-piece box, a five-piece sleeve box, and a 30 piece box. Per its Facebook page, “Eric Girerd chocolates are haute couture, with a timeless style with feels classic and contemporary. Giving a treasured chocolate.”
(Photo credit: @latelierduchocolatny)
L’Atelier serves more than chocolate and truffles. The shop has a variety of custom-made cakes and pies, chocolate-covered strawberries, various pastries, and coffee and tea.
The pastries include croissants, a 72 percent chocolate ganache pie made with cocoa from Ecuador, a green tea tart, passion fruit tart, mango tart, canelés, beignet, and cream brulée among other things.
About Eric Girerd
Eric Girerd opened the first L’Atelier du Chocolat location in 2002 in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood. It’s since been shut down. Per NY Magazine, “the retail nook grew out of the wholesale business longtime chocolatier Eric Girerd runs with his wife, supplying chocolates to Ritz-Carlton and W hotels.” In addition, he supplies truffles to Ritz-Carlton Battery Park, New York Palace, and Sofitel properties coast to coast.
^ Chocolatier Eric Girerd, owner of L’Atelier du Chocolat
(Photo credit: @latelierduchocolatny)
Mr. Girerd, who previously served as Vice President of L’Academie Culinare de France, was awarded the 2013 Knight of Agricultural Merit. That same year The NY Times named L’Atelier’s chocolate the 10 Best Sea Salt Caramels in America. Following that, Eric appeared in the December 2014/January 2015 issue of Dessert Professional Magazine as one of the 2014 Top Ten Best Chocolatiers in North America.
More to Come
Upon passing by just this week, it looks like renovation is still underway. Although the brown paper was taken down from the windows, passersby can see that the electrical wiring is still being worked on, and a ladder and other equipment takes the place of where the chairs and tables will soon be dispersed.
See More: Hooters Opens Sister Restaurant in Jersey City
(Photo credit: @latelierduchocolatny)
L’Atelier du Chocolat’s website is up and running, but orders can not be placed until the shop is operating. In the meantime, click here to check out the menu.
To stay in the know on the latest updates on L’Atelier du Chocolat, be sure to follow the shop on Instagram found here.
