San Francisco Ghirardelli flagship shop closes as workers begin three‑day strike

About 50 employees of the Original Ghirardelli Chocolate & Ice Cream Shop in Ghirardelli Square walked off the job on Thursday, launching a three‑day strike organized by Unite Here Local 2. The dispute centers on a 6 % customer surcharge that the company says funds employee health care, which workers claim is not disclosed and is coupled with proposed cuts to their health‑insurance benefits. The union alleges Ghirardelli, owned by Swiss confectioner Lindt & Sprüngli, has bargained in bad faith since contract talks began in May 2025.

The flagship store, the only unionized Ghirardelli location in San Francisco, was closed and customers were redirected to other sites, while picketers moved to the nearby Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience. Longtime stocker Alicia Tamayo highlighted the lack of transparency on the surcharge revenue. The last strike at the shop occurred in 1984. Company spokespeople say they are negotiating in good faith and remain focused on reaching an agreement that supports employees and the business.