MAD About Chocolate will reopen this week under new ownership.
Riordan Enterprises LLC recently closed on the restaurant housed in the Triangle Building at 204 Armistead Ave. in the City of Williamsburg.
MAD About Chocolate will reopen 9 a.m. Thursday, then operate on a seven-day-a-week schedule. Hours are set for 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays.
Mike Riordan, who has a background in restaurant operations and franchise consulting, will serve as the restaurant’s owner and general manager.
“This is a strong business with a unique brand concept in an ideal location in the heart of the City of Williamsburg, close to the College of William & Mary, Colonial Williamsburg and Merchants Square,” Riordan said. “I am very excited about the opportunity to continue the wonderful business Marcel and Connie have created.”
Riordan said he plans to stick with MAD about Chocolate’s original concept as a chocolate café that serves baked goods and hot beverages along with a “savory” lunch and dinner menu.
Marcel and Connie Desaulniers announced their interest in selling MAD About Chocolate, which opened four years ago, in December. Connie Desaulniers used a portion of the space as an art gallery, which continued to operate even after the restaurant closed Jan. 2.
The restaurant will continue to include an art gallery that will show Desaulnier’s art along with other local artists.
The grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony is set for 3:30 p.m. March 31. Officials with the city and the Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance – including Riordan’s wife, Alliance President and CEO Karen Riordan – will be in attendance.
Related Coverage:
