CHICAGO — The world's first cafe devoted to the hazelnut spread known as Nutella is opening in the Loop on May 31.
Ferrero, the owners of Nutella announced in a news release it will open the two story Nutella Cafe at 151 N. Michigan Ave., on the southeast corner with Lake Street.
While desserts will be central to the the restaurant, it will also serve Nutella in savory ways. Menu items will include baguettes (with Nutella), hazelnut and blueberry granola with yogurt (and Nutella), "Panzanella" fruit salad (with Nutella), and gelato (topped with Nutella), the release said.
There will also be paninis, salads and other foods available without Nutella.
"We wanted to create a world of Nutella for our fans that could truly capture the essence of the brand – not just in the dishes that will be served, but in the full experience from the moment you step into the space," said Noah Szporn, who runs Nutella's North American marketing, in the release. "The Nutella Cafe offers something for everybody, and we encourage everyone to come in and try a dish or snack. We hope Nutella enthusiasts, Chicagoans and visitors enjoy the cafe as much as we enjoyed creating it."
Doors open at 10 a.m. May 31. The first 400 visitors get one free select menu item and "other special surprises."
There is a Nutella cafe in Toronto, though that is not owned by Ferrero, Nutella's parent company. Eataly Chicago also has a stand devoted to Nutella.
