The Chocolate Bar, located in the Chippewa entertainment district on the ground floor of the Hampton Inn, has just sold its first franchise rights with a planned opening in the Cleveland market by early November. Franchise Development & Marketing Group, a subsidiary of NOCO Energy Corp., has been working with William and Carolyn Panzica, owners of the Chocolate Bar, for the past six months in developing and implementing a plan to franchise the acclaimed restaurant.

The Chocolate Bar opened its doors in Buffalo in 2005. Specializing in desserts and specialty bar drinks such as Swedish Fish, Key Lime Pie, and Chocolate Martinis, the restaurant also offers a full menu that features a wide range of dinning options. This marks the first franchise for the owners of the Chocolate Bar, and with Franchise Development & Marketing Group is continuing to actively seek franchisees in Toronto, Pittsburgh, Rochester, Syracuse and throughout Western New York.

The 5,000 square foot Chocolate Bar Cleveland will open in the city's popular gateway district on the corner of Euclid and 4th Streets, inside the Hyatt Regency Hotel.. The Chocolate Bar Cleveland will be similar to the Buffalo operation by offering private dining, party and conference rooms, a retail store featuring chocolate apparel and an extensive selection of chocolate novelties such as chocolate candles, chocolate soap, board games and chocolate bars. The space will also include a large patio overlooking 4th Street allowing patrons an up front view of the city's bustling entertainment district.