Before this week’s opening Comic ConThe San Diego Convention Center (SDCC) has unveiled the show’s limited-edition, handcrafted chocolate bars that will be available for purchase when the show opens at 6 p.m. PT on Wednesday, July 24. The nation’s longest-running event for all things comic books and related folk art, including film, television, gaming and interactive multimedia, runs July 15-22. Sunday July 28.
With a full schedule of speakers, exhibits, films and games, Comic-Con attracts more than 135,000 attendees, creating a regional economic impact of more than $160 million and tax revenue of more than $3 million for the city of San Diego, according to a report. SDCC Press Release.
How it works: SDCC’s annual food and beverage partner Sodexo live! develops creative new flavors that celebrate the fun and whimsy of the convention. Led by Sodexo Live! Executive Chef Sufi Karaien and Pastry Chef Kristianna Zabala, The F&B team makes 100 chocolate bars every 90 minutes in the on-site kitchen, handcrafting each one in the weeks leading up to the major event that includes cosplay, programming, exclusive previews and a diverse showroom featuring merchandise and displays representing every fandom.
The details: This year’s flavors include:
- Sunday Sundae with Milk Chocolate, Caramel, Bananas, Strawberries, Cherries, Vanilla and Peanuts
- Moonlight Journey with White Chocolate, Dried Miso, Black Sesame and Dried Strawberries
- First In Line with milk chocolate, puffed rice, crunchy cinnamon toast, coffee and marshmallows
- Pirate Potion with White Chocolate, Dried Pineapple, Lime, Coconut and Lime Zest
Need to know: In 2024, 10,000 candy bars, 2,500 of each flavor, will be available, sold exclusively to Comic-Con attendees at a booth outside Ballroom 20. The handcrafted chocolate bars are priced at $10 each. Golden Tickets will be hidden inside four of the chocolate bars. Each Golden Ticket can be redeemed for a $100 Starbucks gift card.
In the wings: Once the chefs develop the concepts, the SDCC communications team tastes the chocolates for inspiration while developing names and themes. The creative trio of Hailey Adams, Grayson Van Loon and Dylan James then bring the bars to life through designs and animations.
Pass: In 2023, the SDCC F&B team offered over 5,000 chocolate bars over four days, all sold every day of the convention. This tradition began in 2016 as an exclusive offering for event attendees.