By Anthony King | SDUN Editor

After five years on El Cajon Boulevard in North Park, Eclipse Chocolate Bar & Bistro is moving to a newly renovated location in the heart of South Park. Part restaurant, part chocolate factory, Eclipse owner William Gustwiller said his team is looking forward to having a bit more room.

Located at 2145 Fern St., the South Park building is four times larger than the previous, giving Gustwiller the opportunity to expand offerings that include a larger retail area and a space for private events and functions that seats 45. Additionally, the bistro will offer brunch seven days a week starting March 1, as well as a selection of craft beer on tap, served at their 30-seat craft-beer bar.

“South Park is the perfect neighborhood to host the new bistro,” Gustwiller said in a release announcing the move. “We’ve been planning this for two years.”

The new space is 4,000 square feet and designed by architects at Point of Departure and Blue Print Contracting. The remodel was designed to adhere to Gustwiller’s mission for Eclipse, which is to provide “premium artisan foods” while supporting the community through “sustainable and ethical operations.”

To help launch the move, Eclipse will be hosing a “Wonka-worthy grand opening” on Sunday, Feb. 2 from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. In the tradition of the famed Willy Wonka from book and films, Gustwiller hid eight “platinum tickets” in limited edition chocolate bars four months ago. Two tickets remain to be found.

As part of a series of planned events throughout the day, the eight platinum ticket holders will compete for a lifetime supply of chocolate. Organizers said the grand prize is equivalent to a one-ounce bar every day.

“A lot of excitement has been building over the past few months with our Platinum Ticket competition,” Gustwiller said.

Those not holding the Wonka-inspired tickets will also have a chance to win prizes, including three winners selected to win a one-year supply of the artisan chocolates. Eclipse is giving out more than $25,000 in prizes at the Feb. 2 opening, as well as hosting a build-a-bar workshop from noon – 4 p.m. and a “Charlie & The Chocolate Factory” costume contest at 4 p.m. The platinum ticket holders compete from 4 to 6 p.m.

For more information, visit eclipsechocolate.com or call 619-578-2984.