Max Brenner space for lease at Bethesda Row

How sweet it isn't. The popular Max Brenner chocolate shop space is for lease at Bethesda Row. According to the online listing by Bethesda real estate firm Streetsense, it is 2152 SF in size, and apparently available immediately.

There was talk in the past that a sub-lease was being sought for the space, despite the apparent success of the store. In fact, it had the longest lines at opening since Georgetown Cupcake, which still holds the record at Bethesda Row.

MAX BRENNER CHOCOLATE BAR BETHESDA ROW OPENING DAY PHOTO GALLERY

Max Brenner Chocolate Bar had its Grand Opening at Bethesda Row yesterday, and plenty of folks came in to try a completely new concept for Bethesda and Montgomery County.

Here are some moments from opening day (click photos to enlarge for more detail):

MAX BRENNER CHOCOLATE BAR OPENS TODAY AT BETHESDA ROW (PHOTOS)

Calling all chocoholics: After many unexpected delays, Max Brenner is finally opening today at Bethesda Row. The company promises it will have been worth the wait.

Last night, newly-hired employees were working hard to prepare for today's opening. Click on the photos below to enlarge them for "Max" detail.

As you will notice, many chocolate specialties are already on display atop the counter.

What toppings are you getting on your chocolate pizza?

MAX BRENNER BETHESDA ROW CONSTRUCTION UPDATE (PHOTOS)

Here are the latest photos of the nearly-ready interior of the Max Brenner chocolate bar at Bethesda Row.

Max Brenner is expected to open this week.

MAX BRENNER CEO: BETHESDA ROW LOCATION WILL BE A TOTALLY NEW CHOCOLATE BAR CONCEPT

EXCLUSIVE

Update 5:10 PM:

The news that Max Brenner is opening a new chocolate bar concept at Bethesda Row has chocolate lovers in the DC area abuzz.

Today, Max Brenner's CEO is making his first public comments about the Bethesda Row outlet here on Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row:

“Bethesda Row has unique style and taste and we’re excited to introduce it to our chocolate culture. The location will premiere our new and exciting pure Chocolate Bar, a concept that focuses heavily on our famous sweets, desserts, pastries and beverages. We look fotward to delighting Bethesda and the entire DC metro area with all of Max’s sweet icons.”

- Sam Borgese, CEO, Max Brenner

Contrary to initial assumptions I had, based on existing Max Brenner outlets and their menus, we are getting a unique and separate concept here at Bethesda Row.

Stay tuned, chocoholics of Bethesda, for more Max Brenner Chocolate Bar news!

MAX BRENNER OPENING AT BETHESDA ROW (PHOTOS)

First the Israeli equivalent of Starbucks opened in Bethesda. Now "Startup Nation" is bringing us the Israeli equivalent of Willy Wonka.

When you hear that Max Brenner started in 1986 in Ra'anana, Israel, your first thought might be, "so this is the Godiva of Israel." But Godiva's staid mall outposts have not prepared you for the chocolate experience of Max Brenner.

Co-founder Oded Brenner embraces the Wonka comparison, saying that he wants customers to experience a "3-D" world of chocolate. Brenner has been quoted saying, "I have freed chocolate from its cage."

Your chocolate addiction may reach new extremes when you purchase a chocolate-filled "syringe," made to squirt into your mouth, from the restaurant's gift shop.

What can you expect to find on Max Brenner's chocoholic menu?

* Waffle fries dusted with chili powder and cocoa powder

* Chocolate burger

* Chocolate pizza

* A romantic chocolate fondue menu for two

* Max's White Russian (the restaurant's signature cocktail, made with Absolut Vodka, Kahlua, and white chocolate, served on the rocks)

* Illegal Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Pancakes

* The Brenner Burger (with secret BBQ sauce, cheddar cheese and Vidalia onion)

* Really Cheesy - Really Crunchy Mac & Cheese

* Crepe Brulée & Sugar Waffle

* Urban S'mores

* The Melting Chocolate Truffle Heart Cake and Shake (Milk and white chocolate heart-shaped cake served with vanilla ice cream, berries and an iced milk chocolate "shot")

* Chocolate Chunk Pizza (choice of toppings includes hazelnut, peanut butter and/or marshmallow)

* O.M.G. Chocolate Chunk Cookies (served with whipped cream, berries and melted chocolate)

The pizza was featured on Food Network's Best Thing I Ever Ate.

This decadent menu arrives in a Bethesda Row-appropriate package: Brenner not only learned chocolate-making in Paris, but says Max Brenner is ultimately a fusion of Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory and a Parisian café. Which fits the Row's faux-European atmosphere perfectly.

Of course, each Max Brenner restaurant features location-specific menu items, so some surprises are in store.

Save Metro fare to Coco Sala in the District, as Max Brenner may satisfy your chocolate addiction closer to home.