Back in July, the Straight let readers know about a sweet new addition to the 1000-block of Main Street that has chocoholics across the city positively buzzing.

Chocolatier extraordinaire Lisa Gardin opened her very own shop, Lisa Lou's Chocolate Bar (1007 Main Street), on June 17, and since then, she's been busy treating locals to her handmade chocolates, caramels, ice cream, vegan sorbet, pastries, cheesecakes, and more.

On Thursday (September 29), Gardin will hold an official grand opening, where she'll launch two lines of chocolate bars, as well as brand new bon-bons, truffles, and holiday offerings ahead of the winter season.

Regulars of the shop will already be familiar with Lisa Lou's first line of chocolate bars, aptly referred to as, "the gents". Marc, Pete, Frank, and Joe will have to move over for Ruth, Joan, Sue, and Helen come Thursday, when Gardin releases the new line of bars.

Ruth is made with raspberry strawberry jelly and a crunchy peanut praline base, while Joan combines mango passion fruit jelly with cashew praline. Pistachio praline and sour cherry merge to make Sue, while Helen blends blood orange fig jelly with a roasted almond praline.

A third line Gardin refers to as "the hipster bars" are vegan, and dairy- and wheat-free. Kylo, Oscar, Billy, and Zoe will be made using different varieties of fruity caramel, crunchy puffed rice, and nuts. 

"I'm really looking forward to this launch," said Gardin in a phone interview with the Straight. "I feel like the bon-bon and truffle collections are what I've really been working on, and I'm excited to get them out."

Truffle collections and gift baskets will be available in varying sizes. During the grand opening, Gardin will give away a door prize valued at $75—but she added that everyone who attends will leave with a goody bag.

"We've also switched up our ice cream flavours to include ones that are more fall-friendly, like pumpkin spice and caramel apple," Gardin added.

Don't miss Lisa Lou's official grand opening this Thursday from 3 to 8 p.m. Want to learn more about Lisa Lou's Chocolate Bar? Check out Gardin's bio and photographs of the shop here.