An award-winning West Didsbury chocolatier is expanding into the city centre with the launch of Cocoa Cabana Chocolaterie and Cocktail Lounge in Ancoats – and is offering chocolate galore in return for pledges on Kickstarter.
Cocoa Cabana Chocolatiers was opened in West Didsbury, Manchester, by founder Sarah Gallacher in November 2012 and, since then, it has gone from strength-to-strength, moving to bigger premises on Burton Road as its customer base grew and winning Great Taste and Academy of Chocolate Awards along the way.
“Opening my first shop in 2012 felt like a huge risk and there have been ups and downs, but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the ride. I’m really passionate about independent businesses thriving and it’s always been my plan to have more than one Cocoa Cabana. However, this one will be a little different as besides our usual handcrafted bonbons, afternoon teas and chocolate making classes, we will also have space for parties, and will have great tunes and delicious cocktails such as Chocolate Martinis. Manchester Gin is curating our cocktail menu for us, so Mancunians can expect something special,” said Gallacher, who won Entrepreneur of the Year at the Inspiring Women Awards 2014.
She continues: “Ancoats is such an up and coming foodie destination and there are already some brilliant independents moved in, so it feels the perfect place for us to launch another shop.
“I’ve managed to raise most of the funds I need to make it happen, but have launched a Kickstarter campaign to help me reach my target and ensure there is enough money for all those special extras. It’s not easy for smaller businesses to raise finance through traditional methods; they don’t have the buying power of larger companies and it is more difficult to get loans. I’ve already raised £50,000 and have another £15,000 to go, so please do pledge in exchange for some amazing chocolate related rewards and experiences.”
Pledges start at £10 to see your name up in lights forever at the new shop; £15 for a Cocoa Cabana hot chocolate mug filled with its own hot chocolate blend to make at home; £15 for a box of 16 handmade truffles; £16 for a box of 16 vegan salted caramel truffles; £20 for a chocolate hamper; £25 for a chocolate fountain for two; £30 for afternoon tea for two; £39 to take part in a chocolate making workshop; £50 for opening party tickets including lots of chocolate goodies; £60 for afternoon tea for four; £100 for a Cocoa Cabana VIP black card; £200 for a chocolate masterclass with the head chocolatier and £2,000 to take the entire venue for the night.
Cocoa Cabana Chocolaterie and Cocktail Lounge will be based at Saw Mill Court, Ancoats with the 1,586 sq ft shop due to open in November 2018.
To make a pledge by visiting Kickstarter and to find out more about Cocoa Cabana visit www.cocoa-cabana.co.uk
