A former Cadbury employee is set to open a new cafe and chocolate shop after setting up her own business.
Holly Garner left one of the UK’s biggest brands to take the plunge in handcrafting and designing her own chocolatey treats, under the name Hollychocs, in September 2019.
The 34-year-old, based in Devizes, began with a single unit at Poulshot Lodge Farm which hosted her own chocolate studio, alongside a small shop.
But Mrs Garner’s success selling from the unit and online has now allowed her to add an additional unit, which is in the process of being converted into a larger shop and cafe, named the Beanery.
She said: “The business has been successful, but we want to increase footfall here so I’m really excited.
“It’s thanks to the support of all our amazing customers that we now have the need to expand our business to meet demand… it’s going to be tough but I’m really looking forward to it.
“I can’t wait to welcome everyone to the new Beanery for a hot chocolate, a sweet treat or one of my popular chocolate workshops.”
Mrs Garner gave up her “comfortable” job working for Cadbury after she was inspired to take more control over her own products.
She added: “One of the biggest things was sourcing high quality ingredients but also knowing where they come from, speaking to farmers, and doing it ethically.
“I decided to go out on my own which was a big risk to give up a comfortable monthly salary, but I wouldn’t change it because I love what I do.”
The Beanery is due to open for the first time over the bank holiday weekend from August 24 to August 26.
The cafe will sell a range of sweet treats, including 12 different varieties of hot chocolate, gourmet coffees from local producer Dusty Ape and chocolate made on site.
Visitors on opening weekend will have the chance to win prizes by collecting one of five golden tickets on offer.
As well as offering Mrs Garner’s unique recipes and hand-crafted chocolates from the shop, the site will also give customers the chance to take part in chocolate-making classes in a newly revamped studio.
Once the store is open, its regular opening hours will be between 10am to 4pm from Thursday to Saturday.
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