Beverley Chocolatiers White Rabbit are announcing their expansion into an adjacent property, providing a larger cafe space and the addition of two more full-time members of staff.
Since introducing a small chocolate cafe to complement the popular existing shop in Easter 2015, its popularity has grown rapidly and White Rabbit found they were constantly having to turn customers away in order to meet demand.
When the property next door, 14 Dyer Lane, became available, it seemed a natural move to expand. With the advantages of being slightly more sheltered from the sun and with more space for products, the current shop will relocate, leaving plenty of space at number 16 for extra seating for cafe customers and tea party guests.
Ed Hawkes from White Rabbit said, "We had always dreamed of expanding next door, but honestly we never thought it would happen. We were so lucky to scoop it before it even came to market."
White Rabbit is aiming to expand their selection of food and drink in the cafe to complement their current offering which includes handmade varieties of artisan hot chocolates with flavour variations to choose from, as well as a selection of tea, coffee from York Coffee Emporium, cold drinks and chocolatey treats, ice-creams and desserts.
With the expansion, customers can expect their own piece of wonderland with chocolate milkshakes, ice-cream floats, soft-drinks, as well as light lunches and of course, more baked goods and desserts.
A fully-functional cafe will allow White Rabbit to offer delicious and creative tea parties. An upstairs area above both shops will also become available, which is earmarked for private functions, meetings and a refreshment area for the use of customers enjoying a chocolate-making party or workshop. Den Interior Design, the company which designed 1884 restaurant and Sleepers in Hull and Beverley, will be undertaking the design work for the new premises.
Two new members of staff have been appointed to help with the smooth running of the cafe and shop, with ex-1884 Dock Street Kitchen waiter Matt Thomson demonstrating his serving expertise as Cafe Manager, and new chocolatier-in-training Kathleen Emily in the kitchen.
"Kathy has been buying our chocolate since she was a young girl", said Ed. "She had used it in a few of her own novelty baking creations and tagged us on social media, which is when we first noticed her. She started helping on the shop floor, but as soon as we let her into the kitchen, her creative flair was evident, and she is now fully committed to her training, mentoring under Sally, and learning quickly. We feel she could be our next master chocolatier!"
White Rabbit Chocolatiers are open as usual on 16 Dyer Lane. The new shop is scheduled to open in June, with work on the cafe commencing soon after, ready for training and taster days and a full opening expected in August.