West Didsbury’s Cocoa Cabana are expanding - and they’re offering Kickstarter goodies to do it
She trained at Whitefield’s famous Slattery Patissier & Chocolatiers, so it’s little surprise that Sarah Gallacher scooped a Great Taste Award just a year after opening Cocoa Cabana in 2012.
Such was its popularity, the West Didsbury chocolate boutique moved to bigger premises on Burton Road last year - and is now planning an expansion into Ancoats. How? With a Kickstarter campaign that offers chocolate in return for pledges. Yep, we can see that working…
Due to open next month, the second Cacao Cabana will occupy a 1,586 sq ft space in Saw Mill Court: home to the recently-opened Sugo Pasta Kitchen, Trove bakery and foraged food restaurant Mana. The Hip Hop Chip Shop is also due to open there in November.
Gallacher, who won ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ at the Inspiring Women Awards, said: “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.
“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”.
Of the new space, she continued: “This one will be a little different (to the West Didsbury shop): besides our usual handcrafted bonbons, afternoon teas and chocolate making classes, we will also have space for parties, great tunes and delicious cocktails such as Chocolate Martinis. Manchester Gin is curating our cocktail menu for us, so Mancunians can expect something special.
“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”.
Rewards include seeing your name up in lights forever at the new shop (£10), a chocolate fountain for two (£25), a chocolate making workshop (£39) and a Cocoa Cabana VIP black card (100).
To pledge your support, visit kickstarter.com
