A DALE businesswoman has come up with the perfect recipe for success – by opening a dedicated dessert bar to complement her retro-style candy store.
Since opening Babalicious, in Raby Street, Evenwood, two years ago, Barbara Phillips had planned to expand the business and didn’t let a pandemic stand in her way.
The retro sweet shop, which offers a vast range of old-fashioned favourites as well as milkshakes and traditional desserts to takeaway, has proved to be a big hit with customers.
Ms Phillips said: “I panicked like mad at first when lockdown happened. But it turned out okay and I started doing orders.
During pandemic restrictions, Ms Phillips was able to satisfy sweet-toothed customers’ desires by providing a takeaway service offering a range of cheesecakes, waffles and crepes for them to enjoy at home.
And with restrictions lifted, she has continued to enjoy continued support.
She said: “I’ve had lots of people who have been out for a meal at bars coming back here to get their desserts and take them home.
“To think that they walk out of these bars and some really nice restaurants to come back here and get their desserts is really gratifying.”
This week, following months of work, Ms Phillips is officially launching her dedicated dessert bar at the store, where customers will be able to enjoy a range of sweet treats, snacks and drinks in-house.
After securing planning permission for the extension, converting part of the premises into a chic dining area, adjoining the store, the dessert bar was due to be unveiled today (Wednesday, April 6).
Ms Phillips added: “We’re basically doing the range we’ve been selling as takeaways – waffles, crepes, cheesecakes, as well as paninis and drinks – but people will be able to sit in now.
“When I first opened the shop I had all of this in my mind, but I have planned it in stages and I had to see how things went with Covid but I’m delighted so far.”
The dessert bar will be open at Babalicious on Wednesday, April 6, from 11am until 3pm, and again from 4pm until 10pm.
On Thursday to Sunday, the store will be open from 11am until 3pm, opening again from 4pm until 9pm.
For more information call 01388 352976 or visit www. bablicious.co.uk.
