SWEET treats from yesteryear are proving to be a hit in Evenwood following the launch of a new business.
Mother-of-two Babs Phil-lips has not looked back since she welcomed the first customers into her retro-style sweet shop last month.
Babalicious, which opened on Raby Street on October 28, offers a vast range of confectionary including old-fashioned favourites. Homemade hot and cold desserts such as traditional sponge cake and custard, cornflake tart and cheesecakes are available to take away. Milkshakes are also a popular choice on the menu as well as fizzy beverages.
The 46-year-old said: “It has taken six weeks of blood and sweat to renovate the shop but I have not cried any tears yet. My vision was a retro sweet shop and that is what this is.
“Living in Evenwood and growing up here I know how rural it is. There is nothing for the children. I just thought I wanted to put something back into the village instead of it getting the bad name it gets.”
After 15 years working in retail followed by a spell in the civil service working at RAF Leeming, Ms Phillips decided to do what she’d always wanted to do and create her own business.
She said: “I have always wanted to work for myself. I previously had a sandwich shop at St Helen but it wasn’t working. I was going to try to do it all online from my website but then I saw the shop.”
Ms Phillips has been blown away by the response to her new venture.
She said: “People were queuing on the Monday night for me to open. I couldn’t believe it. There have been people queuing out the door. It feels surreal.
“I can’t believe the support I have got. I am loving it. We had to restock only two nights in. I did not expect it to take off as quick.”
Other daily specials include hotdogs, jacket potatoes, paninis and hot beef sandwiches.
Babalicious is open every weekday from 8am to 1pm and 5pm to 10pm. It is also open weekends from noon to 10pm.
Ms Phillips already has plans to grow her business. She is hoping to be able to launch a delivery service in the next couple of weeks. Customers will be able to satisfy their sweet tooth by placing their orders online or by phone and have them delivered to their front door.
Ms Phillips welcomes any suggestions for stock. For more information call 01388 352976 or visit www.babali
cious.co.uk.
