Leasehold Chocolaterie/Gelato And Coffee Shop - Surrey Town

Business Description

LOCATION
This company occupies a prominent trading position on the High Street of a sought after Surrey town renowned for its strong community and support for independent businesses. The parade is largely made up of long standing independents, with only a handful of national chains; neighbouring traders include a traditional fishmonger, two butchers, a greengrocer and two bakeries, clearly reflecting the area’s affluent, foodie led demographic. The High Street benefits from regular local custom as well as weekend destination trade, being close to a popular National Trust site and a well used cycling route that brings in visitors who stop for refreshments. The shop is also conveniently situated for nearby schools and churches, generating steady daytime and after school trade throughout the year.

BUSINESS
This multi award winning artisan chocolaterie was established in 2012 and moved to its current, more prominent premises in 2017, where it has continued to build an excellent reputation for quality and service. The business offers a wide range of handmade chocolates, brownies, cakes, gelato and speciality hot drinks, all presented with strong branding and a warm, personal touch. Over the years, the business has supplied a number of major London hotel chains (including well known brands such as Hilton, DoubleTree, Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn), delivered to farm shops and delicatessens and developed a strong online customer base, all of which provide clear avenues for renewed focus and expansion. There is significant scope to grow: opportunities include re engaging with hotel and corporate clients, developing wholesale to farm shops and delis, relaunching and scaling the online store, expanding into the wedding and events market, and maximising existing links with delivery platforms (such as evening dessert sales via Deliveroo), as well as exploring new channels like TikTok Shop and other social commerce routes. With the right energy and marketing, the sky is the limit for a new owner wishing to build on a well loved, fully established brand.
Despite the many clear avenues for future growth, the business is already a fully turnkey and profitable operation, ready for a new owner to take over and trade from day one.

TURNOVER
The business takes approximately £90,000 + VAT per annum with an attractive gross profit margin of around 70%. There is considered to be considerable potential to increase turnover through extended opening hours, more proactive marketing (including social media and local collaborations), development of corporate gifting and wholesale, growth of online sales and the introduction of further classes, workshops and event based offerings.

STAFF
Currently operated by the husband and wife vendor. Full training will be provided to ensure a smooth transition, including introductions to key suppliers and previous corporate customers. The current owners are also able to assist in arranging technical training with existing supplier partners where available, offering an excellent platform for a new owner, whether experienced or new to the sector.

HOURS
Closed Monday, 8.00am – 4.00pm Tuesday to Saturday, 9.00am – 3.00pm Sunday
There is clear scope to extend trading hours, particularly later into the afternoon and evening for dessert trade, as well as for special events, workshops, private functions and delivery only trading.

PREMISES
Attractive single fronted premises with awning over, creating strong kerb appeal. Brick forecourt to front with seating for approximately 14 customers in clement weather, with scope to add further seating. Single entrance via vestibule to a welcoming shop area fitted with serve over counter, glass display unit for chocolates, cakes and gelato, EPOS till system, coffee machine, coffee grinders, stainless steel sink, gelato ice cream display freezer and seating for customers inside.
Glass fronted Chocolate Kitchen: fully equipped and visible to customers, enhancing the artisan element of the business, with stainless steel sink, stainless steel worktops, chocolate tempering machine, display fridge, microwave oven, air conditioning unit, together with an extensive range of professional chocolate moulds and associated equipment.
Store Room: racking, shelving, large upright stainless steel freezer and large upright stainless steel fridge.
Gelato Kitchen: stainless steel sink, cupboards, Carpigiani Labo batch freezer, Hiber blast chiller/shock freezer, microwave oven and electric oven. Door to rear yard.
External: side and rear access to bin store area. Separate WC with hand wash basin.
In addition, a self storage unit is included with the business, currently used to store food festival equipment, seasonal decorations and other ancillary items, helping keep the main premises clear and well presented.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The sale includes all current recipes and award credentials, together with social media accounts, branding assets and a substantial, loyal customer base. The current owners are relocating abroad, meaning there is no risk of direct competition from them in the local market, and they are keen to see the business continue to flourish in new hands.

TENURE
Approximately 14 months remaining on the current IRI lease at a rent of £11,500 per annum.

EPC RATING
TBA

BUSINESS RATES
Nil currently payable (we are advised the premises benefit from small business rates relief; interested parties should make their own enquiries with the local authority).

Property Information

Property:

Leasehold

Premises details:

Attractive single fronted premises with awning over, creating strong kerb appeal. Brick forecourt to front with seating for approximately 14 customers in clement weather, with scope to add further seating. Single entrance via vestibule to a welcoming shop area fitted with serve over counter, glass display unit for chocolates, cakes and gelato, EPOS till system, coffee machine, coffee grinders, stainless steel sink, gelato ice cream display freezer and seating for customers inside.<br>Glass fronted Chocolate Kitchen: fully equipped and visible to customers, enhancing the artisan element of the business, with stainless steel sink, stainless steel worktops, chocolate tempering machine, display fridge, microwave oven, air conditioning unit, together with an extensive range of professional chocolate moulds and associated equipment.<br>Store Room: racking, shelving, large upright stainless steel freezer and large upright stainless steel fridge.<br>Gelato Kitchen: stainless steel sink, cupboards, Carpigiani Labo batch freezer, Hiber blast chiller/shock freezer, microwave oven and electric oven. Door to rear yard.<br>External: side and rear access to bin store area. Separate WC with hand wash basin. <br>In addition, a self storage unit is included with the business, currently used to store food festival equipment, seasonal decorations and other ancillary items, helping keep the main premises clear and well presented.<br><br>ADDITIONAL INFORMATION<br>The sale includes all current recipes and award credentials, together with social media accounts, branding assets and a substantial, loyal customer base. The current owners are relocating abroad, meaning there is no risk of direct competition from them in the local market, and they are keen to see the business continue to flourish in new hands.<br>

Business Operation

Trading hours:

Closed Monday, 8.00am – 4.00pm Tuesday to Saturday, 9.00am – 3.00pm Sunday There is clear scope to extend trading hours, particularly later into the afternoon and evening for dessert trade, as well as for special events, workshops, private functions and delivery only trading.

Other Information

Furniture / Fixtures value:

Undisclosed

Inventory / Stock value:

Undisclosed