Hotel Chocolat is set to open its first bakery and hot food offering, as part of the expansion of its Velvetiser Café format.
The concessions are due to arrive in August at four of the retailer’s Yorkshire sites, as its new owner Mars begins its store investment plans, The Grocer reports.
Bakery concessions will be added to the business’s Harrogate, Leeds Springs and Leeds Trinity cafes, with a fourth due to arrive at its Ilkley site in September.
The sweet and savoury goods on offer have been developed in-house and are based on dishes from the Hotel Chocolat restaurant, with products ranging from a Chocolatier’s Carrot Cake to a Caribbean Chicken Curry.
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Under the move, the company has converted the upper floors of its Leeds Trinity shop into a bakery to produce products for the new sites.
Head of Velvetiser Café Ian Mackie said: “This launch represents a significant milestone for the Velvetiser Café, as we expand our offerings to include a diverse and delectable menu inspired by our commitment to quality and innovation.
“Each item is crafted with care and precision, using the finest ingredients, sourced responsibly, reflecting our dedication to ethical and sustainable practices.”
He added: “We cannot wait for our customers to experience the unique flavours and the exceptional quality that define Hotel Chocolat.”
Mars has highlighted its commitment to increasing Hotel Chocolat’s UK store estate since snapping up the business for £534m in November.
In May, the brand unviled plans to open 20 stores over the next 18 months, as it continued to invest in bricks and mortar.
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