Cocoa Amore shuts shop at Belvoir Castle’s Engine Yard, but Grantham store to remain open

A popular chocolate shop has closed due to a combination of factors, including the sudden passing of a store manager, a fire at its production facility and the pandemic.

Cocoa Amore has closed its store today (Friday) at Belvoir Castle’s Engine Yard after five years.

Peter Gardner, who founded the company in 2013, confirmed the “difficult decision”, which was made due to a combination of factors.

This included a fire at the Cocoa Amore production facility in the basement of its store in Leicester, the economical impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and a drop in footfall of between 60 and 70 per cent.

Cocoa Amore also lost its inaurual manager, Hannah Bristow, when she suddenly passed away almost two years ago.

The store took the oppurtunity to pay tribute to Hannah, describing her as “the heart and soul of their Vale of Belvoir operations”, adding that the business is “committed to making her dream of opening a store in Grantham a success”.

Peter explained that Cocoa Amore had a successful start at the Engine Yard, generating a “modest profit” during its first two years of trading.

However, in the last three years, the business has struggled to break even.

Peter said: “Despite the warm welcome from the people of the Vale of Belvoir, recent difficulties have made it hard to sustain the business in its current location.

“The company will continue to operate its famous workshops in Grantham from May and will serve the people of Grantham for as long as it remains viable.

“Cocoa Amore invites everyone to visit their new location at 1 Kings Walk and share the joy of chocolate.

“We are saddened to be leaving the Engine Yard, but we are excited about this new chapter for our business.

“We are grateful for the support we have received over the years and are committed to continuing to provide high-quality chocolates and workshops to the people of Grantham.”

The owner of Jorge Artisan Foods was recently locked out of his store at the Engine Yard. He said he had been treated "appallingly".

However, the Engine Yard said the decision was due to "significant rent arrears".

Peter added that Cocoa Amore wishes all of the remaining businesses there a successful future.

For further information, contact Cocoa Amore at info@cocoa-amore.co.uk or visit cocoa-amore.co.uk