Fri, 08 Aug 2025

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 Chocolatiers 'tried everything' to keep cafe open

Chocolate prices have risen by 17.7% in the year to May – adding to the troubles faced by the cafe.
The owners of Hollychocs, an award-winning artisan chocolate business, have announced that they will be closing their cafe in Devizes, Wiltshire due to rising costs and staffing expenses. The Beanery Cafe has been in operation for two years but has become unsustainable for the owners, Holly and Sam Garner, who attribute the issue to increasing ingredient, packaging, and staffing costs. The recent hike in National Insurance contributions is also cited as a contributing factor. Government officials have expressed disappointment at the closure and claim that they are taking steps to support small businesses through initiatives such as tailored support, access to finance, and measures to reduce late payments. Despite this, Holly Garner remains uncertain whether these efforts would have made a difference for her business. She notes that consumer behavior has changed, with people opting for shared treats over individual purchases, making it harder for the cafe to remain profitable. In an effort to revamp their business model, the Garners plan to focus on click-and-collect services and host chocolate-making masterclasses. They are optimistic about this new approach but acknowledge that the decision to close the cafe was not taken lightly, particularly as they will no longer be able to provide special treats for customers. Chocolate prices have risen by 17.7% in the past year, significantly higher than overall food inflation rates, which adds to the challenge faced by small businesses in the sector.
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