Little-known chain that's rapidly taking over UK
Topics: UK Food
Ella Scott
Featured Image Credit: Instagram/@littledessertshop
Topics: UK Food
An underrated food chain is currently storming the high street, with the CEO revealing there’s plans in place for 100 stores to be open by the time 2027 swings around.
If you’ve got a raging sweet tooth, or just like to treat yourself now and again, then dessert parlours may be your safe haven.
If you live stateside, then Baskin-Robbins, Bruster’s Ice Cream, or Dairy Queen may be your go to.
Meanwhile UK dwellers have Kaspa’s, Cadwaladers in Wales, and Creams to choose from.
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But there’s another sweet treat establishment that should be on your radar which sells crepes, cookie dough, and so much more.
The business, which celebrated 10 years since its first store opened this year, is known for its ‘Insta-worthy’ delights and operates via a franchise model.
If you like artisanal waffles, cheesecakes, and handmade gelato, then you may want to check out your local Little Dessert Shop.
Priding itself on being independently run and family-owned, the Little Dessert Shop currently has more than 50 locations across the UK, including multiple stores in Greater Manchester, London, and Yorkshire.
Despite real threats to the hospitality industry, the company opened seven brick-and-mortar stores last year, and to add a ton more to their portfolio by the time 2027 rolls in.
Speaking to Metro, co-founder CEO Zaeem Chohan, 37, said that having 100 Little Dessert Shop stores across Britain by 2027 was a ‘very realistic target’.
But even though the business has bold ambitions, Chohan vowed that theyaren’t rushing to meet their goals.
“We want to make sure we’re bringing on the right people for the brand, opening the right locations, and offering that support to the people that do open,” Chohan told the publication.
“So, although we are looking to expand, and will continue to expand, the rate at which we do that isn’t our utmost priority. We want to make sure that it’s right.”
The Little Dessert Shop is described by its co-founder as the ‘only dessert brand in the UK’ to supply all of their own products via a central bakery.
According to Chohan, this allows for the sugar palace to offer products at a lower cost compared to their competitors.
He added that it also gives owners a greater amount of ‘control’ and the ability to jump on trends.
For example, the current menu features a jaw-dropping chocolate cake, inspired by the cake that Matilda character Bruce Bogtrotter eats.
The brand also previously tapped into the Wicked: For Good hype by releasing a green and pink matcha drink.
Chohan said: “We’re constantly looking for new options for our customers, and of course, we take inspiration from social media and look at what our demographics are interacting with.”
When asked what he believed the secret to the Little Dessert Shop’s success was, the spokesperson said: “We just want to make people happy. That’s always been our key.”
If you’re not a drinker or are just after a late-night feast, then you’ll find most shops are open until 11pm.
This is because the Little Dessert Shop wants ‘everyone to have an opportunity to enjoy dessert and enjoy a night out and spend time with their family’.