Noosa Chocolate Factory opens in Brisbane Arcade for chocolate connoisseurs

A renowned Noosa boutique confectionary business has opened its third Brisbane CBD store. WHAT TO EXPECT

After finding success with their two existing Brisbane CBD stores, Noosa Chocolate Factory has shrugged off tough retail times and opened a third outlet in the city.

General Manager Nick Southon said when prime position in the prestigious Brisbane Arcade became available they pounced on the chance.

“Deciding to have our three stores close by, and the newest at the front of the Queen Street Mall, was a no brainer,” Southon said.

“Our Brisbane Café (on Adelaide Street) is bursting at the seams. Customers are having to wait for their coffee on the street because it is so popular.

The family-owned business, co-founded by Pam and Gordon Thomson, said tapping into the Brisbane tourist market through the Queen St Mall was the next step.

“The customer’s we see at our Adelaide St stores are creatures of habit, while customers on the mall are different again” Mr Southon said.

“Mall customers are more adventurous and curious… they’re wandering and spending more time in store.’’

While Noosa Chocolate Factory’s signature product was their rocky road, they have become well known for their mango chocolate.

“Our freeze-dried whole strawberries are becoming quite popular and we also do a white chocolate with a strawberry powder dusting,” Mr Southon said.

Noosa Chocolate Factory's famous Noosa Crunch. Picture: Peter Wallis/Wallis Media

“We struggle to keep the Noosa crunch, a caramelised brittle and popcorn confectionary, on their shelves”.

Mr Southon said the owners wanted to stay really close to their roots and be hands-on with the fit-out.

“We did it all ourselves. We had an architect to help with the design, but we fitted it out ourselves,” he said.

“Our store manager Liv Giaroli, Andrew Thomson (son of founder Pam Thomson) and I were the ones fitting it out.

“We had people knocking on the doors everyday asking when we were opening. The response has been great”.