A Greater Manchester bakery which said it had ‘one last shot’ has issued an update about its future.
Following an appeal to customers last year to help it stay open, the owners of Dottie’s Pantry in Heywood have told their followers on social media that the bakery is now up for sale.
Last January, owners Keeley Simpson and Carly Savery shared an honest post with customers, asking for help amid rising electricity bills and food costs. They said that after a difficult 18 months which had seen the business grapple with the rising costs associated with the cost-of-living crisis they were looking at adapting the business to ensure it could remain open.
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The business was founded in 2015 by Keeley and Carly, who began by selling homemade cakes out of a converted kitchen in Keeley’s basement. Following that, they had stalls at various markets before settling on Manchester Street in Heywood where they offered a range of coffees and cakes alongside breakfast and lunch.
The business was founded in 2015 by Keeley Simpson (L) and Carly Savery (R) -Credit:Dottie’s Pantry (Instagram)
In an update shared this morning on Instagram, the owners wrote: “After 12 amazing years of sharing our love for baking and serving our community, the time has come for us to try something new and we are excited to announce that we are selling Dotties Pantry, our amazing bakery and cafe business.
“It has been a labour of love, and evolved so much over the years! Starting from Kee’s baking basement filled with delicious homemade cakes and decorating classes, onto our super popular vintage tea parties, then our Heywood Market base and even covid didn’t stop us for long, with our doorstop deliveries sweetening your lockdown!
“In the last few years we have loved our Hopwood home with fresh brews, an expanding cafe menu and offering graze tables and outside catering.
“We have made so many amazing memories with all of you and are super grateful to our loyal customers and the best team for your support and friendship.”
Going on to explain the opportunity for prospective buyers, the pair added: “This is a fantastic opportunity & due to the nature of the sale the price reflects it. Please get in touch for more information and share with anyone you think would be interested in owning Dottie’s Pantry.
“The sale includes all assets of the business, including our loyal customer base, social media following, kitchen equipment, and recipes, and continued base in our rented property.”
Keeley and Carly wrapped up their post by thank followers for their ‘support and love over the years’. Adding: “We’re excited for the next chapter and can’t wait to see where this journey leads.”
They’re post was met by a number of comments from followers wishing them luck in the next endeavours. One wrote: “What a fabulous little business, onwards and upwards girls. Excited to see what’s in store for you both.”
Another added: “Awwww sad news…. But I am excited to see your next venture good luck.”
Dottie’s Pantry offers a range of coffees and cakes alongside breakfast and lunch -Credit:Dottie’s (Instagram)
And a third wrote: “Awww ladies this is really sad, but also exciting to see what happens next!!!!”
Last January, the owners told customers that they were looking at changing their opening hours, reducing some of cakes they make and starting up their baking classes again. They also said they were determined to make it work and keep the business going.
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News at the time, co-owner Carly said she was really pleased with the feedback and explained that despite the issues facing businesses like theirs, they were grateful for all the suggestions and support from their customers.