The current economic climate has take its toll on another of Nottinghamshire's small businesses. Big Mike's Artisan Cheesecake Shop in Carlton will be closing for good on Christmas Eve.
The shop opened on Carlton Hill in November 2020. It was an instant hit, selling out of the mouth-watering goodies every day during the first week. Mike Jones and his partner Jess Graham went on to open a second shop in Beeston in November 2021 but that closed in June this year.
He began making the decadent cheesecakes during lockdown, while furloughed from his job at an Audi garage during the pandemic. Selling them online, he shifted more than 500 within three months, prompting him to quit his job to make cheesecakes his full-time livelihood.
Read more: Heartbroken chippy owner's message as eatery to be demolished
The shop sold cheesecakes by the slice or whole in flavours such as Ferrero Rocher, Terry's Chocolate Orange, strawberry and lemon, as well as specials for occasions such as a gin and tonic flavoured one for Mother's Day. Even though the shop is closing, he will continue to sell to sell online and at events as well as supplying other businesses.
Announcing the decision to close the shop on social media the couple said: "We have had so much fun on Carlton Hill over the last two years, but I am sorry to say we have taken the decision to close our little shop for good on Christmas Eve.
"I am afraid that the financial situation of the country over the last year has put so much pressure on our business that we have taken the decision to change the way we operate. It is no longer financially viable to operate out of a shop, unfortunately with the cost of literally everything going through the roof it is not something we can carry on absorbing.
"When we started the business two-and-a-half-years ago, we couldn’t believe the support we received from all of you! We quickly expanded to keep up with demand; moving into a larger kitchen, opening a second shop, taking on more staff and buying new equipment. Over the last six months we have had to make changes and cut backs to cope with costs rising."
"In the new year we will be back with a new offering, getting out to events and supplying stockists. We have now sold out for Christmas Eve and have limited availability for the 23rd so don’t miss out.
"Hopefully we will see all of our regulars on the run up to Christmas. Once again I would like to thank all of our customers, any staff that does and has worked with us over the last couple of years."
READ NEXT:
Foot-long battered pigs in blankets return to Nottinghamshire chippies
Asian supermarket Oriental Mart set to open in Beeston's former Iceland
Sneak peak inside Nottingham's Magic Grotto after we find the secret location
Nottingham Indian restaurant named best in the East Midlands
Spectacular festive lights turn Nottingham area into 'Christmas street'
