A DARLINGTON businesswoman is preparing to launch her business after gaining approval at a Darlington Borough Council planning meeting back in October 2021.
Shalona Beaumont will be opening MJ’s Cake Cafe at 15 Station Terrace in Middleton St George on Saturday, May 28.
The shop and cafe will open from 8am and Shalona is planning to stay open until around 6pm, or until she sells out.
There will be plenty of children’s activities to keep little ones entertained as well, including face painting and balloon modelling.
15 Station Terrace was a dilapidated building until Shalona decided it would make the perfect place for her business.
Read more: Why this Darlington woman 'burst into tears' after planning application was approved
The sweet treat extraordinaire is naming the shop MJ’s Cake Cafe after her daughter, Millie June.
From early June, Shalona will also have a chef starting, meaning there will be more than cake and scones on the menu, there will soon be brunch options available.
Shalona is also offering afternoon teas and is excited to bring some life back to the building that has stood empty for years.
Shalona said: “To be honest I can't believe it's finally happeneing. The last few months have been difficult organising everything but we’ve just got one final push now and I’m looking forward to finally opening.
“The building has taken so much work, it really was a mess at first but it’s looking pretty good now. It just needs a few final touches.
“It's been me, myself and I doing all the baking but I’ve also got some baristas now so it won’t just be me, and a chef starting soon.
“We’re opening on that Saturday because the kids break up on the Friday before so I thought the parents could do with something to keep the kids entertained.”
Read more: How dilapidated shop near Darlington will be transformed as planning application approved
The shop will be open Monday-Saturdays from 8am to 6pm and Sundays and Bank Holidays will be 10am to 4pm.
At the planning meeting in October, Shalona won over every councillor as it was unanimously decided that Shalona’s idea should become a reality.
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