Chocolatier that went viral during 'Dubai chocolate' craze brings sweet delights to Cork city

Cork coffee shop chain Boxd is to open a new outlet on the city's Washington Street while a Westmeath chocolatier that went viral during the 'Dubai chocolate' craze is also opening in the city.

The Boxd chain, headed by cousins Michael Harding and Aidan Kelly, has secured planning permission to change the use of the vacant ground-floor office at Florence Buildings on the corner of Washington St and Hanover Place into a cafe. 

Planners have approved the change, which includes new windows and signage. The pair also operate the Swoon dessert outlet on Oliver Plunkett Street and a kiosk in Douglas.

The company confirmed the new location will operate as an outlet of Boxd but has yet to confirm an opening date. The new outlet is in addition to its other city Boxd location on the Bandon Road. 

Boxd also operates drive-thrus and walk-up cafes on Ballincollig's Link Road and on the Carrigrohane Straight Road. 

Another drive-thru in Midleton is currently closed due to planning issues. A planning application has been lodged with Cork County Council seeking permission to retain the location.

This week also saw the opening in Cork of chocolatier Sugar Plum Sweetery on the city's Oliver Plunkett Street. The chain already operates in Mullingar and Kildare Village.

Sugar Plum Sweetery became a social media sensation during the country’s Dubai chocolate craze early last year, and has since been much-loved among chocolate lovers. The new Cork store will create 10 new jobs.

Founded by restaurateurs and husband-and-wife team David Quirke and Denise Buckley, Sugar Plum Sweetery was established in 2022 beside their award-winning Mullingar restaurant, Wholesome Kitchen, with a vision of creating a truly magical chocolate experience unlike anything else in Ireland. 

Over the past 12 months, it has experienced more than 900% sales growth and expanded its team to 100 employees

Later this month, East Cork seafood restaurant Salty Dog Ballycotton will open a new establishment on Cork's MacCurtain Street, the first step in a planned nationwide expansion for the brand.

Owners the Flynn Cush Group secured the lease of the building, which previously traded as Tara's Tea Rooms.

The Flynn Cush Group portfolio now also includes award-winning Midleton restaurant Cush, which opened in 2025 on the site of the former Sage restaurant, as well as Ballycotton Sea Adventures which operates sea tours including to the iconic Ballycotton Lighthouse.