Almost 120 sweet new jobs are on offer as the surf coast’s newest tourist attraction readies for opening.
The Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery in Bellbrae is looking for staff ahead of its 1 September opening.
Owners Leanne and Ian Neeland said they had already been busy recruiting chocolatiers from France and Belgium, planning the thousands of chocolates that will be available from the new venue.
“Having a sweet tooth is not a prerequisite, but makes it more fun!” Ms Neeland said.
She said local builders and landscapers were working hard to have the venue ready, with the new recruits set to start their roles from August.
Staff members were needed to begin production of the Chocolaterie’s 250-strong chocolate ranges, as well as the ice cream, pastries and cakes on offer in the café.
“We have nearly 100 positions to fill in the areas of packing the handcrafted chocolates, customer service in our showroom, front of house in our 300 seat cafe, chefs and kitchen staff and chocolate production team members.
“We also require administration staff and groundskeepers of our newly planted orchard and gardens.”
Ms Neeland said the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery’s stunning 2000sqm showroom, production facility and all day café was set on 15 acres on the Great Ocean Road between Anglesea and Torquay.
She said the facility was expected to become a thriving tourism business for the region.
“We’re really excited to see our new venture come to life, but what we now need is the team of people to join us and share in the delight of bringing great products and a family friendly experience to visitors.”
“It’s estimated the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery will provide a $15 million boost a year to the region’s economy in addition to the construction phase, welcoming over 700,000 visitors in its first year of operation.”