Barons Quay is adding to it’s food and drink offering with the opening of Culinary Concept in December. The family run business promises to bring its famous doughnuts, some South African style plus a whole lot more to Northwich!
Married couple Rayner (34) and Lynika (32) Müller have worked in the food industry for over 14 years, moving from South Africa to the UK in 2008. When Rayner was made redundant from his Executive Head Chef job in 2018 the ambitious couple decided to set up their own family business and work towards their dream of owning their own restaurant.
Initially they spotted a gap in the market for artisan doughnuts that were already popular in the US and South Africa. They started by selling their beautiful hand-made doughnuts to friends and neighbours in Winnington Village and the word quickly spread!
Demand grew and they were soon doing local deliveries and collections, selling a range of themed doughnuts, letter doughnuts, cake stacks and more recently mega doughnuts.
When lockdown was announced in March 2020, the couple became inundated with orders from people looking for special treats to enjoy at home. They were able to expand the business to include nationwide deliveries and have seen the brand grow exponentially over the last 12 months.
Despite being very busy, the local entrepreneurs have been developing a business plan for their own premises, which they aim to open in Barons Quay by the end of the year.
As well as being Northwich’s first doughnut shop it will combine the best of Britain and South Africa to bring a new eating experience to the town. The store will include a restaurant serving South African inspired dishes, a deli-kitchen, a shebeen (a South African style bar), a bakery, smoothie bar and a small retail area supporting local businesses.
Although they plan to expand their offering, they will continue to sell their famous doughnuts, which have proved so popular in Cheshire and beyond.
Co founder and owner of Culinary Concept Rayner Müller said: “People can expect a warm and welcoming atmosphere when they visit, with a great range of freshly prepared dishes to suit a variety of tastes. We are a family run business for local people and we can’t wait to open our doors soon.”
Co founder and owner of Culinary Concept Lynika Müller added: “Northwich is up and coming, we want to be part of this vibrant scene and make sure that local people don’t have to travel for great food! We are delighted to be coming to Barons Quay, where we will complement the family and entertainment offering at the centre. We have ambitious plans for the future and opening our first store is only the beginning.”
Barons Quay Centre Manager Lina Higuita commented: “Rayner and Lynika have a flair when it comes to making food look and taste amazing and we can’t wait for them to bring their artisan delights to Barons Quay. A South African inspired restaurant, deli and bakery is something completely new for the town and I think people in Northwich will love it.”
Councillor Richard Beacham, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Growth, Economy and Regeneration, said: “It’s been a difficult year for many business owners in Northwich, but it’s good to see them open again, and people back in the town centre. Barons Quay continues to be an attractive location for new businesses and this latest addition is really exciting news.
“Culinary Concept will offer a diverse range of food and leisure experiences to residents and visitors in Northwich and I am looking forward to visiting the new store and trying the South African cuisine.”
Culinary Concept will be situated between Crate Cheshire and Sticky Paws in the Flavour Forest at Barons Quay.
