Our History
Get ready for a sweet experience at Cha Cha Chocolate, The Chocolate Shop in Bundaberg! Melanice and Tim are the passionate owners that are dedicated to chocolate lovers and small business.
For Melanice, chocolate is more than just a daily indulgence —it's a gateway to treasured childhood memories. Her love affair with chocolate began at a young age, working in the family chocolate factory with her father Barry Jacobsen creating old fashioned confectionery. Since the age of 15 years old Melanice cooked Fudges, Coconut Ice, Brittles, Chocolate Bars and their famous Rocky Road just to name a few.
"Growing up with a dad who owned a chocolate factory was the coolest thing EVER. My childhood was magical and I remember the memories that were made with my sisters amongst the mountains of chocolate & sugar bags. As we travelled from Bundaberg to Cairns for show circuits each year and set up popup shops in shopping centres, I started to discover my ultimate dream was to have my own chocolate shop one day. Leaving school at 15 to follow in my father's footsteps and learn his trade was the best decision I ever made. Those experiences shaped me, igniting a lifelong love affair with chocolate and the commitment to carry on my father's chocolate legacy. As I reflect on those cherished moments, I can't help but feel grateful for the extraordinary childhood that revolved around the magical world of chocolate."
Fueled by her deep love for all things sweet Melanice took a leap of faith and opened The Chocolate Shop to bring her dream to life.
When Cha Cha Chocolate first opened its doors in October 2017, it was intended to be a temporary "pop-up shop" for eight weeks over Christmas. However, within a matter of days, Melanice knew she had stumbled upon something truly extraordinary. Fast forward six years and the shop is now bustling with daily local support and visitors flocking from all corners of Australia and beyond.
Melanice's mission is to revive the beloved old-fashioned favourites that remind us of our childhoods. Imagine sinking your teeth into a Polly Waffle again, tasting a crumbly slab of Russian Fudge, or enjoying a chunk of Gourmet Rocky Road with fresh handmade marshmallows & crunchy peanuts. It's a delightful journey back in time which many experience stepping into the shop from the Main Street.
What brings the greatest joy to Melanice is witnessing the sheer delight on customers' faces as they step into The Chocolate Shop for the first time. Their eyes widen with surprise, their smiles light up the room, and their spirits are uplifted as they embark on a magical chocolate walk down memory lane.
But the magic doesn't stop there, the shop transforms with the changing seasons, and there's an extra magic in the air during Easter and Christmas. Months in advance, Melanice plans and orders the finest Chocolates from all over the world anticipating their arrival months down the track.
One of the true highlights is the collection of over 50 handmade chocolates showcased in the Vintage Chocolate Cabinet.
You will find us at 84 Bourbong Street, right in the heart of the Bundaberg CBD. Melanice's creative spirit and attention to detail are evident in every corner, ensuring that your visit becomes an experience from the moment you step through the front door.
Specialising in Handmade Fudges, Local Bundaberg Products, European Chocolates, Gourmet Gift Hampers, Specialty Chocolates and Vegan & Dairy-Free options, The Chocolate Shop caters for chocolate enthusiasts of all kinds.
A chocolate experience, built on family traditions. We look forward to seeing you soon 🍫