First chrome, now creme.
Crème de la Cocoa, the celebrated confectionery owned by Food Network regular Nils Rowland and his wife, Bailey, plans to relocate to the former Hollingsworth Harley-Davidson dealership at 3956 N. Ponce de Leon Blvd, The Citizen has learned.
The couple outlined their plans before the city’s Planning and Zoning Board, winning unanimous approval for parking variances and exceptions needed to give the old hog haven a delectable second act.
For the Rowlands, the search for more space came with a non-negotiable requirement: staying in the city they call home.
“We really wanted to stay in the city limits, since this is where we’ve been and are raising our families,” Nils told the board. “We started Crème de la Cocoa about 11 years ago when the city started to grow as well, and we’ve been fortunate enough to grow with the city.”
The property offered an opportunity to expand the burgeoning business and create more opportunities for employees while reviving a venerable but vacant building near the city’s northern end.
“We really like the chance to improve an older building and bring it back to glory,” he said.
Nils Rowland speaking before the PZB this month.
The move would mark another milestone for a beloved San Marco Ave. business with a national following. No timetable was given for the project and the current location remains fully operational.
Rowland’s Food Network appearances include Cake Wars Xmas, Halloween Wars, Holiday Wars, Big Time Bake and Sweet Empire: Winter Wars.
He returned to Halloween Wars this fall as a member of Team Boo Crew for its all-star season.
“I represent my family and the area and everybody here,” Rowland previously told The Citizen. “I take that seriously—I want to make everybody proud.”
Its next home dates to 1955, according to the project’s design team.
Creme de la Cocoa’s current home on San Marco Avenue. (Google Maps)
Plans call for retaining elements of the dealership’s character while adding landscaping and stormwater improvements.
Some motorcycles were still inside when landscape architect Jeremy Marquis first visited with the owners, he told the board. The Rowlands bought the property and an adjacent lot from the Hollingsworth family in July.
The approved parking plan provides 21 spaces, using land beside the building and across the alley at 8 Hybiscus Ave.
Dining and Cooking