How Personal Loss was the Instigator for a Life-Saving Coffee Shop
About Chocolate & Co
Chocolate & Co is an award-winning café in Lowther Street in The Groves area of York which gives employment to those struggling to find work because of addictions or criminal convictions. Born out of personal heartbreak and the belief that no one should be left behind, this social enterprise is literally saving lives. We spoke to Mariah Barrie who co-founded Chocolate & Co with her mother Linda.
Where it all began
When Mariah and her mum lost two close friends to addiction during lockdown, the idea for Chocolate & Co began to take shape.
“We saw first-hand how incredibly difficult it was for them to stay well without stability, structure or a sense of belonging. Yet we also noticed that when they had employment, routine and a supportive community around them, they coped much better. When the pandemic hit, the isolation became too much. The loss of community and support proved devastating. Damien passed away in February 2020 and Claire the following year in March 2021.
“We wanted to create a space that offered structure, purpose and connection to others who were walking a similar path. Lots of support existed for people in crisis, but there were very few opportunities that offered real work experience and a chance to move forward once the initial crisis had passed. We wanted to bridge that gap.
“Simply put, if we could help just one person, it would be worth it. Since then, that one person has become many - each with their own story of resilience and each reminding us why this work matters.”
Building a Model Around People
Chocolate & Co’s business model is built around delivering high social impact while working toward financial sustainability. Centred around a community café, income from food and drink sales helps fund the broader mission. Customers get a warm welcome and quality produce, while behind the counter, lives are being changed. Trading income currently covers about half the enterprise’s costs. The rest comes from grant funding and generous supporters who believe in their mission.
“It’s a blended approach,” Mariah explains. “It allows us to offer wraparound support like coaching, help with ID and travel, as well as essential training.”
From shadowing roles to leading front of house, the café is a vehicle for real transformation, helping people move from survival to stability.
Getting Started Wasn’t Easy
“One of the biggest challenges was balancing our ambition to help people with the practicalities of running a business. We had a clear vision but turning that into a functioning café with structured training, the right support systems and a sustainable model took time, learning and resilience.”
They also faced challenges in securing initial funding, especially as a new organisation without a track record.
“Another major challenge was building a team and culture that could manage both the day-to-day demands of hospitality and the complex support needs of the people we are helping. We had to develop the right support networks and partnerships right from the start.”
Measuring What Matters
Impact is measured in both hard data and personal growth. In 2024/5, they have
- Supported 6 people into further sustainable employment
- Provided 6 paid roles to beneficiaries currently working with them
- Run volunteer placements for 2 individuals gaining hands-on experience
- Supported 7 flat moves, helping turn temporary accommodation into homes
- Provided 50–55 free meals weekly through their Pay It Forward scheme.
“Beyond numbers,” says Mariah, “we listen to stories of change, improvements in confidence, mental health, stability and personal growth. These human outcomes are often the clearest markers of our impact.”
Business-wise, the café tracks customer numbers, feedback and repeat visits.
Choosing Purpose Over Profit
There have been difficult trade-offs along the way.
“When we started, we thought we’d be self-sustaining in three years. But in the past year, we’ve realised that was unrealistic - not because we’re doing anything wrong, simply because of the nature of the work we do
“The people we support often need intensive, wraparound care that goes far beyond job training. We’re also there when someone gets a flat, helping to make four walls a home. We’ve been decorators, removals, a hug when they need it, an advocate when things get hard, a late-night phone call when someone is anxious. Whether it’s sourcing furniture, fixing a bike or helping with paperwork, this human side is at the very core of what we do.”
And while such level of care takes time, energy and resources, it takes precedence over commercial efficiency.
“Trading income from the café currently covers around 50% of our outgoing costs - and while we continue to explore ways to grow that, we now accept that we may always need to seek funding to make this work sustainable.
“Ultimately, we’ve chosen to prioritise people over profit. We’re building not just a café, but a place where people can belong and rebuild.”
The Power of Collaboration
“Collaboration is absolutely at the heart of what we do. The challenges faced by our beneficiaries - addiction, homelessness, criminal justice involvement - are complex and multifaceted and no single organisation can address them alone.”
They partner with local charities, employment agencies and counselling services to offer effective wraparound support that truly meets people’s needs. However, collaboration isn’t always easy.
“We have faced significant challenges in working with some statutory services. We’ve found working with them more difficult than anticipated. However, we remain committed to building bridges where possible. A collaborative approach is essential for the best outcomes for the people we support.”
Growth That Stays Grounded
After two years of rapid growth, including becoming an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation, the focus now is on consolidating.
“We want to grow with intention. It’s easy to lose sight of things when growth happens too fast. For us, it’s about long-term change, not short-term expansion - and we’re committed to holding onto the values that make Chocolate & Co what it is.”
Advice for Aspiring Social Entrepreneurs
“Start with your why. Make sure your mission is clear and something you care deeply about. Balance heart with head. Have a plan but be flexible when life gets messy - because it will.
“Don’t be afraid to start small. Sometimes changing one life well is the most powerful thing you can do.
And ask for help. Grants, local networks and support programmes exist. Use them. No one builds a social enterprise alone.”
So how can local businesses and policymakers better support social enterprises?
“By offering mentorship, pro bono services or simply choosing to buy from and collaborate with us. We want policymakers to recognise the value social enterprises bring and reflect that in funding and procurement policies. We’d also love to see more joined-up working across services, especially around mental health, housing and employment.
“Meanwhile, the wider community can make a huge difference just by showing up - buying a coffee, sharing a social post or supporting initiatives like our Pay It Forward board. Awareness and compassion go a long way.”