XO Marshmallow, the one-of-a-kind handcrafted, gourmet marshmallow dessert shop, is relocating to Lincoln Park, located at 2730 N Clark St.
The new 1,780 square-foot cafe space, expected to open in early June, will be nearly double the size of the original 700 square-foot location at 6977 N Sheridan Road, which closed down on March 30. Co-owners Lindzi Shanks and Kat Connor will use the space to offer more seating, host private events, and bring in additional equipment for new menu offerings. In addition to the cafe, the company is moving its production facility from 1,500 square feet in Rogers Park to 8,700 square feet in Skokie.
This is a significant accomplishment for the company, which launched in early 2016. The expansion proves the company is experiencing exponential growth. In 2020 alone, wholesale sales rose 114% (2020-2021), and online sales increased 40% during the same time frame, while the company also saw profitability. Additional hires were also made, including a corporate gifting specialist. The company will use the new production facility to include multiple personal offices, shipping stations, a photo studio & test kitchen, a conference room, and a much larger production space for increased output.
“We’re so proud of the XO Marshmallow community we’ve built and the consumer loyalty to the brand. Our customers are the reason we can move forward with this dual expansion,” Shanks and Connor said in a press release. “Both new spaces will allow us to continue to innovate in the niche marshmallow space while expanding on new initiatives. This initial expansion will open doors for future growth. XO Marshmallow has become a Chicago staple, bringing locals and tourists together for an uplifting, sweet experience, and we look forward to exceeding expectations with the production space and café.”
