Our History

Get ready for a sweet experience at Cha Cha Chocolate, The Chocolate Shop in Bundaberg!

Owner Melanice Jacobsen is passionate about all things chocolate, supporting local businesses and creating memorable experiences for chocolate lovers of all ages.

For Melanice, chocolate is more than just an indulgence — it’s a gateway to treasured childhood memories. Her love affair with chocolate began at a young age, working alongside her father, Barry Jacobsen, in the family chocolate factory, creating old-fashioned confectionery.

From the age of 15, Melanice was making fudges, Coconut Ice, brittles, chocolate bars and the family’s 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 treasure the memories made with my sisters amongst the mountains of chocolate and sugar bags.

As we travelled from Bundaberg to Cairns each year for show circuits, setting up pop-up shops in shopping centres along the way, I began to discover my ultimate dream — to one day have my own chocolate shop.

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 of chocolate and a commitment to carrying on my father’s chocolate legacy. Looking back, I feel incredibly grateful for the extraordinary childhood I had, growing up in the magical world of chocolate.”

Fueled by her passion for all things sweet, Melanice took a leap of faith and opened The Chocolate Shop, bringing her lifelong dream to life.

When Cha Cha Chocolate first opened its doors in October 2017, it was intended to be a temporary eight-week pop-up shop for the Christmas season. But within days, Melanice knew she had stumbled upon something truly special. What began as a short-term venture has grown into a much-loved destination, attracting loyal local customers and visitors from across Australia and beyond.

Melanice’s mission is to bring back the old-fashioned favourites that remind us of our childhoods. Imagine sinking your teeth into a Polly Waffle again, enjoying a crumbly slab of Russian Fudge or savouring a generous chunk of gourmet Rocky Road made with fresh, handmade marshmallows and crunchy peanuts. It’s a delicious trip down memory lane, and for many visitors, that feeling begins the moment they step inside the shop on Bundaberg’s main street.

One of Melanice’s greatest joys is seeing the delight on customers’ faces when they visit for the first time. Eyes widen, smiles appear and spirits lift as they discover a world of chocolate treasures and embark on a nostalgic journey through the flavours and memories of years gone by.

And the magic doesn’t stop there! The shop transforms with the seasons, with Easter and Christmas bringing an extra touch of wonder. Months in advance, Melanice carefully plans each seasonal collection, sourcing an enticing range of chocolates from around the world to ensure every visit offers something special.

One of the shop’s highlights is the vintage chocolate cabinet, showcasing a tempting collection of more than 50 varieties of handmade chocolates.

Located at 84 Bourbong Street, in the heart of Bundaberg’s CBD, Cha Cha Chocolate is a feast for the senses. Melanice’s creativity and attention to detail shine through in every corner, making each visit a memorable experience from the moment you walk through the door.

Specialising in handmade fudges, local Bundaberg products, European chocolates, gourmet gift hampers, specialty chocolates, and vegan and dairy-free options, Cha Cha Chocolate has something to delight every kind of chocolate lover.

Cha Cha Chocolate — a chocolate experience built on family traditions.