Skipton’s Shakeamania offers sweet success for new owners

Shakeamania is one of Skipton’s most distinctive businesses thanks to its classic American diner-style – complete with jukebox - and delicious range of milkshakes, ice creams and sweet treats.

And with its colourful red and white and pink and lime soft seats, chrome bar stools and chequerboard tiles, you can almost imagine Danny Zuko and the Pink Ladies from Grease strolling in.

Now it’s up for sale, offering the chance for a new owner to get their teeth into a truly tempting business in one of England’s best places to live and work.

Shakeamania, at 5 Central Buildings, Keighley Road, is a local favourite known for its bright retro style that makes dropping by a real trip back to a golden age when milk bars and cafes were all the rage.

As well as attracting local children, students and passers-by heading for the nearby bus station and shops, it’s hugely popular with tourists, who can’t resist stopping off for a coffee, shake or ice cream.

The diner was the brainchild of Nicholas Wild who hit on the idea of a theme-style milk bar reflecting the rock ‘n’ roll era and packed with character.

Now, however, after ten years at the helm, he’s decided it’s time to hand over the reins to a new owner.

As well as offering over 180 milkshake flavours – that can be mixed to make thousands of combinations – Shakeamania serves up quality coffees, ice creams, shaved ice and smoothies along with a menu of café-style snacks.

It’s deceptively spacious, with the tables downstairs complemented by 25 cover café area with bench seating and jukebox upstairs.

Shakeamania is hugely popular with locals, while its location – between the bus station and the thriving High Street, means it’s perfectly placed to capture lots of passing trade.

Skipton has a booming tourist trade and thanks to its transport links, historic roots, independent shops and the low crime rate are consistently voted the nicest place in England to live.

Not surprisingly, many new residential estates are being built in the surrounding areas helping to boost business for local traders.

Even better for whoever takes over Shakeamania, it’s a highly profitable business, with a secure lease, sensible rent and low town centre overheads.

Nicholas said: “The High Street is thriving unlike many at the moment, with lots of independent shops. There is a lot of new building going on and the town is attracting lots of visitors.

“I took this on with no experience and it’s been great – so you don’t need training or to be a chef to run it.

“I’m not one for Facebook or Instagram, but if someone who takes over works at the social media side they could really see business shoot up.”

The business is being sold through Ernest Wilson, the leading agent for businesses for sale within the UK.

An Ernest Wilson spokesperson, Stuart Moorhouse, said: “This is a super opportunity to acquire this very well-established business.

“The business operates easy hours and enjoys a fabulous reputation.

“Viewing is highly recommended.”

Based in Leeds, Ernest Wilson was established in 1956 and has successfully concluded the sales of many thousands of businesses throughout the United Kingdom.

As well as buying and selling businesses on behalf of clients, Ernest Wilson can also offer finance options and a wide range of support to help people achieve their business dreams.

To find out more, visit www.ernest-wilson.co.uk