A sweet start for Busselton's newest choc shop

Busselton’s newest sweet spot, Little Otto’s Big Choc Shop, is set to open for Easter 2025, with construction underway on the Busselton Foreshore.

Spearheaded by Shelter Brewing Co’s parent company, Left Coast Leisure Group Pty Ltd (LCLG), the shop will be located in the old Tennis Club building.

LCLG’s six directors hail from two fourth-generation Busselton families: brothers Matt, Jason, Mike and Chris Credaro and brothers Zeb and Asher Packard-Hair.

“We’re local ourselves with young families and we’re fiercely proud of Busselton – we are invested in, and committed to, making it a great place to live and to visit, for all the family,” Asher Packard-Hair said.

“It’s all about fun and excitement because chocolate creates happiness, and so does ice cream,” Packard-Hair said.

“We are developing various fun activations that will encourage interaction between adults and kids – watch this space!”

Little Otto’s is named after a blue whale found beached near the mouth of the Vasse River by a young girl named Daisy in August 1897.

These days, Otto’s 24-metre skeleton hangs in Boola Bardip, the WA Museum.

The 500sqm foreshore store will create chocolates and sweet treats, and sell ‘Daisy’s Gelato’, a new sub-brand making fresh gelato with local ingredients.

“We’ve just bought a local gelateria that we’re using for off-site for research and development for Daisy’s Gelato ahead of Little Otto’s opening,” Packard-Hair said.

“The design of Little Otto’s includes a gelato window so people can enjoy a stroll along the beautiful Busselton Foreshore, or play in the epic Pirate Ship playground just opposite.

“Little Otto’s and Daisy’s will be designed for locals, for families, created for fun times and for putting smiles on dials,” he said.

The owners said Little Otto’s would be fitted with state-of-the-art chocolate manufacturing equipment imported from Italy.

Designed by reputed and award-winning WA architect Paul Burnham, the construction is expected to employ upwards of 50 local builders, consultants and trades across the project.