Start Up Loan helps Dough & Desserts launch Stanley restaurant 

Dough & Desserts, a takeaway in Stanley, County Durham, has opened its doors to a welcoming crowd, supported by a five-figure Start Up Loan through the British Business Bank’s programme with support from the Business Enterprise Fund (BEF).

Founder Mohammad Khalaghe began his career in the takeaway sector over 20 years ago, gaining hands-on experience that led to the creation of Crusty’s Pizza in Crawcrook in 2016. After a decade of success, he decided to expand.

Mohammad Khalaghe, founder of Dough & Desserts, said: “I wanted to do something bigger, so I bought an empty building in Stanley, County Durham, that used to be a Barclays Bank. The idea behind Dough & Desserts was to be different from your normal average takeaway. Something people can’t get elsewhere, even in the big city centres.”

Shortly after purchasing the property, extreme weather caused the roof to collapse, a cost Mohammad had not anticipated. To cover repairs and equip his new venture, he secured a Start Up Loan through BEF North East. The funding allowed Dough & Desserts to open on schedule, with over 750 customers visiting the restaurant on opening day, drawn by a special introductory offer.

Mohammad has continued to develop the business with creative marketing, hosting food challenges that transform the restaurant into an event destination and attract influencers and competitive eaters.

Mohammad added: “I can’t fault my investment manager, Shannon Donaghy, for any reason. I’d give her 20 out of 10 for communication. If I got stuck, I’d just say ‘Shannon, I don’t know what to do next,’ and she’d explain everything. One concept after another. Perfect. Fantastic.”

With the brand now trademarked, Mohammad is already planning future growth, including potential franchising opportunities across the North and nationally.

Shannon Donaghy, associate investment manager at BEF North East, said: “Unique venues like Dough & Desserts quickly become much-loved community hubs, so we were very pleased to be able to help Mohammad realise his vision for what an empty property could become. His expertise and knowledge of his industry were clear from the start. This is exactly the kind of venture CDFIs like us are naturally set up to support. By helping create jobs and bringing footfall back to North East high streets, we’re making a huge positive impact.”

Shaun Fooy, senior network manager for the British Business Bank, added: “Behind every small business is the drive to bring something new into the community, which is why it’s vital that entrepreneurs have access to the funding and support that they need. What Mohammad has achieved with Dough & Desserts with finance from the Start Up Loans programme is impressive.”