News

Marshmallow fast casual concept opening in Chicago

May 9, 2017

Chicago is about to get fluffier thanks to a fast casual brand called XO Marshmallow surpassing its $6,500 Kickstarter goal. It will officially open in July in Roger's Park, according to a company press release

XO Marshmallow was founded just over a year ago by lifestyle bloggers Lindzi Shanks and Kathryn Connor, who turned their love of making s'mores into a business. Operating out of a commercial kitchen in Evanston, the friends sold marshmallows via a website, as well as various pop-up shops and select retail stores.

After multiple requests for a standalone marshmallow store, Shanks and Connor began planning the XO Marshmallow Cafe and launched a Kickstarter to assist with the research and development.

"XO Marshmallow will be Chicago’s first and only marshmallow cafe, and we are proud to announce we reached our crowdfunding goal and will be delivering on our promises. Our goal is to build a community that feels like a home away from home,” Connor said in the release. “Our offerings will be expanding from just marshmallows and mars’halos to s'mores, crispy treats, Whoopie pies and toasted marshmallow lattes, to name a few. There will also be retail boxes available for purchase."

Nutella marshmallows will join XO's current flavor roster, which includes green tea, lavender honey, raspberry, vanilla, salted caramel, bourbon, champagne and Kahlua.

XO Marshmallow has been fully backed on Kickstarter twice in the past six months.