OB Resident in Focus: Reuben McFeeters
Name and Role
Reuben McFeeters - ‘The Hot Chocolate Guy’ Hotties Chocolate
Company elevator pitch
Hotties Chocolate is a pink, small-batch hot chocolate company focused on doing one thing well… making really tasty hot chocolate!
With the rise in 3rd wave coffee, hot chocolate has been left behind. We are here to fix that. We make delicious, high quality hot chocolate in a wide range unique flavours & varieties including a new vegan range!
We supply the best coffee shops, restaurants and hotels across the UK & Ireland with the incredibly delicious hot chocolate. We also sell in stores and online via our website hottieschocolate.com.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in 2023 so far?
Surround yourself with great people. Any major event that has happened in my life has been mostly remember by the people I was surrounded by. This year has also taught me that I’m only in control of my own effort and attitude. Everything else seems variable. Things are looking very different this year than I had ‘planned’.
Do you have any hobbies or interests?
I love a good run to clear the head after work. I play five-a-side on Wednesday with my buddies which is good fun. Apart from exercise - I love going out for food!
What advice would you give to entrepreneurs/companies right now?
Be consistent and have a determination to last. If you do something for long enough you won’t fail. The business might but you won’t. Especially today, trust and momentum are built if you can keep showing up for your customers.
Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you?
I played Ultimate Frisbee for Ireland and I was an actors stand in working on the likes of Game Of Thrones or more recently on the new Dungeons and Dragons movie.
Surround yourself with great people. Any major event that has happened in my life has been mostly remember by the people I was surrounded by.
If you could pick up a new skill in an instant what would it be?
Maybe a language. Either Mandarin or Python lol
What do you enjoy most about Ormeau Baths?
Apart from the people who are 10/10, the general flow of the place. There is interesting conversation in every corner.
Who is your dream business mentor?
I’m a big fan of David Hieatt. Seems like a wise dude. Also Jack Butcher has unlocked something recently and everything he touches turns to gold so I think he would be good chat.
If you could win a lifetime supply of any one thing, what would you choose?
New balance socks. Black and white. But the thick ones not the thin ones.
Where can people find out more about you and your business?
They can pick up a bag of choccy at Indie Fude or a cup served at multiple coffee shops across NI. You can also find out more at hottieschocolate.com