Confectionery experience in the Balmora Factory in Szombathely

The name Balmora now covers two establishments in Szombathely: the cosy Warming Hut café on Fő tér and the recently opened Balmora Factory confectionery at 11 Huszár út. The second unit opened later than originally planned, but with a thoroughly refined concept and professional kitchen technology by Coninvest experts.

“The launch of the Balmora units was supposed to start with the Balmora Factory, but the opening of the Factory was delayed. In the meantime, a retail space became available on Fő tér, which we thought would be perfect for the café, so it ended up opening earlier, in 2019,” recalls owner Kornél Hernáth. ‘By this time, the necessary permits for building the Factory had also arrived, but unfortunately Covid came along, so it was delayed for the next 4-5 years.”

Clean style, diverse offers

The concept of the confectionery is inspired by Scandinavian gastronomy, which is reflected not only in the interior, but also in the selection of cakes and pastries. “The main thing for me was always to make the atmosphere of the place and the offerings blend together,” says Kornél.

The desserts on the counter follow the sophisticated theme, but the range is dynamic: shaped by trends as well as by the needs and feedback of the guests. “We have what can be called traditional Hungarian cakes and we also have desserts that follow completely new trends. The raspberry-pistachio pie is currently the favourite of our guests, it’s a very popular choice.”

A technological background that supports quality

One of the special features of the confectionery is the spectacular and functional counter design, which Kornél had decided on years ago. “I definitely wanted a display case, like the ones that have been used in France for a long time, which is not separate but integrated with the counter. I saw on the internet that Coninvest sold such display cases, and that’s how we got in touch with them.”

“Our experience of working together was completely positive. As the café on Fő tér was built with a different concept, I had a basis for comparison. There, we ordered the equipment from different webshops and different companies, while the kitchen technology in the pastry shop was entirely done by Coninvest. It was very nice that they plan for the long term and if we needed something or had a problem, I had someone to turn to. At the café they usually just sold us the equipment and then didn’t really deal with us afterwards.”

According to Kornél, the tools and equipment offered by Coninvest not only fit the concept of the confectionery aesthetically and ergonomically, but also proved to be a profitable choice from a business point of view.

“I think that the products at Coninvest are in a higher category, they sell premium products, so of course there is a difference in price, but also in quality. The investment cost was higher, but in the long run it pays off for us that there is no problem. We are absolutely satisfied with the machines.”