Newcastle "household name" whips up interest in sale of Mark Toney ice cream stores

A family ice cream shop that has traded in Newcastle for more than a hundred years is being sold in a deal predicted to total £425k.

Mark Toney & Co, which has two ice cream parlours in Newcastle city centre, is being sold as the owner retires.

The company was launched in 1892, and its Grainger Street outlet is the oldest coffee shop in the city.

It has been brought to market by specialist business property advisor Christie & Co with a guide price of £425k.

The company is looking to sell to a new owner that will continue its business ethos, and says that it will be “business as usual” during the transition.

Antony Marcantonio, great grandson of founder Giovanni, commented: “I have thoroughly enjoyed the full lifetime I have spent in this rewarding and challenging business but am now looking forward to a happy retirement spent with my grandchildren and pursuing my various hobbies.

“With the great products, goodwill and history this business has, I truly feel that I am leaving it ideally placed to prosper and expand in the years ahead.

“I am looking for a new owner who will continue the business ethos that has made us a North East household name for nearly 130 years, and who will continue to look after the many long-serving and loyal staff who have been instrumental in our success.

“Our many loyal customers in the North East should be reassured that it will continue to be business as usual during the transition to new ownership.”

David Cash, associate director in Christie & Co’s hospitality team, added: “Mark Toney truly is a household name in Newcastle and across the wider north east region.

“I am delighted to have been entrusted to handle the sale on behalf of the family and feel as though it presents an incredible opportunity for somebody.

“I expect interest to come mainly from existing hospitality industry professionals, but equally I would not be surprised to hear from those perhaps looking for a career/lifestyle change.”

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