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Entrepreneurial husband and wife foodies launch new North Tyneside deli

North Tyneside entrepreneurial couple Chris and Katie Stuart have launched their second business venture within a year, after initially taking over the West Monkseaton fish and chip shop, Monk Fisheries.

Backed by a £25,000 investment, the pair have re-launched Deli 13, expanding their North East foodie empire which has seen them invest £100k into operations in the past twelve months.

The re-opening of the deli, located next door to Monk Fisheries, has secured three jobs and more job opportunities are said to be on the way with expansion plans on the cards.

The couple aim to add a larger dine-in area at the deli, creating a hub for the local community, and will launch an outside catering arm and food delivery service.

Chris Stuart, co-owner of Monk Fisheries and Deli 13, said: “Both businesses have a really great reputation with the local community and we want to continue to build on this. Our main values are based heavily on esteemed customer service and attention to detail – something so often sacrificed in a quick-service environment.

“With Monk Fisheries’ success booming, when Deli 13 came up for sale next door we grabbed the chance to purchase it as well. We have a really exciting 12 months ahead of us as we move forward with plans to continue developing our businesses.”

After taking over Monk Fisheries in autumn 2014 for £75,000, Chris and Katie invested a further £6,000 in refurbishing the shop and securing the franchise licence to become the region’s first Stone Willy’s pizzeria.

Chris added: “We are extremely proud to be a family-run business. Katie’s father, Keith has a wealth of 35 years’ business experience which helped massively in the initial start-up phases and our two sons, Cameron and Tom, can often be found working alongside us when they aren’t at university.”