Focus on .... food
South Tyneside has an excellent range of businesses in the food sector, many of whom have been awarded for their expertise and skill. We take a look at just some of these businesses in our 'Focus on...'
MI Dickson Ltd - Family owned business, MI Dickson has been producing fresh meat and bakery products since the early 1950s, when it began as a standalone pork butchers shop. The company now has a growing chain of 21 shops plus HOT Stop, a mobile food van located outside their factory, with its range widely available in Tesco, Sainsbury and ASDA stores across the North East. Last year, the company completed a £1 million extension to its factory in South Shields, and was voted the Best UK Family Business. In 2011 the company were listed by the Telegraph as one of Britain's 1,000 Brightest Businesses. 
Colman's - Legendary fish and chip restaurant, Colman's have been serving their famous fish and chips and seafoods for over four generations. The restaurant and takeaway on Ocean Road in South Shields, has won many national and regional awards including the UK's Number 1 Fish and Chip Restaurant. Their menu has been sampled by a host of celebrity customers and the Colman's team have been judged and praised by some of the countries leading chefs, which has led to inclusions in both national and regional food guides.
- Minchella & Co - Minchella's Ice Cream Parlour opened on Ocean Road in 1943 and has since built up a reputation for the outstanding quality of their delicious ice cream. Minchella & Co now operate from two ice cream parlours, one in Ocean Road in the town centre, and one in the elevated walkway on the sea front. They also operate two kiosks at Marsden, one at the Velvet Beds and one at Marsden Grotto.
- Toney Minchella - has been manufacturing ice cream products for over 70 years operating from their factory premises in Maxwell Street, South Shields. The company have a number of kiosks at South Shields and Whitburn, and have recently opened a £200,000 cafe in Marine Park, South Shields.
- Punjab Kitchen - The Punjab Kitchen provides the finest quality frozen food solutions and is one of the number one suppliers of Halal and ethnic food to the public sector in the UK. The family run business provides a range of ready made and special dietary meals, including the Simply Puree brand from its base in South Shields.
- Ocean Road - Ocean Road in South Shields is renowned for its amazing selection of Indian restaurants. The bustling street is popular with tourists and locals and provides a direct link between the seafront and South Shields town centre.
