Cakes, Bakes & Shakes officially opened its doors for the first time on Monday, with a special guest.
Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston called in at the Trimdon Avenue shops premises to give his blessing to the taste bud-tantalising enterprise.
It's the brainchild of Azeem Sarwar who spotted the potential of the former Trimdon Bakery and jumped at the opportunity to bring his vision to life.
The 41-year-old - ably supported by wife Nadia and children Amelia, 11, and 10-year-old Aydin - had previously run a pizza shop and a convenience store in Thornaby, but had his heart set on something completely different
Azeem said: "We're hoping to build up a chain of these in parades around the area, and maybe even shopping centres.
"All our cakes and other products are handmade - we use local farm-made ice cream, artisan ingredients and try to use local suppliers wherever possible.
"It's a challenge with everything that's been going on in our lives over the last 18 months, but it's all about giving our children the best possible start in life, and standing them in good stead for the future."
In addition to sweet treats, Cakes, Bakes & Shakes - open 8am to 9pm daily and already looking to take on new staff - will be serving up sandwiches, pasties, pies and samosas, and from next week hot sandwiches and Asian-style wraps
Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston dropped by on Monday morning (August 16) to help Azeem and his family officially open Cakes, Bakes & Shakes.
After cutting a ceremonial cake, he cut a ribbon to declare the venture officially open, as the first customers began to pour into the shop
Andy said: "Great businesses like this, bursting with local knowledge and skills, are part of Middlesbrough's lifeblood.
"They breathe life and energy into local communities and create prosperity and jobs which are the key to the town's future.
"Congratulations to Azeem, his family and the whole team at Cakes, Bakes & Shakes - they're off to a flying start and here's hoping for a bright future for the business."
-
For the latest local updates and information, visit www.middlesbrough.gov.uk/covid19
For information on local help and support, visit www.middlesbrough.gov.uk/helpboro
For advice for clinically extremely vulnerable residents call Middlesbrough Council's support line on 01642 729777
The latest advice from Government and Public Health England can be found at https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
