TK’s Cafe & Catering Services
TK’s Cafe is the go-to place for lunch on the Terry Dicken Business Park. More than just a cafe, TK’s catering services include working lunches, take-aways, a mobile sandwich van and a brand new Sunday carvery.
We last spoke to owner Damon back in early 2020. I caught up with him to find out what’s new.
The year to forget
“TK’s had been in my hands for 2 years when Covid-19 hit and we had to completely shut down. It was certainly a shock. It seemed like a lifetime but eventually we were allowed to open again for takeaway only. Even though the business park was still quiet, I felt it was important to do something, so that our customers who were able to work, could easily find a decent lunch. So we started with a new take away menu.”
Did somebody say Just Eat?
“In order to also serve our customers who were working from home we joined Just Eat. Being able to offer deliveries to a wider area meant we picked up a lot more business for buffets and outdoor catering when things opened up again. We now serve both the general public and businesses catering for things like parties, funeral teas and working lunches.”
Putting the money where your mouth is
“By the start of 2021 it was obvious that a lot of people would continue to work from home. We realised that our marketplace would look very different after Covid-19, so we took the opportunity while we were quiet to invest in the cafe.”
TK’s on wheels
“Our biggest investment was in our brand new jiffy truck (that’s the sandwich van to you and me ?), which supports the cafe by travelling around the estate and allows folk who can’t make it out to the cafe to get lunch. More than just simple sandwiches, it also serves hot and cold food and meal deals.”
But the most exciting thing is the fancy pants software and special till system.
“The van uses a really clever software which enables people to follow the drop zone of the van and notifies them when the van is arriving. All you need to do is download the app – Just arrivd – and you’re set to go.”
Grand designs
“We took further advantage of the forced downtime and TK’s Cafe has literally had a complete makeover. We’ve had new doors and windows fitted, decorated throughout and we laid a brand new floor.”
It’s not just the bricks and mortar that have been refreshed. There’s a new menu too.
Finger lickin’ good
“Along with the regular staples that TK’s customers know and love, our new menu now offers daily specials. The melts are proving really popular. Favourites such as the 20 hour pulled pork, texan brisket, and sun-dried tomato & mozzarella melt fly out of the door. We’ve also added a Big D’s BBQ burger by popular request.”
And on the 7th day, God created the Yorkshire pudding ??
“Our big news is that we’ve just launched a Sunday Carvery. Customers can choose to sit in or take away. The carvery will be open from 12 noon – 3pm every Sunday. It’s been a complete sell out since we opened so in the new year we’ll be looking at adding local delivery too.”
Surviving the pandemic
“It’s been hard but we navigated those dark days of 2020 and survived by diversifying. I’m lucky that we have a really great team here. We recently took on an apprentice, Maddie. She’s doing really well and I’m also taking on another 2 members of staff to manage the demand for working lunches and the more diverse catering services that we now offer. Being here on the Terry Dicken Business Park has really helped as we were able to access funding from Hambleton that has helped fuel some of our investment.”
I think we can all relate to Damon’s story and agree that it’s great to hear that TK’s has got so much on offer for the residents of the business park and beyond.
As well as all of the above, the legendary TK’s Christmas lunches will be served from early December so do not miss out! TK’s can be found at Unit 28a Terry Dicken Industrial Estate, Station Road, Stokesley, TS9 7AE.
Or visit their Facebook page for the latest menus
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