Industry – A new chapter for the business park café
Something exciting is cooking at Terry Dicken Business Park!
If you’ve been wondering what’s happening at the former TK’s café on the business park, we finally have some news to share.
The much-loved café is getting a complete makeover and will soon reopen as Industry – Breakfast & Diner, a new venture from local hospitality entrepreneur Alex and The Mill Group.
With a fresh look, new equipment and a menu designed to suit everyone from hungry early-morning workers to those looking for a relaxed lunch, Industry is set to bring a new chapter to this familiar spot.
I caught up with Alex to find out what’s coming.
So, what exactly is Industry?
“The name is a play on the fact that we’re on an industrial estate,” Alex explained. “But really, we’re aiming to offer a bit of everything for everyone.”
At its heart, Industry will be a traditional British café.
“We still believe there’s a place for the great British breakfast. We’ll have all the classics, alongside lighter lunches, salad boxes and great coffee. There might even be a bit of matcha!”
However, it’s not just about what’s on the menu. Alex wants Industry to become somewhere people can pop in, take a break and enjoy good food without spending a fortune.
Your business park café
Terry Dicken Business Park is home to a remarkably diverse mix of businesses. Consequently, Alex knows there isn’t a one-size-fits-all customer.
“We’ve got hungry builders who need some fuel early in the morning. Then you’ve got business executives who need a well-earned break from their desk. We’re confident we can offer something for everyone.”
And, with the cost of living continuing to put pressure on household budgets, affordability is important too.
“We all need good quality food to power us through the week. With prices constantly rising, Industry will offer good quality, cost-effective breakfast and lunch options.”
From washing pots to running restaurants
Many local people will already know Alex through his other hospitality businesses. The Mill Group includes local favourites The Mill, Il Mulino, Hood and The Mill Cottage. Along with a recent acquisition of The Spread Eagle in Stokesley that joins the group in late September. However, Alex’s hospitality career began much earlier.
“I started washing pots at 12 years old in the Dudley Arms. I loved it straight away.”
The atmosphere of a busy kitchen quickly hooked him.
“I loved the buzz of the kitchen and hearing language you might not hear at home!” he laughed.
From there, Alex worked his way through the ranks.
By his early thirties, he was working for food service company Brakes. Then, ready for his next challenge, he decided to take a chance.
“I didn’t have a family back then and wanted more, so I thought, now’s the time.”
He invested everything he had and, with business partner Simon Monaghan, took over The Mill on 28 February 2014.
Since then, the business has continued to grow.
“That business has gone from strength to strength. Now, 22 years later, Industry is about to open.”
From tired café to fresh new look
So, what can customers expect when they walk into Industry?
“Essentially, we’re bringing a tired old building into an exciting new era.”
The refurbishment represents a significant investment, with more than £80,000 spent on new equipment.
Importantly, Alex isn’t making that investment alone.
“This is a joint investment with Mark, the landlord. He’s a really lovely guy and deserves credit for what he’s doing here on the estate.”
Together, they are investing in the premises to improve the experience for both businesses and the people who work here.
And Alex is clearly excited about the result.
“I’ve worked on a lot of restaurant and bar launches, but I’m genuinely really excited about this one.”
Keeping it simple
Despite the scale of the refurbishment, Alex isn’t planning to overcomplicate things.
“My blueprint is simple. Deliver great quality food in nice surroundings.”
It’s a formula that has worked well for his other businesses. Now, he’s looking forward to bringing that approach to the heart of the business park.
“I’m really looking forward to serving the people of Stokesley at Industry, right here in the heart of this bustling community.”
Already part of the community
Although Industry is new to the park, Alex certainly isn’t new to its business community. In fact, he’s been using local businesses here for years.
“All my cars get serviced at Platinum Motors and Tyres. Mimi’s Embroidery and Print do all our personalised workwear. I have a good friend at Universal Waste, and we do all the corporate entertaining for Intermodal Tank Transport.”
Now, Industry will become another part of that network.
“It’s nice to be a further part of that community with the launch of Industry.”
And there’s more to come…
While breakfast and lunch will be the main focus, Alex already has bigger plans.
“We’re working on evening pop-up events with local brands and vendors. Ideally, we’d like to give vendors an outlet to showcase their brands.”
There’s also the possibility of Industry becoming an after-work destination.
“We’re waiting for council approval for a licence to sell alcohol. If that’s approved, we have plans to open later on Fridays for workers who fancy an after-work drink.”
So, while the café is starting with breakfast and lunch, there could be plenty more to come.
When will Industry open?
Industry is currently undergoing its final preparations and will open on Wednesday 9th September.
You can find Industry at:
📍 Unit 28A, Terry Dicken Industrial Estate, Station Road, Stokesley, TS9 7AE
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday: 7am–2.30pm
and Saturday: 8am–12pm
Whether you’re after a proper breakfast, a quick coffee, a light lunch or simply somewhere to take a break, Industry is getting ready to welcome you.
And if the excitement around the reopening is anything to go by, we suspect those first breakfasts won’t be quiet ones!
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