At the start of the year, a new restaurant Got Mallow opened on York Road. You are likely to have heard of them as they become incredibly popular with local people (and press) very quickly. Whilst they became popular for marshmallows and desserts, many didn’t realise they had a great savoury menu also on offer.
A rebrand from Got Mallow to Twiddy’s Grub House, allowed them to stay true to who they are, and increase their potential as a restaurant with great food, drinks and desserts! We spoke to Owen about their journey so far and we can’t wait to share their story with you.
Tell us about the initial concept and the decision to rebrand.
The initial reception to our brand was incredible. We spent months at the start of the year being sold out and fully booked which was unexpected. The attention the brand got also took us by surprise. But with the attention being fully on our marshmallow and desserts, many people didn’t realise we also offered a savoury menu. So to ensure as many people manage to try our food, we decided to rebrand to something both less specific to desserts but equally unique and ‘us’.
Business is in our blood. My Grandparents owned Stan’s Butchers on Wynyard Road and Raby Road back when I was in school! I became self-employed in 2019 running an education consultancy and really enjoyed being my own boss after being let down too many times before working for others. I wanted my family to break out of this mould too and wanted everyone to work within a true family business. So my brother Lloyd, mum Karen, and wife Laurie joined me on this little adventure – leaving careers behind to try something different and set our own destiny.
We love to know about the people behind the business, so introduce yourselves!
Owen – a qualified teacher and over a decade experience in schools and further education. I have been involved in leadership, delivery, marketing, operations, compliance and quality roles in the public and private sectors. This makes me perfect to help with everything behind the scenes such as marketing, branding and the dreaded accounts! But I am also an ideas person – a little bit crazy – hence marshmallow!
Lloyd – vast experience in hospitality and most recently in civil service supporting Covid logistics locally. Lloyd brings a level head and experience of food operations to the business.
Laurie – experienced in customer service in sectors including banking and utilities. Bringing the all important customer experience knowledge and skill to the team – she takes the lead in how we offer a true experience to our customers.
Karen – worked in customer service and managerial roles in hospitality and retail businesses for a number of years. Able to manage our front of house and ensure great experience for customers and team members.
The all important question, what do you love about being a small Hartlepool based business?
Why do you think people should shop/support local Hartlepool based businesses this Christmas?
We know times are difficult for small businesses this year, but what are you looking forward to about this Christmas?
What can we expect over the next month or so?
Can you tell us anything about the future of Twiddy's Grub House?
We are looking to expand! In the new year we are looking to open 7 days a week and are currently hiring for an apprentice to join us in the kitchen. We are planning lots of exciting events that are starting in the New Year – so keep an eye on our socials to stay up to date.
You can support Twiddy’s Grub House in lots of ways, many of which are of little or no cost.
Here are some suggestions of what you can do:
