New owners have taken over a popular oatcake shop, ensuring the business remains family-owned.
Tony Davies, his wife Andrea and son Daniel have taken charge of Foley Oatcakes in Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent, after being regulars at the shop for many years.
Daniel told Daily Focus they want to bring Foley Oatcakes to more people across Staffordshire.
He said: “The shop makes great food, and has been a part of the city’s heritage since 1966 so as well as making financial sense it also holds a lot of sentimental value for us.
“We are very proud to be managing this historic oatcake shop and we believe we can bring Foley Oatcakes to more people across Staffordshire.”
The King Street shop, which also has a stall at Longton Market, was previously owned by Kinga and Matteo Loforte who took over in 2021 but decided to sell because they are planning to move away.
Tony and his team have inherited three members of staff from the previous owners – as well as the Foley Oatcakes secret recipe.
Although the shop’s recipe and warm atmosphere will remain the same, the new owners also want to enhance customer experience and be a ‘force for good’ in the local community.
They have already launched a 20 per cent discount on hot food for emergency services personnel when they’re in uniform and there is an ongoing competition on social media for one person to win free oatcakes for a year.
Tony said: “My parents grew up eating Foley Oatcakes, as did I, so it’s a real honour to carry this historic business forward and hopefully share our great tasting oatcakes and pikelets with more people in Staffordshire within the near future.
“Our goal is simple: protect the tradition of Staffordshire oatcakes and serve the Stoke-on-Trent community with pride.”
The three directors have taken on the shop alongside their current jobs. Tony is a paramedic technician while Andrea works at the hospital and Daniel has a background in the food industry.
- The shop has a number of jobs available. Two part-time and one full-time front of house staff, one part-time baker and one full-time baker. Anyone who is interested should email hello@foleyoatcakes.co.uk with their contact details and CV.
