The co-founder of one of the North East’s best loved pizzerias has turned her hand to artisan sandwiches as her new business prepares to launch in Jesmond this summer, thanks to legal support from Mincoffs Solicitors.
Work is currently underway to transform the former Richard Granger Wines unit at West Jesmond Metro into Awesome Franks, the brainchild of Scream for Pizza co-founder Alex Walker.
The venue, which is named after Alex’s son and his love for superheroes, will initially open as a gourmet sandwich shop showcasing locally sourced ingredients and products, with further plans to launch Frank’s Imaginarium in 2026 – an immersive play café and learning zone for families on the other side of the building.
Following her departure from Scream for Pizza in 2024, Alex studied bread making with celebrity baker Richard Bertinet at The Bertinet Kitchen Cookery School to prepare for the new venture, which will also stock a selection of bread from North East small batch bakery Northern Rye.
Mincoffs’ licensing and gaming partner Matt Foster supported Alex in acquiring the licence for Awesome Franks, which will also sell a range of deli and general grocery items, along with its own branded flour.
All bread will be freshly baked and the offering will focus on elegant yet adventurous sandwich combinations, such as salt and pepper squid, Northumberland crab and shoestring fries, and scallops seared in bacon fat butter, served with black pudding and hollandaise sauce.
“I have had my eye on this building for a long time,” said cook and proprietor, Alex, “so I jumped at the opportunity to take over the space and bring my vision for Awesome Franks into reality.
“I’m really driven to create a space that serves the whole of the West Jesmond community, adding positively to what is already an exceptional hospitality scene.
“Matt has provided fantastic advice on the legal aspects throughout the process and I wouldn’t hesitate to work with Mincoffs again in the future.”
Following the opening of Awesome Franks and Frank’s Imaginarium, Alex plans to launch an event space with potential for private hire and hospitality events to foster community and collaboration.
Matt said: “It’s easy to see that Awesome Franks is a real passion project for Alex and we were delighted to support her in getting everything she needs in place for launch.
“The venue is in a great location and has lots of potential, so it is sure to be a popular destination with residents of all ages.
“We wish Alex the best of luck with the opening of Awesome Franks and look forward to seeing the venue expand further in the coming years.”
Mincoffs Solicitors has provided expert legal services and advice across the North East and beyond for more than 75 years.
Alongside licensing and gaming, the firm’s offering includes real estate, corporate, commercial services, dispute resolution, employment law, residential conveyancing, family law and wills, probate and trusts.
