New Italian-style gelateria opens amid heatwave in York (From York Press)

New Italian-style gelateria opens amid heatwave in York

3:54pm Thursday 24th May 2012 in News By Julie Hayes , Business editor

A NEW Italian gelateria with a twist has opened in York during the city’s heatwave.

The Fourboyz Dessert Caffé, which employs 21 part-time and full-time staff, has been opened by York entrepreneurs, Norman and Margaret Leeder, who also own other businesses in York sectors including civil engineering.

The husband and wife team have previously owned a catering business, bringing bagels into Norfolk for the first time before moving to York, Margaret said.

The Fourboyz Dessert Caffé serves traditional Italian desserts, as well as traditional English desserts in its upstairs restaurant, and serves take away home made Italian gelato.

Margaret said: “It is something I’ve always wanted to do. York’s an absolutely beautiful place and I wanted to try and create a niche to attract tourists as well as a place for residents to come.”

The business distinguishes itself with interesting combinations created by its two star chefs, Steve Pugh, retail business manager, who is an ex-Royal Navy master chef with 31 years experience and has cooked for the Queen, and a wide range of other dignitaries and celebrities, and Martin Ellis, who has much experience in the hotel and catering sector.

“We’re going to do quirky breakfasts in the morning from 7.30am, such as bacon and mushroom scones, and cheese boards with ice cream, as well as cheese-flavoured ice cream,” said Margaret.

“We like to look at the market and see what’s needed and we wanted to be something a little bit different,” she said.

Steve and Martin have both returned from Italy where they were trained up by the Italians in making gelato ice cream and Italian desserts, while the business has been acquiring and fitting out the old Rugs Of The World shop at 50 Low Petergate, which has relocated to Bootham.