AN ICE-CREAM parlour has expanded its product range after a successful first 18 months, including plans for a pet-friendly ice cream.

Sundaes make and sell more than 60 flavours of the popular dessert in its shop on Yarm High Street, near Stockton, and has now moved into selling savoury lunches, as well as opening earlier to attract the breakfast trade.

The shop is run by Jason Gregory and his wife Caroline and the couple are beginning to explore the possibility of opening a second shop in the future, leading to more jobs.

Sundaes has launched “crepelettes”– their version of an omelette, made with a thin consistency to resemble a traditional crepe.

The company is also planning to create ice cream that is lactose free, which will be suitable for dogs, to attract more families.

Mr Gregory said: “We are not just about ice cream, but we are not copying what other people do on the high street – we are offering something different.”

Since opening last year, Sundaes has started supplying its ice cream to restaurants and hotels, and also offers its products to weddings and other events, including Redcar’s recent Festival of Thrift.

“We were introducing ourselves to people who already knew us because they had been to our shop.

“They were telling us it was the best ice cream they had ever tasted – it was such a proud and humbling feeling.

“We want people to challenge us with new flavours that we haven’t thought of yet” he added.

Mr Gregory said he and his wife were looking to grow Sundaes further.

“We wanted to make great ice cream but we also wanted to provide a great experience and a family friendly relaxed place for people to come and enjoy their ice cream.

“It has been really tough and we want to keep doing more – we are passionate about what we make.

“The last year has exceeded expectations. If we got a second shop, it would just happen naturally – the stars would need to align.

“But we would only want it to be run by good, local people who would look after our product.”

Sundaes now employs 11 staff on either a full or part time basis, including Sophie Wall, its first apprentice.

Miss Wall, 19, said: “I love the family environment and the chance to meet new people.

“It is cool to say I do an apprenticeship with Sundaes” she added.

Mr Gregory added: “We’ll have another (apprentice) at some point. There is a lot of local talent that can be nurtured.

“We want to keep growing and adding to the Sundaes family.”

Sundaes opened last year, taking over from the Archers Ice Cream parlour.

Their gelato ice cream is made on site without eggs, giving it a traditional European taste.