In 2002 Mark Toney's celebrated its centenary, with many activities, promotions and events throughout the summer.
- On the day of our 100th birthday, Wednesday 24th July, customers were able to buy a cone of our traditional vanilla
ice cream for an old penny (1d.) or ha'penny at any of our five shops in Newcastle, which got Grandmas searching the backs
of their cupboards!
- On that day, in the Grainger Arcade, where our first shop opened 100 years ago, our
staff dressed in period costume.
- All customers in our cafes were offered a complimentary piece of our centenary birthday cake.
- Our shops were specially decorated and on display were archive pictures of the family and business.
- We commissioned special centenary mugs, which will be in use in our cafés, available as prizes
in competitions, and also to buy as souvenirs.
- We created a special centenary ice cream called
.
This consists of our traditional, award winning vanilla ice cream, laced with a golden Bucks Fizz sauce made with real
champagne and decorated with edible gold stars. This is available in our shops, both as an ice cream sundae, topped with
fresh cream and a sparkler, and as a cornet.
- We commissioned a new logo showing our founder Antonio Marcantonio - see above.
- Our factory shop is open to the public.
- Mark Toney's has always supported the Breakfast Italian Club (held at Gosforth High School for pupils from Gosforth's three
middle schools - West, Central and East) by donating ice cream for the end of term show. In 2002, to commemorate our Centenary,
we inaugurated an annual award to be given to a pupil who has made particular efforts in their work, as we wish to applaud and
encourage the work that is being done in the teaching of Italian, which helps to cement the ties between our region and Italy.
The Marcantonio family are pleased to give something back to the local community, without whose continued support we would not
have been able to achieve such a milestone.