Frank Dee Supermarkets
Frank Dee Supermarkets was a British supermarket chain formed in the 1950s, based in Kingston upon Hull, East Yorkshire. An early adopter of the new style of self-service grocery store, the chain grew to over 100 stores through mergers and acquisitions before adopting the Gateway fascia in 1983. Trading names Stores traded initially under the name of Frank Dee, then Frank Dee Foodmarkets and from 1980, Frank Dee Supermarkets, along with a number of stores operating a lower price, no frills, limited range concept from the late 1970s which traded as Dee Discount. Often referred to by customers in the Tyne-Tees area as 'Frankie Dee's'. Style Stores were brightly lit with bulk displays, low price was emphasised with extensive use of 'Day-Glo' posters. Shop front fascia varied over the years, with Frank Dee's name continuing to feature until the change to Gateway in 1983. History Early years The business was founded in 1933 when the founder Frank Dee opened a grocers shop at 773, Hessle Road in the area of West Hull known as Gipsyville. Shortly after the Second World War, shops were opened in Beverley and elsewhere in Hull. 1950s Frank Dee was an early proponent of self-service and