Fry’s the limit for chippy boss
EXPANSION HOPES AFTER TRADE TOOK OFF DURING PANDEMIC
I’ve always had a passion for fish and chips and it would be my dream to get busier and employ more staff
Dean Thraves
A FISH and chip shop owner has revealed plans to extend his premises following a successful year.
Dean Thraves wants to expand Apollo Fish Bar, in Carlton, a “traditional fish and chip shop” which also serves homemade curries and rice.
A planning application has been submitted to Gedling Borough Council to convert an empty shop into a kitchen in conjunction with the fish bar in Burton Road.
Mr Thraves, who runs the chip shop with his wife Liz, said: “The kitchen we’ve got at the moment is small and we make home-cooked meals so I need a bigger one.
“Next door there is a shop which has been empty three times in the three years I’ve been here.
“I thought it would be perfect for a kitchen so I’ve put in for planning permission to see if we could expand.”
The 49-year-old added that the business has thrived during the pandemic. He said: “We’ve been so busy which is good. It has taken off.
“We are very fortunate that we are allowed to trade during this time.
“This feels like the perfect time to get everything done with the new kitchen before everywhere opens up again. If
I’ve got more space I’ll be able to do more food. But my heart goes out to people struggling.
“Since I have taken over, I’ve done no advertising whatsoever but we get new customers all the time from word of mouth.”
Dean, a qualified chef who has worked in fish and chip shops for 21 years, likes to mix up the menu to keep his customers happy.
He added: “If you serve good food, people will travel for it.
“I’ve always had a passion for fish and chips and it would be my dream to get busier and employ more staff.
“I don’t think there are many traditional chippies around any more. We’ve got no regrets at all about taking it on.”
A decision is set to be made by Gedling Borough Council in April.