Expert fryers retiring from landmark fish and chip shop

Mike and Desiree Persen are retiring from running the Westshore Fish Cafe in Napier. Photo / Paul Taylor

One of Napier's most popular fish and chip shops is up for sale, and with Napier's love of traditional fish and chips booming, there might not be a better time to scoop up a bit of fish.

Napier business owners Mike and Desiree Persen, who took over the Westshore Fish Cafe five years ago, are now looking to hand over the reins - four decades after first frequenting the place as loyal customers themselves.

"We've were customers ourselves for 40 years or more because we used to go there as teenagers when we went down to Westshore beach," Mr Persen said.

"It has been a lot of fun. We've has a lot of fun interacting with some really good customers. We've had some really great clients of both the take-away and the restaurant, we've enjoyed interactions with a lot of varied people, especially our loyal local customers who have been our absolute backbone, as well as the overseas travellers that have eaten in our restaurant, it has been fantastic."

The couple were now looking forward to spending more time with their grandchildren.

However, he was happy to pass on the secret of perfect chips to the next person.

"The secret to cooking good fish and chips is just a case of clean beef tallow, heating it to the correct temperature and top quality raw materials."

The business is being marketed for sale by negotiation through Bayleys Hawke's Bay. Salesperson Sam MacDonald said the well-known eatery benefited from being both and on and off-premise operation.

"Serving two portions of the market… literally.

"There are few other fish and chip outlets like Westshore Fish Café in Hawke's Bay which are in a position to capitalise on dual segments of the fast food and hospitality markets simultaneously all year round.

"Forty years is a long-time in the fish and chip scene anywhere in New Zealand – and Westshore Fish Cafe's longevity is testament to the lasting appeal and reputation of the venue supported by its service offerings."

Westshore Fish Cafe is licensed to serve 32 patrons in its restaurant area – with the venue open Tuesday to Sunday for dinners, and Thursday to Sunday for lunches. The business employs a fulltime manager and eight rostered part-time staff across the kitchen and front-of-house sectors. Its menus are showcased in the guest services compendiums of Westshore's motels, and unlike many fish and chip shops, it runs a dedicated website.

The business' revenues for the 2017/2018 financial year were up 29.3 per cent on the 2015/2016 financial year. Concurrently, net profit generated is also up 52.8 per cent over the same comparative period, MacDonald said.

"Mike and Desiree's business ethos has been to source the best quality produce available, rather than the cheapest. While this may mean menu items are slightly more expensive at Westshore than what consumers would pay at other fish and chip shops, the numbers clearly show that customers are prepared to pay for quality."

Chattels included in the Westshore Fish Cafe business sale include the commercial-grade food preparation and cooking equipment, the walk-in refrigeration and freezer units, tableware, glasses, crockery and bar fit-out.

The business is currently on a three year lease running through to 2020 at its location in 112A Charles St, with a further three-year right of renewal. It is located within a small block of suburban shops.