The owner of a fish and chip shop in Barry in the Vale of Glamorgan has been left overwhelmed by local support after running a free chips promotion last week.
Chris Christou, owner of Fryer Tuck and a third-generation frier, teamed up with malt vinegar brand Sarson’s to give away free chips for a two-hour slot between midday and 2pm on Friday 26th August.
Over 300 portions were snapped up with Chris pleased to give something back to the community that has supported him since taking over the town centre chippy last year.
He comments: “It was something for the community, they support us so it was nice to give something back and it just goes to show how close-knit the community is around here as we only had a week to prep for it. We did a couple of press releases and we got the word out via the local media and I was overwhelmed with the turnout.”
Taking place on the last Friday of the month, the promotion fell on the same day that Fryer Tuck receives a lot of large month-end orders from local businesses.
“It was one of our busiest Fridays but we were prepped and ready. We had the full team on and I can’t thank them enough,” says Chris. “I couldn’t have done it without them, everyone was on their toes for the full two hours. And although we didn’t stop, everyone had fun, everyone was smiling. At one point we had 30 people waiting for a free bag of chips, but everyone was patient and having a laugh.”
The giveaway was part of a campaign by Sarson’s to support local fish and chip shops and spread awareness among communities that paying just two more visits to their local chippy a year could help stem the tide of closures.
With the event bringing in new customers, Chris believes it will help the future of his business, adding: “As well as being able to give something back it was a great marketing opportunity for us and we’ve had a lot of nice comments from it.
“We are constantly trying to innovate. We are a traditional fish and chip shop so we will always sell traditional goods, but we do try new products, do spotlight offers and try things for a limited time. The bigger brands do it. McDonald’s brings out a Big Tasty for a month or so, so we’ve done that in the past. It sparks people’s interest and it adds a bit of variety.
“But off the back of this event, it has opened my eyes to know we can do more.”
