For Chris Blackwell, owner of Crescent Chippy in Flint, Flintshire, upgrading to a Henry Nuttall frying range wasn’t just a matter of modernising his family’s fish and chip shop – it was about keeping up with demand and improving efficiency in a business that’s been in the family for over two decades
Chris took over Crescent Chippy from his parents 13 years ago, after they had run it for eight years. The business has seen plenty of changes, but none more impactful than the rising costs of everything from oil to electricity. “Since Covid, prices have gone through the roof. Dried peas, oil, electricity, gas – everything has become more expensive,” he explains.
While facing those challenges, Chris was also struggling with an old, inefficient three pan frying range, explaining: “We were struggling with capacity. The pans couldn’t keep up, temperatures would drop, and we’d be waiting for chips while customers were lining up.”
It was time for a change, and Chris decided to invest in a three pan Henry Nuttall island range. “The modern design was a big factor, but also the high efficiency. We’re saving about a third in energy costs now, which is massive,” he says.
Built-in filtration has also had a significant impact with Chris adding: “We used to empty the oil manually by scooping it out, but now it’s all automated and so much easier. We’re saving on oil consumption too – about four or five blocks a week, which adds up to around £100.”
As well as bringing cost savings, the new range has helped speed up service. Whereas beforehand, Crescent Chippy had just one server working the small three pan setup, the new island range allows for two servers, which means shorter queues and a smoother, faster operation, especially on busy Friday and Saturday nights. This is further enhanced by one of the three pans being a larger 760mm model, providing increased capacity.
“The new range just makes everything so much easier,” says Chris. “The pans heat more quickly, we can serve customers faster, and get through the queues quicker.”
The Henry Nuttall range is also equipped with a pie cabinet, which has been instrumental in showcasing the chippy’s homemade pies. “Since the new range went in, pie sales have gone up. They just look so good in the display, and it’s easier for customers to see them,” Chris explains.
Working with Henry Nuttall was a smooth process from start to finish, according to Chris. “The installation was perfect, and their aftercare has been fantastic. Jack, who we worked with, was great. He came out several times before we made the final decision, and everything has been seamless.”
Looking back, Chris couldn’t be more pleased with the upgrade. “I absolutely love it,” he said. “The range looks fantastic, customers comment on how good it looks, and it’s made everything in the shop run more smoothly. It’s just been brilliant.”
Henry Nuttall 01909 560808 www.henrynuttall.co.uk
