Episode 11 - Zohaib Hussain’s Inspiring Journey in Fish and Chips
Posted by Emma on 22nd Mar 2019
The latest episode of The Ceres Podcast is a must-listen for fish and chip shop owners, small business enthusiasts, and food industry professionals. Hosted by Stelios, Episode 11 features Zohaib Hussain, a determined figure who turned challenges into triumphs, winning the prestigious Young Fish Frier of the Year award. This episode is not just about fish and chips—it’s about ambition, resilience, and breaking barriers.
Zohaib’s journey began in 1991 when his parents opened their fish and chip shop. Growing up above the business, work and home life merged. “You can never really switch off,” he recalls. Like many family-run businesses, his parents had a clear vision for him—to focus on education and find success outside the shop. “They wanted me to use my brain, not my hands,” he says. However, life had other plans. After earning a degree in accounting and multimedia and working at IKEA, Zohaib began to develop valuable skills he would later bring back to the family business. His time at IKEA opened his eyes to customer service, efficiency, and design. “The training taught me to put the customer at the heart of every decision. That’s a lesson I’ve carried into my own shop.”
Despite his parents’ wishes, Zohaib found himself drawn back to the fish and chip trade. Returning to the business was no easy feat. Starting from the bottom, he faced resistance when introducing modern practices to an operation built on tradition. “My mum and dad only knew one way of doing things, so change wasn’t easy,” he admits. Determined to improve, he sought formal training at the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF). “I thought I knew fish and chips, but the NFFF showed me better techniques, money-saving methods, and ways to refine our actions.”
Zohaib’s competitive spirit pushed him to enter the Young Fish Frier of the Year award. His first attempt ended in disappointment, but he treated it as a learning experience rather than give up. He fine-tuned his approach, improved his skills, and returned stronger. Along the way, filmmaker Dean Beswick began following Zohaib for a documentary titled Frying Tonight. Spanning three years, the film captures Zohaib’s struggles, successes, and the raw realities of competing at such a high level. His honesty during the competition—like admitting, “That’s how my dad taught me, but here’s how I’d improve it”—reflects the balance between respecting tradition and embracing progress.
In 2012, Zohaib made history as the first Welsh winner of the Young Fish Frier of the Year award, breaking cultural and regional barriers. His story is one of perseverance and innovation. “I always aim for the impossible. If you’re going to dream, dream big,” he says. The win wasn’t just a personal triumph—it highlighted the opportunities for young people in the fish and chip industry. It inspired others to see the trade as a viable, rewarding career.
For listeners, Zohaib’s story is packed with valuable lessons. One standout takeaway is his focus on customer service. Drawing on lessons from IKEA, Zohaib stresses the importance of putting customers first: “Make customers, not sales. If you make them feel special, they’ll always come back.” He also emphasizes continuous learning, encouraging business owners to seek training, attend industry events, and step outside their comfort zones. “It’s easy to get stuck in a bubble when you’re running a shop, but stepping out and connecting with others can change everything.”
Zohaib’s journey also highlights the power of perseverance. Whether overcoming setbacks in competitions, bringing innovation to a family business, or breaking down barriers as a representative of his community, Zohaib’s story proves that success comes to those who keep learning, improving, and pushing forward.
Throughout the episode, Stelios and Zohaib strike the perfect balance between insightful discussion and lighthearted storytelling. From anecdotes about growing up in a fish and chip shop to reflections on the challenges of implementing change, the conversation is relatable, engaging, and full of practical advice for business owners. Zohaib’s honesty, humility, and passion for the industry shine through, making this episode a truly inspiring listen.
If you’re in the fish and chip industry, thinking of entering competitions or simply enjoying hearing stories of hard work and triumph, this episode is for you. Zohaib’s journey reminds us that success is always within reach with the right mindset, training, and a focus on customers.
Listen to Episode 11 of The Ceres Podcast now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite platform. Don’t forget to subscribe for more inspiring stories, industry insights, and practical tips!