Episode 117: Mitch Tonks on Resilience, Seafood Sustainability, and Business Innovation

In Episode 117 of The Ceres Podcast, Stelios is joined by Mitch Tonks, the renowned founder of Rockfish and The Seahorse Restaurant. Together, they dive deep into the challenges and triumphs of navigating the hospitality industry, especially through the upheavals of the pandemic. This episode offers an inspiring and candid conversation about the resilience of businesses, the importance of sustainability, and the evolving relationship between consumers and seafood.

Mitch reflects on his journey from early business struggles to the success of Rockfish, which now boasts nine locations. He opens up about the initial challenges of the pandemic, describing the early days as a "moment of disorientation," where the unknown loomed large. However, despite the uncertainty, Mitch found solace in connecting with his team and community. "Once we worked out the way to the shore," Mitch shares, "it was one of the most liberating, amazing times of my life." His reflections on how the pandemic became a "reset button" are both sobering and empowering, providing a unique perspective on how difficult times can spark growth and innovation.

Throughout the conversation, Mitch emphasises the importance of mentorship, teamwork, and adaptability. From the lessons learned about delegating and coaching within his team to his deep connection with those in the industry, Mitch's insights will resonate with anyone running or working in a hospitality business. As he says, "We need coaches to help us articulate and pull out the answers that lie within ourselves."

The episode also explores Mitch's commitment to sustainability in the seafood industry. He talks about the pressing need to change how the UK consumes seafood, mainly British fish. Mitch notes that despite the abundance of high-value species like turbot and sea bass off the coast of Britain, the UK imports around 80% of the fish it consumes. This insight invites listeners to consider how they can support local fisheries and make better choices about the seafood they buy. His projects, such as the canning of British sardines and collaborations with local producers, are part of his vision for a more sustainable and community-oriented seafood industry.

Mitch's storytelling is full of surprises, from his experiences during the pandemic to his candid thoughts on the future of seafood. One particularly heartwarming moment is when he describes how his team supported local businesses during the pandemic, selling fresh seafood and produce directly from the harbour. "What was really nice is you were building relationships within your community," Mitch reflects, emphasising how the shared efforts of the restaurant industry helped many businesses stay afloat.

Mitch also discusses the challenges of getting people to appreciate higher-quality, locally sourced seafood. He advocates for consumers to pay more to eat better, noting, "Value for money is that amazing piece of 32-ounce fish served by that amazing guy in an amazing place." This passion for quality is evident throughout the episode, and his dedication to the craft of hospitality shines through in every conversation.

This episode of The Ceres Podcast is a must-listen for anyone in the hospitality industry or those interested in the intersection of business, sustainability, and the restaurant world. Mitch's reflections on his journey, from overcoming the hardships of the pandemic to how he's reshaping the future of seafood, are truly thought-provoking. His advice on leadership, community and the importance of sustainable practices will inspire you to think differently about your business.

Don't miss out on hearing from one of the industry's leading voices. Listen to Episode 117 of The Ceres Podcast today, and be sure to subscribe for more insightful episodes!