​Episode 160: Mark Petrou & Giovanni Fionda on Fish, Chips, and Innovation

In a dynamic episode of the Ceres Podcast, host Mark Petrou sits down with Giovanni Fionda, winner of the Seafish Fish & Chip Shop of the Year 2010. Giovanni's journey from humble beginnings in his family's fish and chip shop to becoming an industry leader is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and relentless pursuit of excellence. Throughout the conversation, Giovanni reflects on his early experiences in the family business, where he learned the value of hard work and efficiency from a young age.

Giovanni recalls how his father, Raphael, played a pivotal role in shaping his mindset, encouraging him to think big and always ask questions about success. Giovanni's story underscores the influence of family as he learned the intricacies of both business and food preparation, which led to his eventual success.

The conversation highlights Giovanni's innovative approach to running a fish and chip shop, particularly with his use of technology and systems that streamlined operations long before online ordering became mainstream. He implemented efficient systems such as synchronized tills and kitchen screens, allowing his team to focus on customer service and order speed. His foresight in creating a seamless, efficient customer experience helped set his shop, Atlantic, apart from the competition.

The discussion touches on Giovanni's challenges after winning the prestigious award, especially the industry's initial resistance to his forward-thinking ideas. However, Giovanni stayed true to his vision, continuously improving processes, from customer service to product upselling. His ability to pull insights from other industries and apply them to the fish and chip business was revolutionary.

Despite his success, Giovanni remained humble, always crediting his team and family for his achievements. He also shared his thoughts on customer experience and how it has evolved, urging shop owners to embrace technology and efficiency to thrive in the modern world.

As the episode concludes, Giovanni reflects on his decision to eventually exit the fish and chip industry, sharing the toll that running a high-volume business can take and the pride he takes in the legacy he left behind.

This engaging episode offers a rare look behind the scenes of one of the UK's top fish and chip shops, with valuable lessons for anyone in the hospitality industry.