​Episode 165 - Andy Thrasyvoulou’s Journey in Fish & Chips

In this episode, Mark Petrou interviews Andy Thrasyvoulou, a fish and chip industry legend and the 2002 Fish and Chip Shop of the Year winner. Andy shares his journey, starting from his family’s immigration to the UK from Cyprus and how his father entered the fish and chip business in Coventry in the 1950s. Andy fondly recalls his father’s hard work and the legacy he left behind, running multiple fish and chip shops.

A pivotal moment for Andy was his decision to follow in his father’s footsteps, eventually taking over the family business at a young age. He vividly recounts the challenges and rewards of running Brownsover Fish Bar, a shop that grew to become an iconic name in the industry. Andy attributes much of his success to keeping things simple, focusing on quality, and staying true to the traditional values of hard work, humility, and family.

Mark and Andy reminisce about their experiences in the Fish and Chip Shop of the Year competition, sharing insights about what it takes to succeed at the highest level. Andy also discusses the lasting influence of his father, including the advice always to remain humble, which shaped his approach to business. He talks about his decision to sell his shop in 2016, a move he felt was well-timed due to the changing landscape of the fast food industry.

The episode is filled with humorous anecdotes, reflections on life in the fish and chip trade, and valuable advice for anyone looking to enter the industry or compete at the top level. Mark and Andy highlight the importance of passion, simplicity, and high standards to thrive in a competitive market.