​Episode 180 - The Winning Recipe with Krispies' Tim & Kelly Barnes

In this episode of the Ceres Podcast, Mark Petrou sits down with Tim and Kelly Barnes, owners of Krispies in Exmouth, to discuss their incredible journey from a holiday romance to running an award-winning fish and chip shop. The story of Krispies is not just about frying the perfect fish; it's a tale of resilience, ambition, and a deep commitment to quality that has seen them rise to the very top of their industry.

Tim and Kelly's partnership started long before Krispies. The couple met in 1997 during Kelly's family holiday in Devon, where Tim was a bouncer at a local holiday camp. What began as a typical holiday romance quickly turned into a lifelong commitment. They spent the next few months travelling back and forth to see each other, with Kelly eventually deciding to move in with Tim. It was a bold decision for the young couple, but it marked the beginning of their journey together, personally and professionally.

Their foray into the fish and chip industry was more by accident than design. After leaving catering college, Tim worked in a local fish and chip shop to make ends meet. It wasn't long before the owners left Tim in charge, and he quickly realiseds that he had a knack for running the business. Kelly soon joined him, working alongside him to keep the shop running smoothly. The couple's passion for the trade grew, and after a few challenging years working for others, they decided it was time to take the plunge and run their shop.

Their first venture, a seasonal fish and chip shop in Dawlish, was a struggle. The location was poor, and business was slow. But despite these early setbacks, Tim and Kelly refused to give up. With the help of Tim's parents, who backed their venture, they searched for a new opportunity and found Krispies—a decision that would change their lives forever.

When they first bought Krispies, the shop was outdated and struggling. But Tim and Kelly saw its potential. They worked tirelessly to modernise the shop and improve the food, implementing their vision of what a top-tier fish and chip shop should be. One critical decision was keeping the shop's iconic battered crinkle-cut chips, a unique offering that set Krispies apart from competitors.

However, the road to success was anything but easy. Tim and Kelly worked seven days a week for years, with no days off in the early stages. They poured everything into Krispies, from refining the menu to rebranding the shop with a fresh, modern look. Their work ethic and dedication eventually paid off as word-of-mouth about Krispies spread throughout the local community.

In 2013, Tim and Kelly decided to take a chance and enter the Fish & Chip Shop of the Year competition. The early years were tough, and they often didn't pass the first round. But each year, they learned from their experiences and made improvements. The couple saw the competition not just as a chance to win an award but as an opportunity to benchmark themselves against the best in the industry.

Their perseverance finally paid off in 2019 when Krispies was named the National Fish & Chip Shop of the Year. For Tim and Kelly, the victory was not just about the trophy—it was a validation of all the hard work they had put in over the years. Winning the award opened up new opportunities and brought national attention to their shop, but it also reinforced their commitment to doing things the right way.

One of Krispies' core values is community involvement, and Tim and Kelly have always prioritised giving back. Over the years, they have organised charity events, supported local causes, and even volunteered their time with organisations like the RNLI. This sense of community is central to their brand and has helped them build strong relationships with their staff and customers.

In the podcast, Kelly speaks passionately about how they view their staff as part of the "Krispies family." This approach has fostered a strong team culture, reflected in the quality of service customers experience at the shop. Tim and Kelly believe that treating their staff well is just as important as serving great food, a philosophy that has served them well over the years.

While winning the Fish & Chip Shop of the Year was a massive milestone for Krispies, it was far from the end of their journey. Tim and Kelly are constantly looking for ways to evolve their business. Whether embracing new technologies like click-and-collect during the COVID-19 pandemic or exploring opportunities to expand their brand, the couple is always thinking about the future.

In the podcast, Tim reflects on how winning the award didn't just bring recognition; it also brought new challenges. Suddenly, the spotlight was on Krispies, and they had to live up to the title of "the best fish and chip shop in the UK." But rather than rest on their laurels, Tim and Kelly used the victory to motivate even harder, ensuring that Krispies continued to deliver the high standards that won them the award in the first place.

For Tim and Kelly Barnes, the journey is far from over. They continue to innovate, experiment, and find new ways to improve their business. Whether developing new menu items or refining their operations, their passion for excellence remains at the heart of everything they do. Krispies is more than just a fish and chip shop—it's a testament to what can be achieved through hard work, dedication, and a clear vision.

If you want to hear the whole story and get deeper insights into Tim and Kelly's journey, tune in to this episode of the Ceres Podcast. Available on all major podcast platforms, this episode offers an inspiring look at how two people turned a small shop into one of the UK's most celebrated fish and chip businesses.