Episode 42: How Tim & Kelly Barnes Took Krispies to the Top – And What's Next?
Posted by Emma on 17th Jan 2020
For any business, winning a major award can be a game-changer. But what happens when the initial excitement wears off? In Episode 42 of The Ceres Podcast, host Stelios sits down with Tim and Kelly Barnes of Krispies Fish & Chips in Exmouth to reflect on the year that followed their victory as the UK's best independent fish and chip shop. The conversation is raw, insightful, and packed with takeaways for any business owner.
Tim and Kelly open up about the pressure leading to the awards ceremony. The months of preparation, the self-doubt, and the unexpected nerves before the big presentation all played a part in their journey. They share how they initially struggled with imposter syndrome, questioning whether they were perfect enough to take home the trophy.
Despite the nerves, they prepared relentlessly, refining their presentation and facing tough questioning from the judges. They describe the moment they stepped into the room with 12 panellists as intense, but the nerves eased once they realised the judges were simply there to understand their passion rather than catch them off guard.
The Big Night & The Aftermath
The moment Krispies was announced as the winner is one they'll never forget. The overwhelming joy, the hugs, and the rush of congratulations from industry peers made all the hard work worthwhile. But what followed was something few people discussed—the shift from being a nominee to a champion.
Tim and Kelly discuss how they suddenly became industry figureheads, expected to attend events, give talks, and represent the sector in ways they hadn't anticipated. With that came the challenge of keeping their business running at the high standard that won them the award in the first place. The expectation from customers skyrocketed overnight, with some travelling over 150 miles to taste Krispies' award-winning fish and chips.
Keeping the Momentum & Staying Grounded
After winning, one of the biggest struggles was maintaining motivation—not just for themselves, but for their team. The structured nature of the awards process had given staff something to strive for, and once the competition was over, they had to find new ways to keep standards high. Their solution? Implementing a regular mystery shopper system keeps the team sharp and ensures quality never dips.
Beyond maintaining internal standards, Krispies also doubled down on community involvement. Instead of benefiting from the influx of stock and attention that came with the win, they used their position to give back. They launched 'pay-it-forward' initiatives, donated food to local charities, and even ran a special charity day that raised nearly £10,000. Their philosophy is simple—if the community supports them, they must support the community in return.
Taking a Different Path: Saying No to Japan
One of Tim and Kelly's more surprising decisions was declining a three-week trip to Japan, an opportunity that many past winners had taken. Their reasoning? Business came first. With Krispies experiencing an influx of new customers, they felt it was crucial to be present and ensure their standards didn't slip. Instead of going themselves, they sent two of their managers—a move that allowed their team to gain valuable experience and demonstrated their trust in their staff.
Expanding the Business: The Birth of a Second Shop
If there was ever proof that Tim and Kelly weren't resting on their laurels, they decided to open a second location. But rather than replicate their existing shop, they did something different—launching a click-and-collect and delivery-only site.
This bold move came with its fair share of challenges. They quickly learned that customers needed education on the new system, and they had to make tough decisions about handling walk-in customers. While they lost a few traditionalists who weren't keen on the app-based ordering, they found that many embraced the convenience, including a 95-year-old customer who proudly used the app—despite accidentally ordering for the wrong day!
Balancing Business and Family Life
One of the most candid moments in the episode comes when they discuss the personal sacrifices required to run a successful business. The long hours, the missed time with friends and family, and the challenge of carving out personal time were all things they had to navigate.
Despite the whirlwind of the past year, they made a conscious effort to step back and take a well-earned family holiday—something they acknowledge was just as important as their business decisions.
Final Thoughts: More Than Just an Award
Winning Fish & Chip Shop of the Year wasn't just about the trophy for Tim and Kelly—it was about using that platform to push Krispies forward while staying true to their values. Their story is of dedication, strategic growth, and understanding that success isn't just about recognition—it's about what you do with it afterwards.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the industry looking to understand the reality of winning big and what it takes to sustain that success. Whether you're a fellow fish and chip shop owner, a hospitality professional, or simply a fan of Krispies, Tim and Kelly's journey will inspire and educate you in equal measure.
Catch the full episode on The Ceres Podcast—available on every podcast player!