How Fish and Chip Shops Can Support Fasting Employees During Ramadan

Welcome to this edition of Trade Talks, where we bring you insights straight from the friers of the fish and chip industry. In this column, Zohaib Hussain, owner of Zero Plus Fish & Chips in Cardiff, shares his perspective on the trade.

The fryer’s heat is relentless, the queue never seems to end, and the scent of freshly cooked fish fills the air—yet, I can’t eat or drink until sunset. Working in a fish and chip shop is demanding at the best of times, but during Ramadan (find out more about Ramadan), it becomes an endurance test like no other. So how do we manage? And more importantly, how can workplaces better support fasting employees?

Having worked in different environments, I know how crucial it is for businesses to accommodate their fasting staff. While some struggle to make adjustments during Ramadan, at Zero Plus Fish & Chips, we’ve implemented simple yet effective changes to create a more supportive environment. With the right approach, any fish and chip shop can ensure that fasting employees feel valued and respected during this holy month.

The Heat, the Hustle, and the Hunger: Fasting in a Fast-Paced Kitchen

A busy fish and chip shop doesn’t slow down for anyone. We’re constantly on our feet, lifting heavy baskets, frying food, and handling a steady stream of customers. The heat from the fryers adds another layer of difficulty, making dehydration a real concern. Not being able to drink water throughout a long shift requires serious willpower, especially during those final hours before Iftar (find out more about Iftar).

Another major challenge is the Iftar rush—the period just before sunset when customers flood in to grab their evening meals. For fasting employees, this means working at full speed while hunger and thirst are at their peak. Some workplaces don’t allow staff to break their fast on time, forcing them to wait until their shift ends. This makes Ramadan unnecessarily exhausting.

 What is Ramadan and Iftar? 

Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, a time of fasting, prayer, and reflection for Muslims around the world. We don’t eat or drink anything from sunrise to sunset—not even water. It’s about self-discipline, gratitude, and strengthening our connection to faith. We break our fast at sunset with Iftar, traditionally starting with dates and water, followed by a proper meal. It’s a moment of relief and reward after a long day, shared with family and friends, or even a quiet break at work.

But at Zero Plus Fish & Chips, we’ve found ways to ease these challenges and ensure that fasting staff feel supported. Here’s how we do it—and how other shops can follow suit.

1. Allowing Iftar Breaks on Time

One of the simplest yet most impactful changes a shop can make is allowing fasting employees to take a short break at Iftar. At Zero Plus, we ensure that staff can step away at sunset—even for a few minutes—to have a date and drink water before returning to work. This small adjustment boosts energy levels and helps workers feel valued.

2. Rotating Shift Patterns to Ease the Load

We try to adjust shift times so that fasting employees aren’t always working the most demanding hours. We schedule Muslim staff for earlier or slightly shorter evening shifts where possible. This prevents them from having to push through the busiest periods while fasting. Other shops should consider offering similar flexibility.

3. A Simple Iftar Setup in the Staff Area

A small gesture goes a long way. At Zero Plus, we keep a stash of dates, water, and fruit juice in the staff area so that fasting employees can break their fast easily. Some shops expect workers to wait until their shift ends, but providing small snacks makes a world of difference.

4. A Culture of Understanding and Support

One of the best things about Zero Plus is the teamwork. Non-Muslim colleagues help when needed, covering small tasks during those last tough minutes before Iftar. This creates a strong sense of support and inclusivity. Workplaces encourage staff to look out for each other, which will always foster a better environment.

5. Encouraging Hydration and Rest

Even though we can’t drink during fasting hours, we remind employees to hydrate well before their shift and encourage them to rest briefly when possible. Other fish and chip shops should do the same—remind fasting employees to pace themselves and drink plenty of water before starting work.

More Than Just a Job: The Reward of Fasting at Work

Despite the difficulties, fasting while working in a fish and chip shop is an experience filled with personal growth. It teaches patience, resilience, and gratitude. The moment of breaking fast at work—when you finally take that first sip of water and bite into a date—feels incredibly rewarding.

At Zero Plus Fish & Chips, we believe that no one should have to struggle through Ramadan at work. With small adjustments and a supportive team, any shop can create an environment where fasting employees feel respected and valued.

Ramadan is about community—and that sense of togetherness should extend to the workplace. If you run a fish and chip shop, consider how you can make Ramadan easier for your team. A little effort goes a long way.

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