In 1970, Alan Rhodes, a good old Yorkshire gentleman, had a vision that he wanted to create a Company that would serve the best Yorkshire fish and chips in the South East of England. He opened the doors to his first shop in Isleworth just two weeks before decimalisation in 1971.
In his endeavour to make Superfish a success, he worked over 100 hours a week, seven days a week. Eating out was a bit of a novelty in the 1970’s so Alan thought he would encourage people to venture out for fish and chips and opened a small, basic restaurant alongside the take-away. It proved very successful.
The Company started with a capital of £4000 to help in the fitting out of the shop. By the early 1980’s, Alan had opened another seven branches. Thames Ditton 1972, Cheam Village 1973, East Molesey 1974, Morden 1977, Tolworth 1978, Ewell 1981 and Wimbledon 1982.
During the 80’s, eating out became increasingly popular. We continued to innovate by ousting the formica topped tables, stools and plastic salt and pepper pots. In came the wine list, table covers, desserts and a wider choice of fish. West Byfleet was added in 1986 with Jane’s Upstairs opening later that year on the first floor.
Jane’s Upstairs brought a new concept to fish and chips. Fully carpeted and air conditioned, it serves starters, home-made desserts and a choice of fried or grilled fish. A unit in Bournemouth was added in 1988 but later sold in the 1990’s so that we could concentrate on our restaurants in Surrey. During the 1980 decade, we were affected by a large number of redevelopments forcing our Isleworth, Thames Ditton and Wimbledon shops to close down. In the 90’s the baton was passed to Alan’s children Sally, Michael, Jane and Nigel who still run it today.
Ashtead opened in 1992 and Walton on Thames in 2000. Once again, we were subject to redevelopments in Walton and Tolworth although we have managed to relocate in Tolworth. We now have grills in all branches giving customers a choice. We have a fantastic, loyal team of staff who have grown with the business and really do care. We have been recognised for our quality throughout the years by Egon Ronay, Jonathon Meades and have been finalists in the Fish and Chip Shop of the Year Competition. Throughout the decades and the innovations, there is one thing that has remained the same – the finest quality Yorkshire fish and chips.