Grantown takeaway owners feeling chipper after netting big award
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The owners of a Grantown fish and chip shop have taken away a leading award from a nationwide competition.
Speyside Fish and Chips run by Ryan McConachie and his wife Jodie netted the title of the North of Scotland's best chippy at the second Scottish Takeaway Awards 2023 held earlier this week in Glasgow.
The couple who manage the High Street takeaway along with the demands of bringing up a tot have thanked customers for their amazing support since taking the leap to run their own business.
Mr McConachie said: "We are just absolutely over the moon to win this award.
"We were so chuffed just to be nominated and placed as finalists, and it's all thanks to our amazing customers that we were and then to be told that we've won was just a very proud moment for us both.
"It has given us a real boost of confidence as a young couple who are new to business and it's so nice to know that we are doing a good job."
Mrs McConachie worked for the previous owner as a teenager where she learned the basics and more recently she took a part time position with the same employer to help out.
Her husband continued: "Unfortunately he took unwell and Jodie was taught to fry in order to help further – this then turned to full time hours and pretty much running the shop.
"Just over a year ago the shop was to be made known as available to lease or buy, and that's when we both decided to go for it together.
"We have a now nearly three-year-old daughter Mara which can make things quite challenging at times but we manage to get round it and make it work."
The couple have paid tribute to their team past and present and customers for their support.
Mr McConachnie said: "We certainly cannot take all the credit.
"We couldn't have done it without the help from all our wonderful staff past and present and our amazing customers near and far.
"We would like to thank everyone who has supported us in any way."
The Grantown chippy was up against Frankie’s Fish & Chips (Shetland); Hilton Chip Shop (Inverness); Sea Salt + Sole (Aberdeen); The Oban Fish & Chip Shop (Oban); Mr Fish (Dingwall); Mcleod’s Fish & Chips (Inverness); Dunkeld Fish Bar (Dunkeld) and Tralee Bay Fish and Chips (Oban).
The black-tie awards ceremony was held on Monday evening at the Marriot Hotel in Glasgow.
A spokesperson for the awards stated: "It was an unforgettable night, filled with incredible food, entertainment, vibrant energy, and passionate conversations.
"The 2023 winners have consistently demonstrated excellence, innovation, and dedication in their respective categories, setting the benchmark for quality and service.
"Congratulations to all the winners and nominees and thank you to everyone who participated and supported this event.”
The awards recognise those who are the real masters in their category from the best Italian and oriental takeaway to the best dessert or breakfast takeaway of the year.
More details and photos of the winners can be found here
