16/12/2021
After a total of 28 years frying and 21 year owning my own business, it’s time for me to take a rest and hand over the chip shop.
Saturday night will be my last night frying in the Great Barrier Reef and the new owners will take over on Monday.
I brought this shop after moving to England, took on the challenge at 24 to open my first ever business. With the help from my parents we were able to open The Great Barrier Reef Fish and Chip Shop. I wanted to carry on the tradition and make my parents proud and 21 year down the line I think I’ve done both my mum and dad proud.
I want to start of saying thank you to my wonderful wife for supporting me through this adventure. You’ve been my rock from start to finish and I couldn’t have done this without you. Here’s to many more memories and time together.
I want to thank my lovely children for their hard work and for giving up their free time to help me in the shop. Megan’s worked with me now for 8 years, Molly 4 years and Cameron has started this year. I’m thankful I’ve got to spend time with you all in the shop and watch you flourish into the amazing people you all are. I can’t wait to make more memories with you all and spend more quality time together. I would have been stuck without your help. I love you all lots
Thank you to my sister Debbie for all the help and hours she offered to the shop. Thank you for your hard work over the 20 years, it doesn’t go unappreciated.
Thank you to Jamie lee and Candice for your handwork over the last year. You guys have never let me down and I’m so appreciative of that and how you have adjusted in such a short and difficult period of time.
I want to thank all the past staff that have worked with me in the shop providing fish and chips to the village for over 20 years.
Last and no means least… my customers
None of this would be possible if it wasn’t for all your continuous support from 2000 till 2021. The last 21 years have been amazing and It’s safe to say that I’ve got the most amazing customers going. You’ve supported us through the highs and lows and we made a great community together. I will forever be grateful for the opportunities I’ve had in the shop and the opportunities to meet such wonderful people. I will not only miss frying food for you all but I’ll miss catching up and having a chats with you all. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you’ve enabled me to do and to provide for my family.
I want to also wish the new owners all the success and happiness I’ve had from the shop in their new adventure.
I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year🎄 Thank you again for everything. I’m closing this chapter of my life and ready to start my new adventure.
Goodbye for now, not forever
Martin xx
