23-year-old Stonehaven chipper owner in final of national awards
Jamie Russo took over the Redcloak Fishbar in May 2023.
A 23-year-old Stonehaven chipper owner is hoping to scoop two prizes at this year's National Fish and Chip Shop Awards.
Jamie Russo took over the Redcloak Fishbar in May after hearing it was up for grabs.
After spending nine years working in fish and chip shops - including the Redcloack Fishbar when he was at school - he jumped at the chance and the deal was done within a week.
However, whilst the fishbar owner has been busy running his own business, he's been gearing up for the finals of the National Fish and Chip Shop Awards 2024.
Jamie has been shortlisted in the final category of both 'Best Newcomer' and 'Young Fish Frier of the Year' which will be announced at a glitz and glam ceremony in London on February 28.
"Oscars of the fish and chip industry"
The 23-year-old says bringing home an award from the "Oscars of the fish and chip industry" would be a "dream".
He said: "We've been very fortunate to get to the final of both awards, we're so happy.
"I'm so chuffed with the team, they've done great to get us this far.
"The awards are a big thing in this industry, it helps to benchmark the best in the country and we're very excited to be a part of it.
"To come home with the trophies would be just incredible.
"It would be such a great achievement - not even a year open - to take home any of them awards would just be amazing."
Giving back to the community
Since opening the doors in May 2023, Jamie has handed out over 700 free meals for children during the school holidays, as well as handing out fish suppers to care homes, the RNLI and the Stonehaven Lions Club.
Jamie says everything they have achieved in the last 9 months feels "surreal".
He continued: "Obviously I started here behind this counter when I was 14-years-old and to have done a full loop, come back and have the support of the community and be able to say thank you, give back to them, it's just great.
"The awards is just the icing on the top."
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