OPPIES FISH & CHIPS
Background
Oppies Fish and Chips situated on Rotorua’s busy Fenton Street, is a popular takeaway choice for both locals and tourists alike. The shop employs seven staff and offers a diverse menu from authentic Chinese cuisine through to the traditional Kiwi favourite fish and chips.
Owner, Michael Huang bought Oppies Fish & Chips after spending almost 10 years working as a chef in various Chinese restaurants. In 1997, Michael decided the time was right to move on to a new project of his own which involved setting up and running his own takeaway shop.
The Chip Group™
Michael came across The Chip Group™ while researching information on how to cook chips correctly. He immediately began following The Chip Group™ Industry Standards (NZ) as he was eager to improve the nutritional profile of his chips and boost customer numbers. At the same time, he decided to enter the Best Chip Shop Competition which is run by The Chip Group™.
For two consecutive years in a row – 2008 and 2009 – Oppies was named the Waikato to Hawkes Bay regional winner of the Competition. Aside from the Competition and following The Chip Group™ Industry Standards, Michael also does the online training modules and encourages his staff to do so as well.
Recently he changed to rice bran oil which is one of the oils approved by The Chip Group™ as part of the Industry Standard Oil. He said using the Rice Bran Oil results in better quality chips and customer feedback has been positive.
He is also working towards lowering the portion sizes he serves to bring them into line with The Chip Group’s recommended size of 330g.
“I’m planning to gradually reduce my portion size from what was quite a large 400g to 330g as I am keen to comply with all the Industry Standards. It’s a process that I need to work through with my customers so that they better understand how they will benefit from it.
“The Chip Group™ Industry Standards make a lot of sense. They are very easy to understand and follow, and are a great way to improve the quality of chips. I especially like how the training is available in Chinese because it makes things a lot easier to understand, given that it is my first language”
He said the majority of chip shop owners are Chinese so it is great that The Chip Group™ has recognised this and made an effort to communicate directly with them and provide training.
The Results
Business has thrived for Oppies over the past two years which Michael believes is a result of winning the Best Chip Shop Competition and following the Industry Standards.
The increase in business at Oppies has resulted in an expansion of the kitchen and waiting area, plus the introduction of a broader selection of foods – both European and Chinese.
Michael proudly displays in store the certificates gained from completing The Chip Group’s online training.
“Customers often comment on them and are interested to know how everything works. People like the work being done by The Chip Group™ and are supportive of efforts to improve the quality of chips.”
Michael also displays the ‘Tips for Better Chips’ poster which he believes serves as a great reminder to staff and customers about the correct procedures for cooking chips according to the Industry Standards.
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