The Round O, named after the St. Catherine wheel window in Arbroath Abbey, has been passed down from generation to generation of the Atkinson family since 1925. Husband and wife team, Stuart and Lindsay Atkinson, took over from Stuart’s parents, Tony and Elaine, in May last year. After an incredible 55 years at the helm, I think you’ll agree that their retirement is well deserved!
Although The Round O is a relatively new venture for Stuart and Lindsay, the couple are certainly no strangers to the chippy trade. In 1988, Stuart followed in family footsteps, and purchased the North Street Chip Shop in Forfar. He later became Scottish Regional Director of the NFFF (National Federation of Fish Friers), and runs several of their initiatives in his business.
To fully comply with North Street’s gluten-free Saturdays, the staff have each completed their Coeliac UK Catering Training Course, helping customers enjoy the classic British dish, whatever their dietary requirements. Their haddock is MSC certified, meaning each fish can be traced back to the boat it was caught on!
Stuart inspires his staff to share his passion for the trade, and North Street Chip Shop employee, Becca, has entered this year’s Drywite’s Young Fish Frier of the Year competition. Stuart and Lindsay were also responsible for sending out the first ever National Fish and Chip Day cards!
Before the grand re-opening of the Round O in April, the shop underwent a three-week refurbishment and modernisation process. Not only was the décor revamped, but Stuart and Lindsay also replaced their old kitchen appliances.
Through a leasing agreement with Johnson Reed, The Round O was kitted out with new fridge and freezer units, and a Scotrange frying range- which the team were excited to use for the first time!
Through tax-efficient leasing, Stuart and Lindsay were able to enjoy great savings, and maintain their cash flow to put to use in more proactive ways in the business.
On taking over my parent’s long established Fish & Chip shop it was quickly apparent that a full refit was in order. In the past I have always used regular bank financing for projects such as this, despite a long successful track record my own bank and other high street banks were to be proved “less than helpful”. After quick look at the National Federation of Fish Friers website I contacted associate members Johnson Reed, I explained the position and my plans, Mark said it made perfect sense and more and more successful businesses are finding bank finance difficult to arrange. After a few basic checks the finance was quickly arranged for a new Scotrange frying range, a walk in freezer and other assorted fridges and freezers. Thank you Johnson Reed.
-Stuart Atkinson
The duo took over Arbroath’s Cairnie Chip Shop in June, and we’ll be on hand to help with anything should they need us!
Take a look at The Round O’s incredible transformation in the gallery below.
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