Ches’s fish and chips celebrates 75 years of business

Here at Chester's Fish and Chips, the fryer is up and running as they mark their 75th year in business and counting. Fish hits the fryer, day in, day out. But this is a special day for the family business. Now seeing 75 years and knowing that we have a fourth generation in the wings, it's a pretty special day just to know what our grandparents created back in the 50s and just how much it means not only to us as family but so many people across the province as well. Whatever the ingredients, it keeps them coming back. We live in Ontario now, but every time we come here we have to come to Chester's and get fish and chips. It's an institution. That's right. It would be like blasphemy not showing up here. They might not let me back in the province. It was founded by Chester Barber and it's become an institution across the Avalon Peninsula, growing to multiple locations since 1951. In a way it's kind of a homecoming. Though times have changed, some things about Chester's stay the same. The taste is still the same, the commitment to the quality of the food, you know. The business has survived challenges like the 1992 Cod moratorium and the COVID-19 pandemic. They say the secret to their success is the staff. You can't do this without those people and just building those relationships. And I think that's really been the secret to our longevity. One of those dedicated staff members has been with Chester's over 30 years and he's still proud. I don't know a lot. A lot of good Fridays, a lot of cotton peas. Still busy, even during the festivities. Oh yes, split wings for the party. For two former employees, their time working at Chester's has sparked a lifelong friendship. And been besties ever since. Yeah, right in that kitchen over there, actually. Always up to no good. Hopefully we'll be back in another 25. Yeah. 75 years of fish and chips, and they're hoping for many more, now in the hands of the next generation. Madison Taylor, CBC News, St. John's.