Rockfish is set to open three new restaurants this year after reporting a rise in profits.
The seafood restaurant group, founded by Mitch Tonks in 2010, currently operates nine Rockfish locations across the South West, along with the Seahorse restaurant in Dartmouth.
Work has begun on a 5,000 sq ft waterfront site in Salcombe, which will feature a Rockfish restaurant and a tap room by Salcombe Brewery, set to open this summer.
Last year, the group acquired Mark Hix’s Oyster & Fish House in Lyme Regis, which is set to relaunch in March, while a waterfront site in Sidmouth is scheduled to open later this year.
This expansion follows a 67% rise in Rockfish’s profits for the year ending April 2024, with group EBITDA increasing to £1.15 million.
The company secured £3 million in funding last year to support its expansion plans.
Tonks was named Restaurateur of the Year – Group at the 2022 Cateys for his work with the Rockfish portfolio.
Tonks said: “We are delighted with the progress we have made this year. Despite inflationary headwinds we have increased profitability and served more customers.”
Rockfish chairman Will Beckett said: “The strange reality of Britain’s hospitality industry is the disparity between winners and losers – to the point that some restaurants are thriving while their neighbours are struggling. I’m really proud that Rockfish restaurants are in the former group – because Mitch and his team are so focused on their customers, on incredible food, and on running a brilliant business.”
Rockfish manages its own supply chain through a seafood processing business located on the quayside in the fishing port of Brixham and operates its own fishing boat, the Rockfisher.
Its online market delivers fresh and tinned seafood to over 10,000 homes and also operates a fishmonger in Brixham.
