Augusta’s Blue Ocean Fish and Chips has been awarded the State’s second best fish and chips according to judges at the 2017 WA Seafood Industry Awards.
According to owners Dave Marshall and Linda Harris, the store was scored in secret by a team of judges who visited Augusta sometime during the competition.
“We’re not sure who they were, we heard a rumour they came back a second time which is always a good sign,” said Mr Marshall.
The duo travelled to Perth to collect the award, which they said was a “huge achievement” not only for the store and their staff, but for the community of Augusta.
“I can’t say enough how supportive the town has been, we have had people coming in to congratulate us or ask us how the competition is going even when they don’t buy anything – people in this community really care whether we do well.”
Blue Ocean also achieved third place in the People’s Choice category, behind overall winner Ocean and Paddock (Albany) and Safety Bay’s Bayside Fish & Chips.
I can’t say enough how supportive the town has been, we have had people coming in to congratulate us or ask us how the competition is going even when they don’t buy anything – people in this community really care whether we do well.
- Dave Marshall
Mr Marshall said the win was testament to the quality of seafood in the region, and the hard work put in by their staff to provide a high level of service.
“Everything is judged, not just the food. They look at service, hygiene, how we source and label our seafood, the store itself – everything needs to be top notch.
Blue Ocean was also awarded a certificate of commendation, of which only four were handed out across 13 categories.
“To achieve that commendation as well, to know we’re really standing out makes us very proud and very grateful to everyone who has helped us along the way.”
For Blue Ocean’s owners, the focus will continue to be on providing fresh local seafood to their hungry customers and loyal regulars.