With 28 years in the business 1 Fish 2 Fish manager Sophocles Mantazaridis has the know-how to get the freshest seafood on his customers’ plates.
‘Soph’ has been putting that knowledge to work at the Bell Park seafood shop, which has been operating for four months.
“Everyone knows me in this industry,” he said.
“I do the buying; we cut out the middleman and pass the savings onto the customer.”
Already the store is getting rave reviews, Soph said.
“I always knew there was a need for another shop in Geelong,” he said.
“People have come in for the first time, they’re trying the product and coming back to give us very good feedback.
“I know where to get the best. There’s plenty of experience in terms of sourcing. You pick and choose the best quality with local fishermen.”
Soph makes his way to the Footscray fish markets each week for the freshest seafood straight from Bass Strait and Australia’s other top fishing spots.
“It’s about being there bright and early to get the best fish,” he said.
“The relationship I’ve got with the wholesalers there – they know that I’m after good quality all the time.”
Soph guarantees the quality of everything in the shop’s window.
“That’s where we distinguish ourselves – on quality, affordability and the freshness,” he said.
“We’re something new and exciting. Come in, give us a go.”
1 Fish 2 Fish owner Michael Batarilo has farmed and smoked fish for seven years, supplying retailers Australia-wide.
The store sources fish from his family’s trout farm in Gippsland, which is one of the largest in Australia.
1 Fish 2 Fish at 35 Hughes Street, Bell Park, is open from 8am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, and 8am to 12.30pm Saturday.
