Chip, chip, hooray! Third win in a row for Walsall chip shop
A chip shop in Walsall has been voted the best in the area – for the third year running.
Aldridge Chippy 2, on Salters Road, claimed top prize in the Express & Star's Chip Shop of the Year competition.
Chippies were rated by the number of tokens handed in by readers, while there was also a mystery shopper element which saw the takeaway taste tested.
Manager Tryfonas Papettas said: "All the customers help us and we're really pleased about the win.
"We're really pleased and nothing has changed with the quality of service – it's still high.
"We would like to say a big thank you and we're grateful for the customers' support.
"We try to always go for the best quality products and it's a constant battle to give the customer always the best.
"We make sure everything is the same – customers can expect that all the time and there's no changes.
"It's really nice to win and we're very happy about it.
"We're going to carry on."
Tryfon, known as Triv, said the chip shop aimed to win it next year – but said it would be difficult.
He said: "You never know – there's always somebody new but we can only try our best."
The manager, who has been at the shop for nine years, said no plans had been made over what to do to celebrate the win, adding: "We're going to try and do something with the staff and take them out, but we haven't got any plans yet.
"We're very happy but it doesn't mean we're going to stop – we will carry on and do the best we can.
"The important thing is the customers – they're very happy with the win.
"They're very grateful that we've won it."
The chippy offers a wide variety of classic meals and holds a five-star food and hygiene award, long with a quality and proprietor.
Mr Papettas, who comes from Sutton Coldfield, said the focus of the chip shop was to provide high quality food at a reasonable price.
Family-run business Pearl's Fish Bar, Milton Street, Palfrey, finished as a runner-up.
Owner Shamim Ahmed said he was "very happy" to come second.
He said: "I'm very happy with it. I would like to thank the local community and all of the staff – which are qualified in food safety.
"We do some healthy options for the customers as well and we love to be a part of the company as a long-serving chip shop in the area.
"It gives me a sense of pride and that's why they voted for us.
"I've been here a long time – about 20 years now."
Mr Ahmed said customers like visiting the chip shop because of the food, service and to discuss local issues.
"It's a family-run business and we live in the area.
"The customers come in and we chat about local issues and we're doing litter-picking in the area because we want to keep it clean.
"That's why I think people like us – and we provide a great service and great food.
"Staff always are very keen to provide a nice service to the customers and also spend some time and money for their training as well.
"The fish and healthy eating food and fresh fish and chips.
"They are very popular and it's mainly the quality of the food."
Broadway Chippy, Hawes Close, finished third in the competition.
