Rockfish eyes expansion after profit rise

Rockfish is planning to open three new restaurants this year following a rise in profits.

The seafood restaurant group, founded by Mitch Tonks in 2010, currently runs nine Rockfish sites in the south-west and the Seahorse restaurant in Dartmouth.

It has started work on a 5,000 sq ft waterfront site in Salcombe which will house a Rockfish restaurant and a tap room by Salcombe brewery that is due to open this summer.

The group purchased Mark Hix’s Oyster and Fish house in Lyme Regis last year, which will relaunch in March, while a waterfront location in Sidmouth will open later in the year.

It comes after Rockfish saw profits rise 67% in the year ending April 2024, with group EBITDA rising to £1.15m.

The company raised £3m in funding last year to support its expansion plans.

Tonks won Restaurateur of the Year – Group at the 2022 Cateys for 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 controls its own supply chain with a seafood processing business based on the Quayside in the fishing port of Brixham and has its own fishing boat – the Rockfisher.

Its online market sells fresh and tinned seafood to over 10,000 homes and a fishmonger in Brixham.