What should I check before buying a fish and chips shop?

A fish and chips shop looks simple: a menu of a few items, a counter and a row of fryers. That simplicity hides several things that decide whether the business holds up under a new owner. Fish is a perishable product bought from a small number of suppliers, the equipment works hard all day, and the trade can swing with the weather and the calendar. Start with these checks, then add your own.

The fish supply

Ask who sells the shop its fish, how long the relationship has run and whether there is any written arrangement. Find out whether the owner buys fresh or frozen, and what happens when a supplier runs short. Ask to meet the main supplier if the seller agrees. A shop whose supply rests on one personal handshake may not carry over to you, so learn early whether the supplier will keep serving a new owner.

Fryers, oil and ventilation

Have a technician look at the fryers, the filtration and the hood and exhaust system, and ask for the service records. Ask how used oil is stored and collected, and who handles the grease trap. Poor ventilation and grease build-up are common sources of repair bills and fire concerns. Ask your insurer what it will want to see, and ask your lawyer about any inspection or licence conditions that apply to the premises.

Seasonality and location

Some shops do most of their business in a short summer season or on weekends near the water, while others rely on a steady neighbourhood crowd. Ask for monthly sales over several years, and ask what a slow month looks like. If the shop leans on tourists, ask about parking, foot traffic and the lease terms, including renewal rights. Ask your lawyer what a lease that ends soon would mean.

Reading the books

Ask for fish and potato purchases alongside sales so you can see whether the two move together. Gaps deserve a plain question to the seller, not an assumption. Your accountant can review the statements, and our guide to what to check before buying a takeout-only restaurant covers the wider list.