People in Paradise don’t have to look very far for locally sourced fish – a new shop that opened on Friday aims to fill that niche.
Ocean’s Delight Seafood Shop co-owner Greg Collett said it’s something he’s always wanted to do.
“My grandfather and father were into the fishery, and I guess this is sort of my way to stay in the fishery without having to move back home (to Fair Haven).”
Collett said the seafood shop is also a way to recognize the importance of the fishery, especially in his life.
“It was huge for me. Dad was a fisherman – that’s how he made his living, and put me through hockey and done all kinds of stuff with me.”
He said his father still fishes and is hoping to supply some of the fish for the shop.
Co-owner Blair King said his mother is also a retired fish plant worker, so like many people in the province, both King and Collett have a connection to the fishery even though they’ve found work in other fields – the merchant marine and contracting, respectively.
The business partners aim to fill the shop’s coolers and freezers with only local fish products – on Friday, there were lobsters, cod tongues, salt cod, mussels and more.
Supporting local businesses is at the heart of the shop.
“We feel that Newfoundlanders will appreciate it more if we keep everything local,” said Collett.
While the focus is on fish, the shelves are also stocked with Purity products, and there are racks dedicated to locally made fresh baked goods as well as a book display for local authors.
Ocean’s Delight is one of the first companies to set up in the Walter Pennell Place building at 15 McNamara Dr. in Paradise, an area of town where several new businesses have opened recently.
Also in the works for the building is a Greco Pizza and Captain Sub, plus there’s two other main floor retail spaces for rent, as well as eight office or retail spaces on the second and third floors of the building.
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