Fishworks founder Tonks to open second restaurant

FishWorks founder Mitch Tonks is launching a second restaurant in the West Country next month and has plans to further expand his business, Caterersearch can reveal.

Tonks, who launched The Seahorse restaurant in Dartmouth last year after parting ways with FishWorks, is opening the Rockfish Grill and Seafood Market in Bristol together with business partner Mat Prowse on 15 May.

The 52-seat restaurant will specialise in seafood and simple grilled meat dishes, with Tonks overseeing the kitchen together with head chef Neil Roach. Front of house will be managed by Karen White.

Tonks has further plans to expand his business, with the launch of further Rockfish outlets in the West Country and told Caterer that two sites have already been earmarked.

He wants to launch a restaurant in his home town of Brixham next year which will be located in the local seafood market. It will include a restaurant and separate fishmonger section as well as a takeaway fish and chips section and a cookery school.

"This is an amazing step up from FishWorks and a reincarnation of my experience with the group," Tonks said.

"The South West Coast is the most incredible place to live and the quality of the local seafood is fantastic. These restaurants are all about making seafood accessible."

Tonks founded FishWorks in 1994 but last summer parted company with the group after stepping down from his role as director.

FishWorks collapsed into administration in January but was rescued after four restaurants were bought by Ranjit Boparan, owner of chicken processor 2 Sisters Food Group, via his investment vehicle Boparan Ventures.

Four FishWorks restaurants rescued from administration >>

FishWorks parts company with Mitch Tonks >>

Mitch Tonks unveils new Dartmouth restaurant details >>

By Kerstin Kühn

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