Restaurant group Rockfish planning to open four new sites

Seafood and restaurant group Rockfish has announced plans to open four new sites after securing £1.25m. The South West company already has eight eateries in Devon and Dorset, including award-winning restaurant The Seahorse in Dartmouth.

The business, founded by Mitch Tonks in 2007, also has two takeaways, a fishmonger and a tinned seafood range. It is already planning to open new Devon restaurants in Topsham, Salcombe and Sidmouth.

The firm secured the equity financing from the British Business Bank’s South West Investment Fund (SWIF) as part of a £3m funding round. Mr Tonks said the investment was "testament to the strength and potential" of Rockfish.

He said: "We are excited to embark on this next chapter of growth, driven by our passion for seafood and our commitment to sustainability and excellence. We are grateful for the support from the South West Investment Fund and The FSE Group and look forward to bringing our unique seafood experience to even more people."

During the pandemic, Rockfish acquired a fish procurement and processing business on the Brixham quayside - a move it said allowed it control over its supply chain and offered a "competitive and commercial" advantage.

The company is now set to execute a three-year growth plan, which includes the opening of new restaurants and expansion of its retail offerings.

Ralph Singleton, head of equity, South West at The FSE Group, added: “Rockfish is poised for an exciting phase of expansion. With a robust recovery post-Covid and a highly capable management team at the helm, this expansion will further establish Rockfish as a leader in sustainable and quality seafood dining and we are delighted to be part of this journey.”

The £200m South West Investment Fund (SWIF) provides loans from £25k to £2m, and equity investment up to £5m, to help a range of small and medium-sized businesses to start up or scale up.

The purpose of SWIF is to drive sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation and creating local opportunity for new and growing businesses across the South West.

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