Byron Fish & Chips standards raised
by Lachlan Cornell
Inspired by almost 90 years of fishing on the Greek islands, Hunky Dory was established in 2004 as a family business with a vision to offer healthier seafood options while keeping the traditional fish and chips untainted. Now Hunky Dory have landed in Byron and fit in flawlessly to the ever-growing Northern Rivers food scene. Although the store has been open only two months the locals have already embraced them: it’s great quality with excellent service and healthy options.
The Byron store is owned by a local family, and Fiona and Tory have been amazed by the response from the locals regarding the quality of their food and service and just how many local families are returning more than once a week. Fiona said, ‘After we opened on 30 May, and started seeing the same customers coming back again and again, we were so pleased’.
By employing mostly local staff, both front and back of house, Hunky Dory keeps their finger on the pulse of the community. ‘We feel that our staff are more committed to the highest quality and excellent service when it’s their home town,’ she says. Fiona says she and her family waited a long time to find the perfect site for their restaurant and are now just happy they finally got to open their doors and get on with the job.
Although fish and chips are traditionally a takeaway food, Hunky Dory has succeeded in creating a comfortable and casual space for customers to enjoy a beer or wine with their meal. Drinking is a part of eating and, I mean who doesn’t want a beer with their fish and chips? Hunky Dory aims to cater to all by keeping their food at affordable prices and large portions, with meals made to order with lots of package deals, making it easy for regulars or those who are in a rush.
Health and indulgence dance together at Hunky Dory, as they offer both traditional fried options alongside multiple salads, rice dishes, and specials such as winter greens. Got kids? No problem. Hunky Dory provides high chairs, colouring, in and little games that Fiona knows adults secretly love too.
With the new eco-friendly Mercato on Byron having recently opened, Hunky Dory couldn’t have picked a better spot. They are located directly across the road, so they feel that they avoid having their restaurant confined to a shopping centre yet reap all the benefits of the hustle and bustle Mercato has created. Because they also offer large orders for all occasions and functions, Hunky Dory could be the key to success at your next special event. It’s fair to say that fish and chip standards in The Bay have been raised and that Hunky Dory is a welcome addition to the Shire.
Hunky Dory Fish & Chips Byron Bay. Shop 3/109 Jonson St, Byron Bay. Open daily 11am–9pm. 6680 7985.