British Fish-and-chips Concept Announces Launch of Franchise Program

go brit! fish + chips® is a popular Delaware-based limited-item restaurant that is now offering franchise opportunities to the eastern portion of the U.S. The novel eatery features British comfort food in a Euro-style décor.

go brit! boasts a menu typical of authentic “chippies” (otherwise known as fish-and-chips shops), which are popular in the UK, and is a unique, high-quality departure from the growing and highly competitive list of American fast casual restaurants that concentrate on more typical burgers, pizzas, Mexican offerings, subs and salads. The concept takes to the mainstream the quintessential English takeaway meal, making it arguably the first franchisor to offer fish-and-chips in a fast casual format. Unlike quick-service restaurants, fast casual is defined by a high-quality limited menu offering in a self-service format with higher-end ambiance.

To launch its franchise program, go brit! is partnering with FranPoint Partners, a franchise development firm in Maryland with extensive experience in the fast casual segment. FranPoint Chief Executive Officer Richard J. Sharoff will also serve as the firm’s executive vice president of franchising.

“The go brit! franchise fills a culinary niche in the fast casual segment. We believe that we can parlay the success of the ‘better burger’ segment by taking a menu item popular in the casual dining and ‘pub grub’ segments and offering a better product in this limited-service format,” says Sharoff.

Alison Blyth, chief executive officer of the go brit! franchise company, is a highly successful British restaurateur and a Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, resident. She created this fast casual concept from her full-service go fish! restaurant in Rehoboth, which she started more than 12 years ago.

In 2012, she opened the first go brit! model in nearby Lewes, Delaware, complete with an interior décor that pays tribute to iconic London buildings, and even has front doors replicated from British phone booths.

Blyth knew how to win over the locals, tourists and even tough restaurant critics by leveraging both the quality of her menu and her genuine UK branding, which resonates with the public. Blyth is a Brit through and through, and can trace her British ancestry back more than 500 years!

“People in the U.S. have really embraced all things British, and that includes British cuisine,” says Blyth. “We provide this British favorite prepared the right way, using all the right ingredients. Most people who try it become regular customers.”

The go brit! model was designed to be simple to operate with a limited menu. Sharoff says the management team is experienced and passionate about the franchise.

“It’s just a brilliant opportunity,” he adds.