Archive for February, 2011

Meet the team – Ben Loveland

Friday, February 25th, 2011

This months Proto Restaurant Group team member focus is on Ben Loveland, waiter at The Fish Factory, Littlehampton.

Ben Loveland

Ben Loveland

We asked Ben a few questions to find out what he’s been up to in the past and what his loves and hates of the job were:

How long have you worked at The Fish Factory?

2 years now. It’s been fantastic working with customers again. I love being closer to the customers than I have been in previous jobs, its far more rewarding.

So what did you do before working for Proto Restaurant Group then?

I was the General Manager of Pizza Express in Brighton before this job, but I really didn’t like the lack of time I got to spend with customers; that role was more about organising and managing whereas here I get to be the friendly, approachable, first port of call for customers at The Fish Factory.

Is there any part of your job you aren’t keen on?

I absolutely hate it when a customer is unhappy. It’s horrible listening to a complaint about the food, the service, or anything else as we pride ourselves on the experience at The Fish Factory and we don’t want anybody to leave unsatisfied with their meal.

What would you say the best part of your job is?

Getting to know the customers. I love talking with the customers and finding out about them; all of our customers are extremely friendly and love to have a little chat with us so it’s brilliant having that level of interaction in your day to day life.

Do you prefer the regular customers or new customers?

Both, but in different ways. The regular customers are obviously more friendly, we know them and they know us, so we get to have a nice chat and a laugh with them which is great. New customers are brilliant too though; it’s really good introducing yourself and talking somebody through what we do at The Fish Factory, what menu’s we have, our specials, our recommended dishes, etc.

What is your recommended dish for us then?

The Catfish Curry, without a doubt. I’ve always loved a good curry and this is a fantastic curry. It has such a unique blend of different flavours, simply delicious.

The Fish Factory & The Proto Restaurant Group

So there you have it, thats Ben Loveland, waiter at The Fish Factory, Littlehampton. Why not come in and meet the whole team? Call us at The Fish Factory Littlehampton on 01903 715000 or at Worthing on 01903 207123 to book a table or come and see us at Food in Worthing, call us on 01903 227780 to book a table.

Costa Oil to launch

Friday, February 18th, 2011

Proto Restaurant Group is pleased to reveal that they will be launching their new brand of oil, ‘Costa Oil’ very soon!

Proto Restaurant Group owner Andy Sparsis and his family have always been involved in producing high quality food and cuisine and over the last few years have been working hard to achieve European statorship for their land in Cyprus in order to produce ‘Costa Oil’ and as such the oil will be marketed here in the UK.

Just to whet your appetites, we have included a sneak preview of the ‘Costa Oil’ artwork.

Costa's Liquid Gold Olive Oil

Costa's Liquid Gold Olive Oil

There is some fantastic news for Proto Members; as Proto Restaurant Group are the sole distributors of ‘Costa Oil’, we are giving Proto Members an exclusive chance to try the oil before it goes on retail sale in the UK. Interested? You should be! Come visit us at either of The Fish Factory’s and Food restaurant to ask us for some more information. Keep checking back here for more information as well and you will be the first to know when ‘Costa Oil’ is available.

The Sparsis family believe the secret of the successful olive oil comes not only from the land, but from the centuries of people whom have devoted their lives to the nurturing and devotion to what they believe, and still believe in today and they wish you to enjoy this oil with your family and friends.

To enquire about ‘Costa Oil’ or to book a table at any of our restaurants please phone us on 01903 227780 (Food), 01903 207123 (The Fish Factory Worthing) or 01903 715000 (The Fish Factory Littlehampton)

Proto Restaurant Group sponsors Splash Awards 2011

Friday, February 11th, 2011

The Proto Restaurant Group are proud to be sponsoring the Splash Awards for the third year running. The awards ceremony, organised by Splash FM, will take place at the Dome Cinema on Thursday 17th March and you can now nominate who you want to win at the Splash FM website.

There are a total of 15 categories, each aimed at recognising businesses that have succeeded over the last 12 months and individuals that have gone the extra mile this year to help others.

The categories are:

  • Sporting Team
  • Sporting Star
  • Restaurant of the year
  • Pub of the year
  • Best Business
  • Best New Business
  • Best Friend
  • Top Teacher
  • Courage Award
  • Dad of the year
  • Mum of the year
  • Splash Gold Award
  • Fundraiser of the year
  • Charity of the year
  • Lifetime Achievement Award
  • The Proto Restaurant Group at the Splash Awards

    The Proto Restaurant Group at the Splash Awards

    The Proto Restaurant Group – Food Restaurant and The Fish Factory (Worthing and Littlehampton) – is extremely proud to be involved in the awards as we feel that it is right to honour and celebrate those people that go the extra mile in our community. There are many great individuals in our area and they need to be recognised.

    If you fancy having a chat with us about the awards and how you can nominate, call us on 01903 227780 (Food), 01903 207123 (The Fish Factory Worthing), 01903 715000 (The Fish Factory Littlehampton).

    The Fish Factory sponsors Carnival Queen

    Monday, February 7th, 2011
    The Fish Factory is proud to announce that they are sponsoring the Littlehampton ”Carnival Queen’ contest again this year. The event will be held on Sunday 20th March at The Fish Factory in Littlehampton – part of the Proto Restaurant Group which also brought you Food restaurant in Worthing. The Fish Factory has made a donation to the event as they feel that the young girls entering the competition are good role models and have good education and values. The Fish Factory admires their courage to walk away from the crowds and follow the right people in society.

    We thought it would be interesting to ask some questions to the event organiser, Freda Hughes in order to get a better idea of what the competition involves, and how it benefits those that enter.

    Who was last years winner, and why did they win? How did they stand out?

    Isabella Camburn won last years competition and stood out to the judges as she came across as a very confident girl, which the Judges deemed an important factor – especially when knowing that the prospective Carnival Queen would be presented to all members of the local Community and general Public, and would be able to engage in a variety of events throughout the year.

    What did Isabella get for winning?

    Isabella also won prize money of £500, Day wear and a Ball gown.

    What has Isabella been up to since winning Littlehampton’s Carnival Queen 2010?
    Since winning the Competition, Isabella has attended a variety of events, including our main event – the Littlehampton Carnival, other local carnivals, and Bonfire Night, Wheels Day, The Town Show, Winter Wonderland,  Armed Forces Day & Remembrance Sunday.  Isabella also attended Harbour Park, where she looked after under privileged and disabled children.

    Isabella Camburn - Littlehampton Carnival Queen 2010

    Isabella Camburn - Littlehampton Carnival Queen 2010

    What are the judges looking for in this years potential Carnival Queens?

    The Judges are looking for a confident girl, who can adapt to all situations, a “people person” who is not afraid to talk and integrate with members of the general Public, Local dignitaries, councillors etc. They will also be looking for someone who is smartly dressed, has an enthusiasm for Littlehampton, and has a vivacious personality.

    Have you had any entries yet?

    The Carnival Competition was launched last week, and we have had 1 entry so far, interestingly from a former Junior Carnival Queen, who is entering again as she enjoyed her year with us, over 2 years ago.  We have had many enquiries, and hope that, like all other previous years, we will be looking at aprox 10-20 entries.

    When and where will the event be held?

    The Date for the Contest is March 20th 2011 and will be held at The Fish Factory. All entrants need to send a photo into the Littlehampton Gazette, and then they will be contacted in due course buy our Carnival Queen Coordinator – Bobby Hall, to discuss the time to meet on the 20th, and a general discussion about what is involved.

    __________________________________________________

    If you would like information about the Littlehampton Carnival Queen Contest call Mrs Freda Hughes who is the President of the Littlehampton Carnival and her number is 01903 716634. Alternatively you can email Freda at fredahughes@aol.com.

    We look forward to meeting all the entrants at the competition. Good luck!

    If you wish to visit The Fish Factory contact us on 01903 207123 for Worthing and 01903 715000 for Littlehampton. Or why not visit Food, Proto Restaurant Groups other restaurant in Worthing, call us on 01903 227780 to book a table.


    © The Dinner Rooms Ltd 2009. All rights reserved | Design and development by The Brand Surgery

    The Proto Restaurant Group
    The Proto Restaurant Group
    The Fish Factory
    Proto Restaurant Group Media