Proto Restaurant Group News

Matron Sparsis taking part in Worthing Birdman

How could we not mention Worthing International Birdman 2009? What a weekend! Thank you to everyone who sponsored our Carry on Doctor Team – we raised almost £500 for Chestnut Tree House. You can see our sponsor page and more details if you click here. We would like to remind you that the only reason Andy did not jump was because he was not allowed to for health and safety reasons. The plan was that Andy was going to jump in with the nurses, but he was told that under no circumstances was he allowed to … So no more booing please! In fact if you booed Andy, you must pick up the phone right now and dial 01903 207123 and book at table at The Fish Factory.

The good news is that Andy is entering Birdman next year and is making a craft. Do you have any suggestions? We were thinking that with Andy’s Greek-Cypriot background, he could make some wings out of feathers and wax – just like Icarus and Daedalus. We don’t think Andy will be flying too near the sun so he should be safe!

We have just seen some wonderful photos of Birdman on David Sawyer’s website. Click here to see all the fun action.

Matron Sparis, Nurse Neeru and Nurse Vaughan

Lobster platter served in fish restaurant, sussex

Look at this beautiful new lobster platter which is a new addition to The Fish Factory menu at only £15.50. How can you resist?

Here are some fun facts about lobsters:

• Have you ever heard of a lobster march? Hundreds, or sometimes thousands of spiny lobsters form into columns and migrate en masse. This scenario is often spotted just after a storm. It is thought that the lobsters could be seeking a better food supply or warmer water. Scientists don’t know.
• Lobsters have extremely poor eyesight, but a fantastic sense of smell! They should of gone to SpecSavers!
• Believe it or not, eating lobster was once considered a mark of poverty. Lobsters were consumed by servants, slaves and prisoners. Once upon a time, in Massachusetts, servants rebelled and forced a contract stating they would not be fed lobster more than 3 times a week.
• In the early 1800s lobsters were so common that they were simply gathered from the shore by hand.   Sourced: www.thejunglestore.com

Lobster is very good for you!

• Lobster is not just delicious, it is very good for you because it has low calories, it is low in fat and low in cholesterol. Lobster is better for you than lean beef and even skinless chicken breast. Lobster is high in amino acids; potassium and magnesium; Vitamins A, B12, B6, B3 (niacin) and B2 (riboflavin); calcium and phosphorus; iron; and zinc.
• Lobster can be steamed, boiled or grilled.
• You can hypnotise a lobster before cooking him or her to reduce stress by holding its head down and rubbing it.
• Did you know that our house champagne is still only £16.50 a bottle and is delicious to drink with lobster.
• The lobster season begins on the first Monday after September and ends in April so now is the time to book to ensure you don’t miss out on this delicacy. Call 01903 207123!

Brothers in Jazz

If you have been to Food recently, you have probably listened the dulcet tones of Brothers in Jazz. Brothers in Jazz are literally brothers. Andrew Sparsis found Simon and Ollie Tappin busking in Montague street one day and asked them if they would like to play in Food.

Simon is 21 and plays the piano, Ollie is 16 and plays the base. Both Simon and Ollie are self-taught. Simon went to Chichester College to study jazz, and then he passed his expertise onto Ollie, and they formed Brothers in Jazz three years ago. Simon is now a professional travelling musician, and frequently plays in West End Produtions such as Beauty and the Beast, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and High School Musical. Recently he was Assistant Music Director in the UK production of 42nd Street.

Like the producer, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Andrew sparsis knows talent when he sees it!

Brothers in Jazz are available for weddings and parties. Just call Simon Tappin – 07742 269 380 or Food.

Who's Who of Britain's Business Elite

Who’s Who Publications PLC publish the big blue book of important British people. Inside you will find people like Alan Sugar, Richard Branson, and now Andrew Sparsis, proprietor of Proto Restaurant Group. The Who’s Who of Britain’s Business Elite 2009 for Young Business Leaders basically recognises business people of outstanding achievement, hence Andrew’s inclusion!

Here is what the book say’s about Andrew: “SPARSIS, Andreas, Mr. DOB 29/9/75, Nationality: British, Company: The Fish Factory (UK) Ltd, Position: Director, Business Field: Proto Restaurant Group: Web address: www.protorestaurantgroup.com: Other directorships: The Dinner Rooms Limited t/a Food Restaurant, Career: Developing a revolutionary cuisine and service pioneering restaurant business: Memberships: Chamber of Commerce, Worthing First; Marital status: Married; Children: 2; Personal interests: Using Mediterranean historic farming techniques to develop my organic olive farm in Cyprus; Greatest Influence: My parents whom are selfless in their devotion to their children. May they now fulfil their own ambitions; Dedication: Mr Costa Sparsis, Father”.

It won’t be long until Andrew moves from the big blue book and is presented with the big red book - This is Your Life Andrew Sparsis!

Proto Restaurant Group has been featured in Gordon Brown’s Government Magazine, Chartered Institute of Environmental Health’s Magazine called “Trainer’s Exchange”. Trainer’s Exchange is a government magazine that is distributed to all the Councils in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Proto have been selected for being committed to managing one of the best trained and committed teams in the country due to our own in-house training school for all our restaurant staff.

All courses are delivered by Chichester Safety Solutions, a CIEH-registered training centre. Louise James, the restaurant manager says: “Our staff really appreciate the training and investment we make,. Many do not have English as their first language, and they are very proud when they pass an exam and receive an nationally-accredited certificate such as the CIEH Level 2 award in Food Safety in Catering”.

Investing and training of staff is essential for a strong healthy and happy team of staff. Staff motivation is essential to make your business stand out, especially in times of economic downturn. Our staff are integral in helping Proto Restaurant Group to achieve its unique, outstanding dining experience. We are committed to staff development and to setting high standards for others to follow and this proves that it pays off.