Dave's Fish and Chips - 40 years in Steveston

As far as merchants go, Dave Scott may be Steveston Village's elder.

Dave's Fish and Chips on Moncton rivals few other pre 1980 establishments in the village. Budget Appliances, Marine Garage and the Steveston Hotel might come to mind of the few left standing (all with newer ownership) and the departure of many longstanding business such as Steveston Marine & Hardware and Mary's British Home.

This summer marks the 40th anniversary with his son taking over the day-to-day operations.

When Dave opened the shop at 31, he had never cooked fish and chips before, nor had he ever run a business. So he got help from his neighbour who was an accountant and crafted a business plan and took it to the bank.

Scott planned to open during the Steveston Salmon Festival. By the time they opend at 11am they had a lineup down the street, and that was it - they just kept going.

The original joint opened on Chathan Street then moved to its prestent location on Moncton in 1984.

According to Scott, the key to success is consistency. He maintained a simple menu and mushy peas with an abundance of tarter sauces as staples.

Dave is quick to express that he is not happy with the direction of Steveston, as he looks out his window looking at a 4 storey structure soon to house Save-on Foods of which seems to maximize every square inch of space to the sidewalk. "It's not quaint anymore. It's really busy. They really destroyed the BC Packers land; there was a good opportunity for a park" he states.