Keep it in the Family! Pajo’s family culture wins through
T
he brainchild of Patricia (Pat) Branch, Pajo’s Fish & Chips first set sail in 1985 and has been owned and operated by her family since. But the definition of family-owned extends much further than her daughter, Cindy Plumb, now acting as President and CEO. Family is also the culture at Pajo’s. It’s more than a restaurant, it’s a community staple in all four of their locations. And to them, everyone is an integral part of their business and their lives. “As a seasonal business, it’s hard to find and maintain a team that comes back year after year,” said Plumb. “That’s why we’ve created a ‘family’ culture.” Something Pajo’s is known for many years. When you walk into a Pajo’s you know it’s not just a business. It’s a family. We sat down with Plumb (aka Captain Cindy), to find out how her family’s oceanfront restaurants have weathered every storm in the last 35 years. What’s one interesting thing about yourself? I took over this position in 2015 for a variety of reasons but get truly excited when I look back at how far I have come, how much I have learned, and even more
36
Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • August 2021
exciting what is still yet to come through the process development of Traction and Lean Principles! What was the inspiration behind Pajo’s? My mom, Pat, is the original inspiration behind Pajo’s. My father was a fisherman, so my mom was frequently around the docks and boats. My mom also never sits still and has a true entrepreneurial spirit, so when she saw Barb’s Fish & Chips at the Inner Harbour in Victoria, she knew it was something she wanted to try in Steveston and jumped right in, and the rest is history. Why did you create this business specifically? Why didn’t you settle for working for an established shop? As noted above, Pat had always had an entrepreneurial spirit and she has been quoted as saying, “once you have had the satisfaction and excitement of working for yourself, there is no turning back!” It’s been a year since COVID-19, how’s it been going for you Pajo’s has an amazing team of employees. When COVID-19 hit there was so much concern about what was going to happen. But everyone rallied and did what was necessary to put safety protocols in place and be the best that
Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • August 2021
36
