When COVID-19 forced other businesses to force shut, Sheik Nazif of Lautoka used the time to venture out to his own business.

Making use of the Government grant given for small and medium businesses, Mr Nazif opened his own restaurant, and his first business venture, Funky Fish & Chips.

Located in Saweni, Funky Fish & Chips opened in September last year, at the onset of COVID-19 pandemic.

However, Mr Nazif said because of some setbacks, the restaurant closed down and marked its reopening on Father’s Day this year.

“As one has said you have done it once, you can do it again,” said Mr Nazif.

“My 18 years of experience in the food industry, mainly the resorts and hotels prompted me to open my restaurant.

“The opening was marked with Father’s Day and I thought it would be great to open the restaurant on Sunday as many people would be celebrating Father’s Day.”

He said the pandemic had presented challenges to many businesses.

“Since we reopened, we have created jobs for our three employees.”

Mr Nazif remained confident his restaurant would stay viable despite the global pandemic.

“The restaurant is located at the heart of Saweni near the University of Fiji Saweni campus.

“There are also a number of locals and international students who live or frequent the area,” he explained.

He encouraged fellow Fijians to get vaccinated as soon as possible so that normalcy could be achieved quickly.

Although its name suggests Funky Fish & Chips solely thrives on a typical fish and chips serve, it cannot be far from the truth.

The restaurant also offers Chinese cuisine such as chop suey, fried rice, chili chicken and more.

It also has an attractive hot beverages menu.

Funky Fish & Chips is open seven days a week from 9 am to 7 pm for takeout’s only.

Feedback: shreya.kumar@fijisun.com.fj