Passing the baton: Dave and Jen Fairless helped new owners Jamal Chkhadeim and Villa Rajamanickam on opening day and wished them well for the future.
Shepparton’s beloved fishy favourite is back, with new owners eager to step into the huge role laid out for them.
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For more than two decades, Solar Seafoods has been Shepparton’s go-to for fresh seafood.
In December last year, the original owners, husband and wife duo Jen and Dave Fairless, announced they would be closing shop and selling the business for health reasons.
As of Friday, May 3 the popular spot on Corio St has officially reopened its doors.
Jamal Chkhadeim and his close friend and business partner Villa Rajamanickam worked as farmers in the area.
When they saw the local business was up for sale, they saw an opportunity to solve a problem and knew they just had to take it.
“Every time I wanted fresh fish, I have to travel to the market,” Mr Chkhadeim said.
“The area needs (fresh seafood), and the demand is there.
“I want to connect with the local businesses and help supply them with fresh fish for the community.”
Community driven: Serving and connecting residents and local businesses is important to Solar Seafood owners Mr Chkhadeim and Mr Rajamanickam.
Mr Rajamanickam highlighted their commitment to the community and was eager to address the noticeable, fresh-seafood-shaped void in the region’s cuisine.
They announced the fish and chips section would soon make its return, with exciting additions to the menu.
It was a sad day when Mr and Mrs Fairless announced they would close the shop last year after serving the community as friendly and beloved vendors for so long.
However, the iconic husband and wife duo are optimistic about the future of the business under the new management’s hands — they could even be spotted floating around and helping out on opening day.
The husband-and-wife dream team welcomed the new owners in a Facebook post and wished them well.
“The new owners are lovely people. They will do a fantastic job in supplying the GV and surrounding area with the freshest fish, and we wish them well,” the post read.
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