The Hip Hop Chip Shop have been pop-up favourites across the city for the past four years. Jonathan “Ozzie” Oswald, Luke and Holly set up the business from scratch, ploughing everything they had into it, both “financially and physically.”
The trio have made a huge success of the business, winning Best Mobile Fish & Chip Operator at the National Fish & Chip Awards 2017 and Street Food Trader Of The Year at the Manchester Food & Drink Awards 2017.
News that they are opening their first permanent restaurant this summer in Ancoats is most welcome. But opening a restaurant doesn’t come cheap, and they’re asking fans for “a little help over the finish line.”
“Traditional methods of finance and loans are only going so far,” they say. “Our business plan, profit and loss, cashflow forecasts and past successes all stack up, but a famous chef broke loads of his restaurants so lending options are limited.”
“We just want a proper nice licensed chippy restaurant with a duty to help the local community and a desire to preserve and progress the appreciation of hip-hop culture,” says Jonathan.
“Simple food, done well, catering for fish, meat, veg, vegan and gluten-free at an affordable price – with a great sound system, nice things to look at and top-notch service.”
They’re not simply asking for charity, though. As they put it, “you don’t get owt for nowt.”
People who donate will be paying for a meal in advance – and it doesn’t have to be for yourself.
A donation of £9 will buy a meal for a homeless person in need through local charity The Mustard Tree. £10 or £20 will buy a takeaway for one or two people, or from £30 you can dine in with booze.
Groups can buy dine-in hot buffet options in advance, from £150 for 10 people, or for £2000 you can get exclusive hire of the venue for 40 people with food and drinks – perfect for a big celebration or special event.
What goes around comes around, and the Hip Hop Chip Shop will be teaming up with plenty of good causes to give back to the local community, too.
They’ll be working with Foodinate to give meals to those in need, and they will continue to provide free hot meals to Manchester’s homeless people throughout the year via Not Just Soup.
The restaurant will also fundraise and organise collections for Wood Street Mission, who have been helping children and families in Manchester and Salford living in poverty since 1869.
Buying chips has never felt so good.