A Floating Dream Takes Shape
Floating gently on the Fraser River in Steveston lies a local gem, Pajo’s Fish & Chips. Known for its exceptional quality, Pajo’s has been serving up delicious fish and chips across three locations in the Lower Mainland. Their menu features Ocean Wise-certified fish, burgers, tacos, and bottomless fries made from locally grown potatoes.
The story began in 1984, when Patricia (Pat) Branch stood on the docks of Victoria’s Inner Harbour, gazing at the newly opened floating Barb’s Fish & Chips. Inspired, she envisioned bringing a similar concept to Steveston, where her husband, a fisherman, kept his boat.
However, bringing a floating restaurant to life wasn’t easy. Pat faced layers of red tape, from fisheries regulations to city bylaws, none of which had ever considered a floating restaurant. Undeterred, she wrote letters, made calls, and persisted until finally, the Department of Fisheries gave her a one-year lease. That was all she needed.
40 Years of Serving the Community
Pat had no experience running a restaurant, but she had passion. Recipes were developed around the kitchen table, tested by friends and family, and refined into beloved staples. In 1985, Pajo’s Fish & Chips officially opened on the docks of Steveston Harbour, serving up mouth watering fish and chips in their signature cones.
In the ‘80s, Steveston was quiet with mostly shops catering to the fishing industry, and a strong scent of fish in the air. Pat recalls, “our view was a gravel road and the Samson IV, an old paddle wheeler, moored there for years”. Her foresight helped Pajo’s become a pioneer in Steveston’s tourism story, shaping the vibrant waterfront we see today.
Pat credits the Richmond community for embracing Pajo’s and helping it grow beyond that first one-year lease. Today, her daughter Cindy Plumb leads the business with the same spirit. “Success to me is honouring the legacy my mom started,” Cindy says.
Cindy also credits their team, many of whom are local youth, for shaping the Pajo’s experience. The team has built a training program they call The Pajo’s Way, ensuring that every guest, at every location, receives the same care and quality.
As Pajo’s celebrates its 40th anniversary this June, it remains true to its roots: proudly local, family-run, and always part of your adventure.
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