Fish and chip chain Deep Blue Restaurants has offloaded nine of its own-brand outlets to fund the growth of its Harry Ramsden’s brand.
Company filings show the nine sites were sold between October 2024 and May 2025, as part of its strategic disposal programme.
The money raised, along with additional shareholder backing, is being used to refurbish key Harry Ramsden’s locations including the Brighton site in May 2025, and to ramp up marketing both in the UK and abroad.
Deep Blue Restaurants’ gross profit dropped to £15.8m for the year ended 24 September 2024, and revenue fell to £22.9m.
However, the group halved its losses to £2.2m, down from a £4.4m loss the previous year, and EBITDA rose to £2.2m before impairment, share-based payments, and exceptional items.
The group also secured £5.57m debt funding between October 2024 and February 2025.
With three young children, including one with special needs, home life is as full-on as his workday: “It’s a challenge, but I’ve built a trusted team that makes it all possible.”
Stephen makes the most of his free time with his family saying: “I love taking the caravan out with my partner and kids to explore the UK.
We’ve discovered some incredible coastlines and enjoy simple pleasures, like traditional fish and chips by the seaside, which always tastes better fresh and salty from the sea air.”
Despite the brand’s increasing national presence and a string of industry awards, Hopper remains grounded in his mission to make business ownership more accessible. He’s especially proud of the impact Plan Burrito has had on its franchisees.
He said: “When someone tells me that owning a franchise has changed their life, that they finally feel in control of their future, that’s the most rewarding part of all of this.”
Reflecting on his journey, Hopper offers one piece of advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: “You don’t need experience. What you need is belief, persistence, and a lot of elbow grease.”
