RALPH Mamone has lost count of how many restaurants he’s seen come and go in Byron Bay over the past 25 years. But through challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, floods and cyclones, Fishheads has continued to be a firm favourite among locals and visitors alike.<\/p>\n
Located in a prime spot at Main Beach, the popular takeaway and seafood restaurant has been a local landmark since 2000. Mamone, who previously supplied seafood to restaurants in Sydney, before deciding to make the leap into hospitality.<\/p>\n
“All I knew was fish,” he said. “It’s similar to a wax head starting a surfing company \u2013 that’s how the term Fishheads came about.”<\/p>\n
Fishheads is now the longest-established restaurant in Byron Bay under the same ownership, after Mediterranean restaurant Cypress Tree, which opened in 1997.<\/p>\n
Mamone credits the restaurant’s longevity to consistency and strong community ties \u2013 particularly the focus on looking after locals during financially challenging times like those currently being experienced.<\/p>\n
One such initiative is the locals’ night every Tuesday, where diners can enjoy $20 fish and chips or mussels\u00a0from 6pm by showing local or work ID.<\/p>\n
“It gives locals an opportunity to come in and enjoy a reasonably inexpensive meal,” he said.<\/p>\n
Another popular offer is the happy hour special, running from 5pm to 6pm, which includes half a kilo of prawns, fritto misto, or eight oysters plus two drinks from the happy hour beer or wine list \u2013 all for $35.<\/p>\n
They also have a special winter promotion, offering a five-course sharing menu for $59 per person (minimum two people).<\/p>\n
In addition to running Fishheads, Mamone manages the adjoining Byron Bay Memorial Swimming Pool, a facility operated by Byron Shire Council. He said there are exciting upgrades planned over the next few years, which keep him engaged.<\/p>\n
Mamone also expanded into Ballina in 2014, opening Wharf Bar & Restaurant and launching the monthly Wharf River Club, which features performances by local bands.<\/p>\n
Together, the two restaurants employ around 80 staff from around the globe, including team members from the UK, Chile and Nepal.<\/p>\n
Fishheads is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with the exception of Christmas Day \u2013 when staff and volunteers instead spend their time preparing meals for people in need.<\/p>\n