Regulars who were heartbroken by the closing of Mum’s Fish & Chips can rejoice as the local Acton institution is reopening.
The shop’s closure in September was only meant to be temporary, allowing management to rejig its offerings and better serve its customers.
There are some changes to the menu, however, customers can rest assured that their favourites are still available. Much-beloved owner Rose Gordon is not going anywhere either, so her secret touch will remain intact.
“Most of [the customers] were asking, ‘Is Rose still going to be there? Is it new owners?’” said manager Amanda Macphail. “The reason why it's such a staple is because of her. She is an amazing woman.”
While her reputation as a cook is second to none in Acton, the people are equally drawn in for Gordon's hospitality. Macphail describes her as “very loving and kind-hearted.”
“She’s just so social and she just got to know her customers. She can tell you customers by name, she can tell you their orders off the top of her head. You can tell her your name and she will say, ‘OK, no problem,’ and she knows your order right away.”
The Mum’s main staple of fish and chips is going to stay the same. Customers will still be able to catch a haddock and halibut. Cod has been taken off the menu, however. Macphail says many customers have been wondering on social media about whether the batter will change. They need not worry as she assures the community “that will remain the same.”
But with the inclusion of newly-hired chef Deb Hyatt, the old favourites are accompanied by some popular Jamaican dishes like oxtail, jerk chicken and curry chicken.
Sides and appetizers like mushy peas, battered pickles, battered mushrooms and poutine, among others, round out the dining experience. And there's a soup of the day to help wash it all down.
The business had to close in the early fall in order to retool its marketing strategy. The customer growth just wasn’t there. In comes Amanda Macphail, who was brought on to sell their offerings further and wider.
She plans to add new items to the menu in 2025 and would like to expand the business by doing local events in the community.
“We're hoping to maybe cater to some Christmas parties or larger functions like that,” Macphail said.
Mum's is also looking into a delivery service through Uber Eats or something similar.
The grand reopening is on Tuesday (Dec. 3) starting at 10 a.m. Customers have the option to pre-order their meals on the business’ website. They can also call ahead or just drop in.
