One of the family owners of the Deep Sea Restaurant says he is proud to be bowing out after serving generations of Dundonians.
Courier readers rushed to pay tribute this week after we reported the famous old chipper has been sold to a new owner after 77 years in the hands of the Sterpaio family.
We sat down with Lawrence Sterpaio to hear how it feels to be passing on the business after so many years.
In the video above, he describes his pleasure at serving so many loyal customers, some of whom he first welcomed as youngsters.
“There are people who have come in as young lovers, who have got engaged, married and come in with children, and they’re now coming in with grandchildren,” he said.
Sheena Devlin was one of many who wanted to thank the family. She remembered going to the Deep Sea for tea as a girl.
“Straight chips in the Deep Sea by the bank, crinkle chips in the one across the road is one of my childhood memories!” she posted.
“Always a treat for tea before the Panto too, a tradition continued by me and my chums with the next generation too.
“The BEST white pudding suppers and peas EVER. Best wishes to the family in their retirement.”
Lizzie Haggart Bruce said: “Many happy times spent in The Deep Sea. The first place I ever ate out, I think, in the late 1960s.”
Former staff member Dianne Walker added: “I will miss the Deep Sea. My first job while still in school aged 13 till I left home at 16. Great people to work for. Wishing them all a very fulfilled retirement.”
Maggie Brown was another loyal customer, saying: “The Deep Sea is a Dundee institution and will be much missed. First went there in the 50s with my mum and dad.”
Lawrence added: “My father Bruno started the business, and he always said ‘If you give the customer something you would eat and you are happy with, then the customer will be happy and come back.
“Without the Dundee people we would never be here. It’s nice to think that for 77 years we must have done something right to keep the people coming.”
Video by David McCann