Manager retires from top Yorkshire fish and chip shop chain after 42 years
Mark Savage (left) inside the Wetherby Whaler (Image: Pic supplied)
A long-standing manager at an iconic Yorkshire fish and chip chain is retiring after 42 years.
Mark Savage began his journey with the Wetherby Whaler on January 5, 1984, initially as a favour to be “loaned out” for two nights of relief to support the management team.
Recalling why he ended up staying so long, Mark said the company was more than just a workplace.
He said: "They make me proud. That is what made it special. It’s a family. Fish and chips isn’t a job. It’s an art."
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His parents owned a fish shop in Shadwell and that connection led him to Wetherby Whaler.
Mark Savage inside the Wetherby Whaler
(Image: Pic supplied)
Mr Savage described his first day as “a bit scary,” after being shown the frying pan, told to cash up the tills at 11.30pm, handed keys and told to "crack on."
Mark Savage is retiring after 42 years at the Wetherby Whaler.
(Image: Pic supplied)
What started as a temporary stint soon became a 42-year journey, with him starting as a shift leader, he later became branch manager, general manager and finally senior manager.
He said his greatest achievement has not been climbing the ranks, but the people he has worked with.
Mr Savage trained countless team members across the branches, many of whom have become fixtures in the Wetherby Whaler family.
Mark Savage took great pride in the fish and chips at the Wetherby Whaler.
(Image: Pic supplied)
He said: "They make me proud."
His role changed over the years from keeping the team entertained during shifts to taking on bigger decisions, greater responsibility and guiding others.
Over four decades, Mr Savage amassed plenty of memorable moments.
One evening, Sir Bobby Robson visited the Wetherby branch after a football match.
Mr Savage said: "Young man, that was the best cod and chips I’ve ever eaten, thank you."
Little did Sir Bobby know—Wetherby Whaler only sells haddock.
Kevin Keegan and Peter Beardsley once came in to pick up a team order.
A young staff member excitedly greeted Mr Keegan as "Kenny Dalglish," prompting laughter all around.
Even the Krankies stopped by, though as Mr Savage joked, only one could be seen above the high counter.
When asked what made Wetherby Whaler special, Mr Savage credited the people.
Mark Savage is retiring after 42 years at the Wetherby Whaler.
(Image: Pic supplied)
He took pride in helping young team members—many of whom were experiencing their first job—develop confidence, enjoy their work and take pride in serving the public.
He also praised the senior teams in the branches and office for their dedication, knowledge and energy, saying leadership at Wetherby Whaler was always about being hands-on.
Mr Savage described himself as a perfectionist when it comes to fish and chips, which is why he stayed with the company for so long.
He said: "It’s a great place to work."
He offered special thanks to company owners Phillip and Janine Murphy for their support as well as the many loyal customers who have become friends over the years.
The Wetherby Whaler has posted on social media: "Mark’s story is one of loyalty, hard work, humour and heart.
"For 42 years, he has helped shape Wetherby Whaler from the inside out. He has trained teams, supported colleagues, served generations of customers, represented the business with pride and brought his own unmistakable personality to everything he has done.
"As he prepares for his next chapter, everyone at Wetherby Whaler would like to say a heartfelt thank you."
"Thank you, Mark, for the years, the laughs, the leadership, the standards and the memories."