The Ceres Podcast

In November 2018, Stelios Theocharous, the founder of Ceres | Pure Food Innovation (and someone who occasionally finds his keys on the first try), launched the Ceres Podcast. This groundbreaking platform has now become a gathering spot for like-minded co-hosts:

• Mark Petrou, Petrou Bros

• Kelly Barnes, Krispies

• David Nicolaou, Auckley Friery

• David Miller, Millers Fish & Chips

Together, they embark on insightful conversations with the movers and shakers of the Food & Hospitality industry, forming the illustrious Podsquad.

At the Ceres Podcast, we take our time. There's no rushing here - unless we're late for dinner. We're on a mission to uncover the deep-seated passions that motivate our guests, ranging from Chefs and Fish & Chip Shop Owners to Food Producers and Hoteliers, including everyone who makes the hospitality world spin.

Our discussions are as varied as the ingredients in a gourmet dish, catering to anyone with a stake or interest in the bustling world of hospitality. If you're eager to learn from the experiences and stories that shape this industry, the Ceres Podcast awaits you. Dive into our world, where learning is served with a side of laughter.

#215: Lorraine Arnold’s Bold Leap into Fish and Chips

May 3, 2025

Lorraine Arnold swapped the stage for the seafront and built one of Devon’s standout fish and chip businesses from scratch. In this episode, she joins Kelly Barnes to share the raw, unfiltered story of how she overcame financial ruin, a devastating fire, and lockdown chaos to create Pier Point Restaurant & Bar. It’s...

#214: Podsquad - From Stock Stress to Staff Success

May 3, 2025

Good Friday highs and lows, bold ideas for National Fish & Chip Day 2025, staff training truths, and a frank look at the challenges facing fish and chip shops—from spud bruising to frozen-at-sea fish supply issues. No fluff—just real operators talking shop.

Join the Ceres Whatsapp Group -> https://bit.ly/CERESWA

#213: The Story Behind BD Signs – Barry Dickman Gets Candid

Apr 25, 2025

In this episode of The Ceres Podcast, Mark Petrou sits down with Barry Dickman, founder of BD Signs, to explore the incredible journey from growing up above a chip shop to becoming one of the most influential figures in fish and chip branding. Barry shares candid stories of resilience, building a business from scratch...

#212: Why Y-Pas? The Quiet Brilliance of Brent Watson’s Y-Pas Chippy

Apr 25, 2025

In this heartwarming and brutally honest episode, Mark Petrou is joined by Brent Watson of Y-Pas Chippy in Kexborough, Barnsley. Brent shares his journey from growing up around the coal pits and pigeon lofts of Yorkshire to running one of the most beloved independent chip shops in the region.

Discover how a derelict...

#211: How Graham Kennedy Built a Mini-Empire in Durham

Apr 21, 2025

Graham Kennedy of Bells Fish & Chips joins Stelios to share his journey. They talk about resilience, community, economic pressures, and a personal loss that changed everything—packed with honesty, insight, and lessons for anyone in hospitality.