It all started 50 years ago when Sophia and Johnny Melemenis opened the doors of Melbourne’s iconic Ripponlea Fish Supply and to this day they have been serving four generations of families fresh fish and seafood in traditional Greek style.
Grandchildren come with their grand and great-grandparents to the Glen Eira Road fishmonger for their seafood fix – even families who have moved away from the area, still travel to Ripponlea to satisfy cravings.
Well-known for his humour and endless jokes, along with his wife Sophia and son Jim, Johnny has continued to provide that special touch to the customer experience through generations of loyal locals.
"Each customer is cared for according to their tastes and specific requirements; the service is individual and unique each time, ensuring everyone leaves with a smile on their face,” says daughter-in-law Julie.
The Melemenis story begins on the island of Syros in Greece, where Johnny’s father was a fisherman in the 1930s. Everyone in the family has remained in the industry because of their love of the ocean and satisfaction of helping customers enjoy the delicacies of the sea.
So, what sets Ripponlea Fish Supply apart from other fish and chipperies around Melbourne?
Julie says every morning Johnny and Jim will head to the wholesale fish market to personally select the freshest and finest sustainable fish and seafood for the store.
"We fillet all our fish and demand the best quality from our suppliers,” Julie explains. "This is evident in the return of our customers and their families for generations. Many customers come in for guidance on how to prepare and cook meals – and of course, the entertainment behind Johnny’s humour.”
Many celebrities have been known to frequent the Ripponlea store; while Johnny and Jim are famous in their own right, actually appearing in a ‘Chantoozies’ music clip, filmed in the shop.
What’s the real secret to seafood success? Julie says it’s all about fresh quality fish and thin crispy batter!
