
Brothers run award-winning fish and chip shops amid healthy rivalry
Brothers run award-winning fish and chip shops amid healthy rivalry
- Ouday Hikary operates Hikary's Fish Bar in Neath, while Emir Hikary runs Hiks in Swansea.
- Both fish and chip shops have been listed among the top 50 takeaways in the UK for 2026.
- The brothers take pride in each other's successes and maintain a friendly business rivalry.
Story
In the United Kingdom, specifically in South Wales, two brothers, Ouday Hikary and Emir Hikary, have established a friendly competition through their successful fish and chip shops, Hikary's Fish Bar and Hiks, respectively. Both brothers' businesses have been recognized as part of the top 50 takeaways in the UK for the year 2026, as reported by Fry Magazine, a notable trade publication. Their rivalry is characterized by nightly phone calls where they check in with each other regarding sales, underscoring the strong familial bond amidst their competitive nature. Emir Hikary, aged 46, and Ouday Hikary, aged 43, have both dedicated their careers to serving quality food despite facing various challenges, including rising ingredient costs and economic pressures due to the ongoing cost of living crisis. The brothers' journey began when Emir was made redundant from his call center job, a turning point that led him to purchase a van to sell fish and chips. Initially, he operated across from Ouday’s pub in Swansea, which is a testament to their long-standing connection and support for one another. In 2010, after some time spent working together, the two brothers opened the fish and chip shop named Hiks in the building that once housed Ouday’s pub. This partnership laid the foundation for their independent ventures, as Ouday later opened Hikary's Fish Bar in Neath in 2011. This progressive expansion flourished into award recognition, with Ouday winning the Wales category of the National Fish and Chip Awards in 2016 and both brothers earning accolades in 2026. Their commitment to their businesses is evident in the family-oriented environment they foster. Ouday’s wife, Kasia, assists with administrative duties, and three of their children contribute by helping out in the shop, which creates a supportive community atmosphere. Despite the hard work, both brothers express pride in one another’s achievements and the community relations they have nurtured, emphasizing the joy they bring to their customers through their food. Recognition from colleagues, such as the Roma Fish Bar in Gorseinon, reflects the mutual support among local businesses. Overall, their story is one of resilience, community, and familial pride. As they continue to navigate challenges inherent in the takeaway industry, the brothers remain focused on their passion for serving quality fish and chips and maintaining a strong family bond.