Wyoming
Wyoming-Based On The Hook Fish And Chips Empire To Expand, Sell Franchises
When Ocean Andrew started his popular On the Hook Fish and Chips food truck in Laramie, Wyoming, he had no intention of franchising the concept.
He had always expected to grow the business beyond Wyoming, but thought keeping On the Hook a corporate chain would be the way to go.
But as his territory has grown over the past 10 years with 13 trucks that operate in 17 different states, including Wyoming, Andrew said he’s realized something else — something that made him change his mind about franchising.
“Building that infrastructure, building the whole organization, is very, very difficult,” Andrew told Cowboy State Daily. “And what we’ve done so far, I think we’ve done well. But we felt that it was out of our capacity to keep doing that. It would just become more and more hard, and we were worried that the quality might suffer.”
As he thought back to what made the business fun in the beginning, it was having boots on the ground in a community, and getting to know customers well.
“That’s really what franchising does,” Andrew said. “You have people who own it really close to what’s happening and close to customers.”
So, Andrew’s company is taking the plunge to get to the next level, and will soon offer franchises in states all across America.
Right now, the franchise is only available where the company is duly registered, Andrew said, but he is pursuing registration across the United States, and eventually he envisions the company having franchises in every state from New York to Texas, California and Wyoming, and all points in between.
In the meantime, the first franchise has already been sold in Northwest Montana, and discussions are already underway for other new locations.
There will be two kinds of franchises. The main type will be a district with two trucks, with a building to park in at night and an office. The other will be more of a rural setup with just one truck.
Skipping The Summer Walmart Job
On the Hook Fish and Chips started as a way for two University of Wyoming students to avoid working at Walmart for the summer.
The original concept was simple. They were going to sell one basic thing: Andrew’s father’s fresh, line-caught Alaska cod, beer-battered with thick-cut French fries — classic fish and chips.
The concept didn’t only get them out of working at Walmart. It was such a big hit, it ultimately became the career Andrew had been dreaming of when he decided to pick the University of Wyoming to earn an energy-related degree.
“I was trying to do that so I could make good money to start a business eventually,” Andrew told Cowboy State Daily. “And that was always kind of my passion was owning a business and running something on my own.”
So, he and a college friend went into business together with a refurbished FedEx truck they bought in Denver.
As co-founder Hunter Anderson tells it, Ocean asked Anderson what he was doing for the summer. When Anderson said he’d probably work at Walmart, Andrew said he had a better idea.
Start a food truck with him, selling the wild Alaska cod his father line-catches in Alaska.
At first, Anderson refused, fearing the food truck would probably fail. But eventually he came around, and he helped Andrew taste test more than 50 recipes for what is still their signature crispy-crunchy, beer-battered fish.
Although Hunter and Anderson have continued to try different recipes, even visiting England and coastal cities to try the fish and chips there, they have yet to find a better recipe.
Their original has stood the test of time.
Nearly Over After A Day
Their first day of business was almost the last.
The truck’s propane tanks went out, and they had seriously underestimated just how many people would want to buy fish and chips from their fledgling business.
With some help from other local food trucks, they made it past the first day, barely.
Right off the bat, they decided they needed to simplify their menu if they were going to stay in business.
“We were trying to do tacos and coconut shrimp and fried shrimp and all this stuff,” Andrew recalled. “And we found out it’s a lot harder to run a kitchen than it looks.”
So, they cut the menu back to just fish and chips, all day every day.
However, now that they’re franchising, Andrew said the company is rethinking a few things. That includes the menu.
“As things are being very well run right now, I think the franchises will be able to manage doing a few more things,” he said. “So, we’re starting to add a couple of things, like we’ve just started releasing coleslaw at a few limited locations to test that, and we’re doing private-labeled sodas. We have a strawberry soda that we’re going to have on all the trucks as well. So, we’re testing a few things. We’re trying to have a bit more variety, but in a way that we can manage and not ruin the quality of anything else.”
Fresh, Line-Caught Alaska Fish
One of the things that won’t be changing is the thing that truly sets On the Hook Fish and Chips apart from all others. That’s the quality of the fish, and that’s because of how these fish are caught.
All of On the Hook’s fish are individually line-caught, and every fish is processed and flash frozen within an hour of being caught.
Nets are never, ever used. The problem with net-caught fish, Andrew told Cowboy State Daily, is that the fish often go into rigor mortis before they can be processed. In addition, the fish are subjected to more stress before dying, which affects the taste and quality of the meat.
There’s something else that makes these fish particularly special though.
The fish are caught by Ocean Andrew’s dad, Shaun Andrew, who is captain of the 187-foot Northern Leader and owner/operator of Alaskan Leader Fisheries. The ship was featured on an episode of Discovery Channel’s “Mighty Ships.”
During the episode, the crew fished right through a hurricane.
Andrew told Cowboy State Daily the show was meant to showcase the high-tech aboard modern, seafaring ships like the Northern Leader. But it also offered a glimpse into just how dangerous a job it is to catch fish for American tables.
Another television show that offers a glimpse into the seafaring life of the Northern Leader and her crew would be Discovery Channel’s “Deadliest Catch,” which follows the life of Alaskan crab fishermen. They fish some of the same waters as the Northern Leader.
Andrew told Cowboy State Daily that his parents had always talked about doing a restaurant that served fish and chips using their own line-caught Alaska cod.
“But we never did it,” he said. “So, we were sort of in the middle of when food trucks, there was just this huge upwell in popularity, and there were even people doing it in Laramie.”
That made shifting the idea into a food truck a natural.
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Devon Hay and Karsen Kling of Casper were trying out On the Hook Fish and Chips for the first time. (Dale Killingbeck, Cowboy State Daily) -
On the Hook Fish and Chips standard meal includes three pieces of fish and fries or chips with choice of sauce to go with it. (Dale Killingbeck, Cowboy State Daily) -
Laurie Fletcher of Casper said she regularly tries to seek out the On the Hook Fish and Chips truck when it is in Casper because she enjoys the food (Dale Killingbeck, Cowboy State Daily) -
Manning the On the Hook Fish and Chips food truck Tuesday in Casper were, from left, Matt Hall, Mark Hall and Sam Sherrill. (Dale Killingbeck, Cowboy State Daily)
No More All Blue Trucks
One of the other changes customers are going to notice now that the company is franchising is that the color of the trucks will change.
While they had been two layers of sky and ocean blue, now they’re going to be bright sunshine yellow over an ocean blue wave at the bottom. That will make the trucks much more visible.
The logos will be a little bit different too, to bring more focus to the brand.
But one thing that will never change, Andrew told Cowboy State Daily, is the line-caught Alaska fish that his company uses.
“We are one of (Alaskan Leader Fisheries) largest customers, but we don’t even make a dent in all the fish they catch,” he told Cowboy State Daily. “I mean, their boats are huge and there’s four of them, and they work year-round.”
That means there will always be plenty of line-caught Alaska cod to go around, no matter how big On the Hook gets.
Reaction to On the Hook’s Facebook announcement it is now offering franchises was overwhelmingly positive this week. Many of those commenting recommended their own states and towns for a franchise.
“When are you coming to Grand Forks, ND?” Kristine Stanislowski asked.
“I sure hope someone in Sioux Falls takes this great opportunity, it’s a sure thing here!!!!” Linda Olson Elhassy wrote.
“Franchise to Texarkana, Texas ….. We need a good fish and chips here!!!” Yvonne Danielle Rivers wrote.
Customers waiting in line for fish and chips in Casper on Tuesday seemed equally excited about the announcement.
“I first found them at the eclipse,” Laurie Fletcher told Cowboy State Daily. “They were so good and fresh. We try and see them when they come to town.”
Fletcher felt the food is a “cut above” what others serve.
“And they are really nice people,” she added.
Devon Hay and Karen Kling were trying the fish and chips for the first time after seeing the post on Facebook.
“It looks really good,” Hay said.
Renée Jean can be reached at renee@cowboystatedaily.com.
The Cannes Film Festival, which has been running since the 1940s, will start its 77th iteration on May 14. It has been a stalwart of cinematic achievement and exploration, highlighting momentous films and introducing audiences to up-and-coming directors.
While festivals such as Cannes garner global attention annually, the celebration of film exists in locations all around the world – sometimes in the most unlikely of places. These festivals highlight important topics and are often found in picturesque locations.
From the Finnish countryside to the historical city of Kyoto, here are some hidden gem film festivals well worth the entry ticket.
Imedghassen Film Festival in Algeria
Since 2009, Batna in Algeria has geared up annually for the gathering of filmmakers and enthusiasts at the Imedghassen International Film Festival.
Organised by the El Lemssa Cultural Cooperative, the festival is held in May and hosts filmmakers, actors and industry professionals from Africa and around the world.
The event is named in honour of the ancient Numidian mausoleum of Imedghassen, located near the city. It is known as the oldest royal tomb in the Maghreb. Through this homage, the festival pays recognition to both Berber culture’s rich heritage and the Aures region’s historical importance.
Last year, the festival screened 21 films from 20 countries for competition, with some of the top prizes going to Egypt’s Maggie Kamal for her film Microbus and Algeria’s Ismael Lakehal for Mon Destin.
This year’s event will run from May 11 to 15 and feature more than 170 film screenings, 21 of which will be in competition.
Travelling to the Imedghassen International Film Festival is a great opportunity to watch films from North Africa – with a particular spotlight on works from the host country – that may not be screened anywhere else.
Huhtamo International Film Festival in Finland
Located 160km from the capital city of Helsinki, the quiet town of Huhtamo plays host to the Huhtamo International Film Festival every July, offering a serene green paradise for cinema lovers.
While the weather can be extremely cold in the winter months, Finland enjoys clear, sunny days in the summer, perfect for days spent outside in the countryside. This festival takes advantage of the beautiful weather by hosting outdoor screenings under the stars, bringing people together for a unique cinematic experience.
Finland has a rich history of cinema, with directors such as Aki Kaurismaki, Jorn Donner and Renny Harlin producing film classics such as The Other Side of Hope, Three Scenes with Ingmar Bergman and Die Hard 2, respectively. While Helsinki also hosts an annual film festival, Huhtamo’s provides a more intimate setting and unique experience for cinephiles.
Following last year’s event, its director posted an open letter on its Facebook page condemning funding cuts for public arts, from which the festival benefits. No concrete dates are in place for the festival to take place this year, and it’s looking like the organisers are aiming to return in 2025 instead.
During the last year’s festival, an eclectic programme of films were screened, including future classics Oppenheimer and Top Gun: Maverick, as well as cult favourites such as Eraserhead.
Wyoming International Film Festival in the US
Known for being the least populated US state, Wyoming isn’t the first place that comes to mind when thinking of lively film festivals. The entire state has little more than 500,000 inhabitants, yet hundreds travel every year to the city of Sheridan to experience films together.
Beginning in 2010, the festival has grown in size and reputation over the years, becoming a must-attend event for film lovers from the surrounding states. The event is set to start on July 9 for five days of screenings, Q&As and live music.
Last year, a little-known indie film won in the Best Narrative Feature category and is one of this year’s most anticipated and well-talked-about movies – Hundreds of Beavers by Mike Cheslik is an example of what audiences can expect to see at the festival, giving it a launch pad to global recognition.
The event is also a prime opportunity to highlight the best of cinema from its native state, having set up a competition category specifically for films or filmmakers from Wyoming, or about the state.
Il Cinema Ritrovato in Italy
Bologna, Italy, is home to one of the most important and prolific film restoration labs in the world, the Cineteca di Bologna. The centre serves as both an archive to preserve old films and a place to restore them to 21st-century standards, allowing them to be screened again.
The Italian city is also home to the beloved classic film festival Il Cinema Ritrovato, which translates to found cinema. Every summer, cinephiles from around the world mark their calendars and book plane tickets and hotel rooms to enjoy newly restored films.
Bologna comes alive during the 10 summer days when the festival is on, with cinema’s greatest filmmakers and actors passing through to enjoy the festival as spectators. In the past, names like Martin Scorsese and Dario Argento have hosted screenings.
The festival is also a chance to view films screened in their original format, whether 35mm or 70mm. Audiences can experience unique screenings rarely found elsewhere.
The joy of Il Cinema Ritrovato festival comes from being surrounded by other people who share the joy and passion of cinema – not just the latest blockbusters but also the history and pillars of the art form.
Kyoto Historica International Film Festival in Japan
Japan has myriad important and entertaining film festivals. Some focus on anime or modern films, while others are major international festivals with entrants from all over the world.
In the beautiful and preserved city of Kyoto, film fans are immersed in history and culture with a festival that focuses on those themes. The Kyoto Historica International Film Festival screens movies that celebrate heritage, inviting attendees to experience work from masters such as Akira Kurosawa as well as other Japanese period classics.
The festival also highlights newer films that tell historical stories, creating a narrative through time of how cultures evolve and change on camera.
Held at the Museum of Kyoto, usually in the last week of January depending on the weather, the festival is a great chance to get fully engrossed in history in a setting that supports the feeling.
International Festival of Cinema and Common Memory in Morocco
The city of Nador in Morocco’s north-eastern region is home to the International Festival of Cinema and Common Memory.
Organised by The Centre for Common Memory of Democracy and Peace – a national advocate for human rights and universal values – the festival will return from October 5 to 11 and focus on the importance of a sustainable environment for quality living.
The festival aims to raise awareness of environmental challenges through art, notably cinema. Documentary submissions are encouraged to explore topics such as global warming, biodiversity loss and pollution, while short and feature films are invited to delve into memory, human rights and contemporary issues with innovative approaches.
With the theme The Memory of the Sky and the Ground, the festival seeks to inspire action and foster dialogue on critical environmental issues facing humanity by harnessing the power of cinema.
Film students and burgeoning filmmakers from North Africa and the rest of the world are encouraged to submit their environmental films and allow for the discussion to grow, leading to potential solutions.
Updated: May 05, 2024, 6:51 AM
Pittston Area senior Gianna Adams tossed a one-hitter striking out 14 with no walks as the Patriots downed cross-town rival Wyoming Area Warriors in a 5-inning shortened game with the Patriots taking the victory 10-0 on Saturday, April 27 at Hughestown.
Samantha Herbert had two hits at three at bats for the Patriots including scoring one run and two RBIs.
Warrior senior Maggie Hallman broke up Pittston Area pitcher Gianna Adams’ no hitter with a single down the third base line in the fifth inning.
Wyoming Area center fielder Renee Haddock catches up to Patriot Samantha Herbert fly ball to right-center for an out.
Thomas McNeil from the Luzerne County Constable Association awarded the game MVPs to Wyoming Area’s Maggie Hallman, center, and Pittston Area’s Gianna Adams at the conclusion of the game.
Boys’ prep soccer teams in Wyoming are into Week 8 of the 2024 season. This is the final week of the regular season for Class 4A teams. They continue to jockey for postseason seeds at next week’s regional tournament. Two weeks are remaining in the Class 3A regular season. Opportunities are running out for school to be among the top four from each conference to qualify for the state tournament. Only two games feature a ranked team playing another ranked team, but that could change when the new poll comes out on Wednesday.
WYOMING HIGH SCHOOL BOYS SOCCER SCHEDULE WEEK 8 2024
This is the boys’ schedule for Week 8. Schedules are subject to change.
CLASS 4A
Final Score: #3 Jackson 13 Riverton 0 (conference match)
Final Score: #4 Sheridan 2 Campbell County 0 (conference match)
CLASS 3A
Final Score: #5 Lander 2 #3 Green River 1 (conference match)
Final Score: Rawlins 3 Douglas 1 (conference match)
New WyoPreps soccer rankings are released on Wednesday.
CLASS 4A
Final Score: #3 Cheyenne Central 3 Laramie 1 (conference match) – Custis had 2 goals for the Indians.
Final Score: Cheyenne South 2 Cheyenne East 2 (conference match) – ends in a draw.
CLASS 4A
Final Score: #5 Thunder Basin 2 Campbell County 0 (conference match)
Final Score: #1 Jackson 6 Star Valley 0 (conference match)
CLASS 3A
Final Score: #5 Lander 8 Lyman 1 (conference match) – Hanson & Richards with 2 goals each.
Final Score: #2 Torrington 8 Newcastle 1 (conference match)
CLASS 4A
Final Score: #3 Cheyenne Central 4 Cheyenne South 0 (conference match)
Final Score: Star Valley 2 Riverton 1 (conference match) – Buehler with the game-winner with 19 seconds left in the match.
Final Score: #2 Kelly Walsh 9 Evanston 0 (conference match)
Final Score: Rock Springs 5 Natrona County 0 (conference match)
Final Score: #4 Sheridan 2 #5 Thunder Basin 0 (conference match)
Final Score: Cheyenne East 2 Laramie 2 (conference match) [at UW IPF]
CLASS 3A
Final Score: #3 Green River 4 Pinedale 2 (conference match)
Final Score: #4 Cody 9 Lyman 1 (conference match) – Rocky with the hat trick for the Broncs.
Final Score: Buffalo 2 Douglas 0 (conference match)
Final Score: Powell 1 Mountain View 0 (conference match)
#1 Worland at Rawlins – postponed to May 8, 2024
CLASS 4A
Final Score: Natrona County 4 Evanston 0 (conference match)
Final Score: #2 Kelly Walsh 4 Rock Springs 0 (conference match)
CLASS 3A
Final Score: #4 Cody 7 Mountain View 0 (conference match) – Gail with a hat trick for the Broncs.
Lyman at Powell (conference match) – no report!
Final Score: #2 Torrington 4 Buffalo 3 [Blazers win SO, ???] (conference match)
Rawlins at Newcastle (conference match) – no report!
Wyoming High School Sports Pics of the Week: Apr. 17-20
Wyoming High School Sports Pics of the Week: Apr. 17-20
Gallery Credit: Shannon Dutcher, Josh Eastman, Greg Wise, James Yule, Chrissy Sanchez, Adria Trembly, Tony Montoya, Libby Ngo, Treva Hurst, Upton Booster Club,
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