Fishcat’s celebrates one year of success off-reservation

 

Fishcat’s owner Darius White.

The St. Lawrence Centre mall has proven to be hard place for any business to survive, but Mohawk entrepreneur Darius White celebrated one year of business last week.

Fishcat’s, a short-order food counter, has a long history but was only brought off-reserve a year ago. The mall’s customers have supported Fishcat’s, enjoying their fresh cut French fries – their specialty – and fish meals.

The business originated in the early 1990s when White’s father, called Fishcat, ran a fry stand in Frogtown. He began selling his delicious fries and other chip stand food at the Frogtown International Speedway.

After Fishcat’s death, the French fry business came to a halt. White went to college and when he was settling back in Akwesasne he decided to pick up where his father left off. He purchased an old mobile chip stand (formerly Boo-Boo’s) and put it in Frogtown, enjoying immediate success.

White kept the Fishcat’s specialty as fries, but he also added a few items to the menu like fish dinners. After two years, he had the itch to run the business all year round instead of closing up at the end of summer.

He closed the chip stand and began the lengthy process of preparing to go off-reserve. White admits it was complicated and he understands why many business owners prefer to stay in Akwesasne, where taxes are non-existent and guidelines are more flexible.

However, White followed through with his goal and opened up a year ago, bringing his well-known poutine to American customers who have grown to love it.

Although he had to pull burgers and chicken from his menu so as not to take away business from existing mall eateries, White said his French fries and fish dinners have become popular. One couple comes all the way from Ottawa once a week to eat at Fishcat’s.

“I have loyal customers that come in every week,” he said. “I think it’s pretty neat.”

Fishcat’s is a booming place every Friday night when the St. Lawrence Centre Arena hosts Rock N’ Skate – a popular event for children and teens. Many Akwesasne children attend that event and flock to Fishcat’s for some familiar fries.

Akwesasne customers who might miss having Fishcat’s close by will be happy to know White is going to open up his traditional chip stand this summer. Also, customers in other regions of the state might soon have the chance to try Fishcat’s’ delicious fish and chips meals as White is hoping to expand the business to other malls in the North Country.

 

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