Teagan Fong, a dynamic entrepreneur and drummer for Fiji's first all-
female band, Marama, has successfully blended her passion for music with
her thriving business, Sun Fryer. Established in 2012, Sun Fryer has emerged as the number one fish and chips shop in Fiji, renowned for its commitment to quality and community engagement.
From Humble Beginnings to Culinary Success
Sun Fryer began as a modest fish and chips shop, serving only their
famous fish and chips. Over the years, the menu expanded to include
rotisserie chicken and sausages, reflecting a keen understanding of
evolving consumer preferences.
In 2019, recognizing a shift in the fast-food market, Teagan introduced a wider range of offerings including burgers, loaded fries, and fried chicken.
This strategic evolution has allowed Sun Fryer to maintain its relevance in
a competitive fast-food market while catering to a diverse clientele from
all walks of life.
Teagan proudly states, “Sun Fryer has evolved by following the ever-changing fast-food market,” emphasizing the importance of adaptability in business. The shop’s slogan, “Frying since 2012,” encapsulates its journey and commitment to quality in the ever-changing food industry.
Community Engagement and Affordable Quality
One of Sun Fryer’s standout features is its ability to attract a vast customer base. Teagan highlights their pride in serving everyone within the community, providing quality food at affordable prices. This approach
nurtures a sense of belonging among customers and reinforces the shop’s role as a community hub. Despite facing challenges such as rising raw material costs post-COVID and competition in the fast-food sector, Teagan remains optimistic. She
notes that competition can be beneficial as it drives innovation and improvement.
Sun Fryer’s Signature Dishes is A Promise of Delight Sun Fryer’s menu boasts several signature dishes that have become local favourites:
- Fish and Chips: The cornerstone of their offerings.
- Loaded Fries: Particularly popular among younger customers.
- Burgers: Featuring six original creations, with the Supreme
Burger-a double-stacked chicken patty=as the most sought-after
burger. - Kokoda: A traditional raw-fish dish exclusively available fromWednesday to Friday.
- Shared Meals: Options like The Feast Box and The Family Box to
cater larger for groups.
Teagan employs a trial-and-error approach when deciding on menu
items, ensuring that only the most popular dishes remain available. This
method has led to the introduction of the Maoli Burger—100 percent
plant-based and sourced from a local chef known for his pure vegan
products.
Future Aspirations
Looking to the near future, Teagan aims to maintain Sun Fryer’s reputation
for consistency while exploring expansion opportunities. Plans are in place to open additional branches in Suva and potentially extend into western Fiji. She believes that “the smaller your menu is, the better you can
maintain its quality,” a principle that guides their day-to-day operations.
Empowering Women in Business
Teagan’s journey is also marked by her commitment to empowering
women in business. With an all-female team running 98% of Sun Fryer’s
operations, she takes pride in fostering an environment where women can
thrive. Her message to aspiring entrepreneurs is clear: “Just keep going. If
you start something and it doesn’t work out, try something else! It’s all
about trial-and-error.” Through hard work and dedication, Teagan Fong exemplifies how passion for food and music can coexist harmoniously. As she continues to lead Sun
Fryer into new heights while drumming for Marama, she inspires many
with her resilience and entrepreneurial spirit.
