History

The kings building was built in 1926 and the restaurant opened in 1927. Originally called The Oceanic Fish Company and started by Tekla & Emil Dean (Croatian/ Dalmatian). In 1932 the restaurant was renamed Dean’s Restaurant. The original interior of the building consisted of wooden french doors & water running down the window to the fresh fish bar, long counter for takeaways & partitioned wall leading into the restaurant.

They worked alongside the Piccadilly Fish & Chip restaurant, on Devon Street, next to the TSB Showplace (where Tempt gift shop is now) which was started by Jack Kurta & bought by Vince Sisarich in 1920. Later taken over by his son Millen Sisarich & Son-in-law Len Cook & Lastly his son Alan (Cookie) & Jean Cook

In 1956 Deans was bought by Max & Audrey Antonovic (local builder) who renamed the restaurant Hi-Fri Seafood restaurant & fish supply. An entrepreneur in his day, travelling to America & returning with new ideas of burgers & with the “big green potato peeling machine” In 1968 Christine Antunovic won miss Taranaki & Miss new Zealand

1927 – Tekla & Emil Dean open The Oceanic in the new Kings building on Brougham Street. Renamed In 1932 to Dean’s Restaurant w/ wooden french doors & water running down the window to the fresh fish bar,

long counter for your takeaways

& partitioned wall leading into the restaurant.

Another leading restaurant The Piccadilly on Devon Street (once owned by Jack Kurta) owned by Vince Sisarich and later his son Millan, Son-in-law Len Cook & lastly Alan (Cookie) & Jean Cook

1956 – Max & Audrey Antunovic purchased & renamed HI - FRI Restaurant and Fish Supply. An entrepreneur in his day, travelling to America and returning with Burgers & with the “Big Green Potato Peeling Machine”

1968 - Max’s daughter Christine Antunovic wins Miss Taranaki & Miss New Zealand!