At A Fish Store Pensacola, you can find any freshwater fish you wish | New Business - Pensacola News Journal
Business partners Chris Jones and Dale Sutek took a leap of faith during the COVID pandemic, and after the successful launch of A Fish Store Pensacola, they don't regret it one minute.
Before the pandemic, the men were working at a medical company that specialized in providing non-emergency treatment and services. As the world continued to change around them, they decided it was time to take a leap of faith.
"There was that stomach-dropping, cliff-jumping moment," Jones said. "But the community support has been amazing. Everyone's been nothing but supportive."
A Fish Store, located at 3960 W. Navy Blvd., Ste 19, in Pensacola, held its official grand opening celebration on Nov. 14.
"We were hoping to find anything," Sutek said. "More and more shops are coming to West Pensacola, and we've heard from several people about how great it is to be open on this side of town. We were also looking around the airport area."
They're moving full speed ahead, with new arrivals of freshwater fish and merchandise coming to the store frequently.
"We have around 60 different species of fish from all over the world," Sutek said.
Sutek's favorite?
"I'm a Pleco nerd," Sutek said. "We have Blue Phantom Plecos, Butterfly Plecos, and Royal Plecos."
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From the exotic Tiger Barbs to Rabbit Snails, South American Needlefish, Flagtails, German Ram Cichlids, to the classic goldfish, angelfish, and clownfish, you can find just about any exotic and classic freshwater fish at A Fish Store. Whether you're a connoisseur or a beginner, you will find a fish that's ideal for you.
"Even if you work from home," Sutek said. "What better way to bring nature into the home office than with fish?"
From the moment you walk in the door, you'll be greeted by a maze of fish tanks atop handmade shelves that line the walls.
"It took two months and quite a few trips to the hardware store to make and paint the shelves in my backyard," Sutek said. "It was a labor of love."
Just how many tanks? Twenty of them, to be exact, holding 75 gallons each, totaling 1,500 gallons. According to Jones and Sutek, this is just for starters. They plan to add more over time.
While the sight of fish tanks stacked from the floor to the ceiling can be daunting, Jones and Sutek are willing to answer questions and share their extensive knowledge.
"We definitely treat it like a zoo," Jones said. "Plus, it's super fun to come in and look at all of the fish we have to offer."
A Fish Store is open Wednesday through Sunday, from noon to 6 p.m., and by appointment only on Monday and Tuesday. For more information and to view the photo gallery, visit www.afishstore.net or call 850-898-3409.
Kalyn Wolfe is a freelance columnist for the News Journal. Send new business tips to pcolanewbiz@gmail.com.
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