From left: Dan Horan, CEO Papaya King; Yanelly Molina, Paralegal, UMEZ;

 Jonathan Hatcher, Fishers of Men; Arleen Hatcher, Fishers of Men; Hope Knight,

 Executive Director, BRISC; Valerie Dent, Associate General Counsel, UMEZ; and

 Ellingston Clark, Senior Loan Officer, BRISC

For Immediate Release:                                Contact:

February 12, 2008                                         Charles Walker

                                                                      (212) 410-0030 x234

FISHERS OF MEN II REELS IN BRISC LOAN

            New York, NY - Around the world and certainly in Harlem, fish and chips have become a favorite traditional combination food.  That’s why the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone’s (UMEZ) Business Resource and Investment Services Center (BRISC) was pleased to award the outstanding Fishers of Men II a $150,000 loan to purchase its lease and for working capital. 

Fishers of Men II offers fried whiting and other fish, with french-fries and other typical soul food sides and deserts, including collard greens, macaroni and cheese, and cakes for desert.  But the batter recipe is unique; all Fishers of Men restaurants use the Famous Fish recipe.  As most fish & chips style restaurants in Harlem have their respective recipes, the Famous Fish recipe is well known and associated with the 145^th street Famous Fish location.  It is now available in central Harlem with the two Fishers of Men restaurants.  Additionally though, Fishers of Men II sells hot dogs and a few other items associated with the Papaya King menu that was in the space prior to Fishers of Men II.  These items will remain on the menu after the purchase of the lease and independence from Papaya King. 

Hope Knight, Acting Executive Director of BRISC, in making the loan award announcement said, “We are pleased to award this loan to Fishers of Men II as we feel that the restaurant’s unique batter recipe and distinguished branding will contribute to Fishers of Men II’s ability to compete in the fast food business in its location.”

Arlene and Jonathan Hatcher, owners of Fishers of Men, said, “This loan will enable us to expand upon and continue the tradition of providing delectable fish and chips, as well as other seafood items such as shrimp, to our many old and new customers.”

ABOUT BRISC

BRISC offers start-up and/or expansion loans to qualified businesses in Upper Manhattan.  Loans are from $50,000 to $250,000 in size, with a competitive fixed rate, a maximum seven year maturity and there isn’t a job creation requirement.  Additionally, BRISC technical assistance programs are available to ensure the sustainability, profitability and growth of small businesses in the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone. Technical assistance includes consulting services, workshops, seminars and access to a large “how-to” library.  

ABOUT FISHERS OF MEN

The initial Fishers of Men I restaurant opened at the corner of 130th street and Madison Avenue in 2004.  Of note is that the Fishers of Men fish & chips style recipe is the same recipe of Famous Fish on 145^th street and St. Nicholas Avenue.  The name Fishers of Men is derived from a biblical verse in Mark 1:17 where Jesus said to his disciples “come follow me and I will make you Fishers of Men.”