Business name: Pacific Northwest Best Fish.
Owner: Kelly Beckwith.
Address: 24415 N.E. 10th Ave., Ridgefield.
What the business does: Pacific N.W. Best Fish is a retail fish market and café that specializes in fresh fish from all over the country. The market has high-quality seafood from here locally and as far as the East Coast, Hawaii and South America. Owner Kelly Beckwith said he smokes all their fish using all-natural tactics, no preservatives or artificial colors and alder wood. The retail market also carries wine, beer, cheese, bread and a variety of marinades and dry rubs. PNWB processes and smokes the catch of local fishermen.
How has the economy affected your business: Beckwith said the economy has affected his business as it has most other people’s. The cost of goods have risen, making it hard to produce items for the store and keep prices regulated. He will continue to provide high-quality seafood and try not to increase prices.
Greatest challenge: Beckwith said it is balancing the cost of goods vs. retail price, avoiding layoffs and marketing the business on a shoestring budget. He said he will not change his philosophy of quality and customer service always coming first.
What’s ahead: In the next six to eight months, Beckwith plans to join with East Fork Cellars, the winery next door to his business, to provide a meeting place, with catering service, for businesses to host special events. Beckwith also plans to be involved with wine-tastings once a month featuring live music with vendors and cooking demos.
