Celebrating 40 Years of Tradition, Flavour, and Adventure!
The journey began in 1985, a year that marked the start of a dream come true for Pajo’s founder, Patricia (Pat) Branch. With a bold vision, unrelenting determination, months of research and careful planning she opened Pajo’s in Steveston, which at the time was a sleepy little fishing village.
Pat’s life was intertwined with the sea as her husband Larry (now deceased) was a fisherman, and Pat, along with their three daughters, spent countless hours around the fishing boats, eagerly awaiting the return of Larry and the excitement of a successful haul or the challenges posed by a storm. Even in the chaos, Pat always had a spark for something more, and that spark eventually ignited the creation of Pajo’s Fish and Chips and her very own adventure.
The idea for Pajo’s unique floating restaurant concept came to life after Pat’s visit to Victoria, BC in 1984, where she discovered Barb’s Fish and Chips. Inspired by the idea of serving fresh fish in a stunning, waterside location, Pat set her course toward opening her own floating restaurant in Steveston. Together with her partner Joan (who left Pajo’s in 1991), the duo worked tirelessly to make their vision a reality. They chose the name Pajo’s by combining the first two letters of Pat and Joan’s names, Pa and Jo, symbolizing the partnership that launched the beloved brand.
The Floating Restaurant
Pajo’s at the Wharf, was the first floating restaurant in the Steveston harbour and quickly became a destination for locals and travelers alike, drawing people in with its warm hospitality and signature fish & chips. The tagline “We’re part of your adventure” became more than just words, it became the heart of the Pajo’s experience.
Now, 40 years later, Pajo’s is still proudly family-owned and operated, celebrating its reputation as an iconic institution that is “famous for fish & chips.” Since that first location in Steveston, Pajo’s has grown to include new locations, including Pajo’s Rocky Point in Port Moody, and more recently, Pajo’s expanded to the Vancouver International Airport (YVR) in the international food court, inviting travelers to start their adventure and enjoy a moment of delicious comfort during their journey.
Famously known by locals and travelers alike, Pajo’s has become more than nostalgia, it has become a symbol of quality, tradition, and the spirit of adventure. As we celebrate our 40th anniversary, we want to thank you, our loyal guests, for being part of this incredible journey. Here's to many more years of shared stories, fresh cooked fish, crispy chips and unforgettable memories.
Pajo’s prides itself in not only serving the highest quality 100% Oceanwise seafood but in the role it sees itself as a contributing member of the communities where they work and live. From 75+ people it employs in the high season to the many bursaries, charities, and community events it participates in, Pajo’s has always believed in the concept of giving back.
Over the years, someone in the family has always been at the helm (starting with Pat) of Pajo’s Fish & Chips. Currently, Cindy Plumb (me), Pat’s oldest daughter is officially CEO and President (more informally known as Captain Cindy) and David Hartono – Director of Operations work closely together to nurture and grow the family-owned business and keep the slogan “Everyone, Everywhere, Everyday” moving forward, along with both the family and business values of CHIPS:
Continuous Improvement
Having Fun
Integrity – doing the right thing when no one is looking
People First
Sustainability
It is very important to us all that EVERYONE at Pajo’s feels like they are part of a bigger family and somewhere that they themselves BELONG. Everyone, Everywhere, Everyday!