And the new owners of a cafe going into the former Harry's Fish Shop building are planning on continuing the tradition of good food at the North Albury shopping strip.

Couple Faizal and Mosabbiha Ghanee, who originally hail from South Africa, are hoping to open Mates Cafe this weekend after a complete renovation of the old fish and chip shop building.

Mates Cafe will serve a selection of fish and chips, flamed grilled chicken, potatoes, a few salads, coffee and baked goodies from home.

"Everything will be home made from scratch," Mrs Ghanee said.

"We have always been involved with food preparation and involved with selling food and food businesses on a very small scale when we lived for 11 and a half years in Brunei.

"We moved to Albury in December after moving to Australia in search of a better future for our four children.

"And ever since we arrived we have only been met with well-wishes and warm hospitality.

"That is exactly what we hope to bring to Mates Cafe."

Harry's Fish Shop opened in 1958 and was run by original owner, and namesake, Harry Bakouris until 1975 when he sold the business to two Greek families.

The Harry's institution continued until late last year when the Haifa family decided to focus on their other business Jan's Cafe, just two kilometres down the road.

Mrs Ghanee said while she didn't know much about the history of their new shop, she appreciated that it was once a meeting place of many generations.

"All I know is it was a well established business that went for a number of years," she said.

"And I hope the community support us just as much.

"The landlord is very supportive and extremely helpful to go out of his way to ensure the shop is restored and looks good and welcoming.

"That was our main objective, for for it to be really welcoming and warm.

"It is a place that we hope people will meet and to share a good cup of coffee or whatever it is.

"That is why we came across the name Mates Cafe as we though it was suitable to keep in line with the Aussie culture."

The couple are hoping the complete renovation of the shop will be complete to open on Saturday.