Arthur “Art” Smith, the man behind Art Mel’s fast food restaurant, has died.

Mr Smith opened his business in Pembroke’s St Monica’s neighbourhood more than 20 years ago, and added a second location in St George in 2013.

His fish sandwich with raisin bread became revered on the island and beyond, winning the Best of Bermuda Award 15 times, being named “the best fried fish sandwich on Earth” by food blog MangoDiablo.com, and being described as “perfection” by the celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson.

Despite the acclaim, Mr Smith was indifferent to advertising his coveted food.

“We’ve never advertised and we were in business for 17 years before we even had a sign,” he told The Royal Gazette last year.

“When we first started out, people just complained all the time that we were located in a bad area, on St Monica’s Road, but they still came. All the tourists know where we are and the locals always come.

“The Lord has blessed me, the people have blessed me and the best advertising comes from the people.”

Dale Butler attended Central School with Mr Smith. They would later reconnect when Mr Smith worked in the canteen of St George’s Secondary School while Mr Butler was principal.

“He ran the canteen very efficiently and worked extremely hard,” Mr Butler said.

“I wasn’t surprised when he decided to open his own restaurant — he always had a great desire to be an entrepreneur — and I wasn’t surprised by the success of his business.”

Mr Butler remembered Mr Smith as “a very humble guy and very easy to talk to”, and added that the latter’s determination helped him to stand out from the crowd.

“People will remember him as the king of the fish sandwich. A lot of people out there make great fish sandwiches, but he was able to surpass them,” he said. “My condolences go to his family.”

As the Progressive Labour Party MP for Pembroke East, where Art Mel’s is based, Walter Roban said he had been a regular visitor to the establishment for years.

“I went not only to partake in the wonderful food, but I also got to know him and his family,” said Mr Roban, adding that he last saw Mr Smith a fortnight ago.

“My relationship with him was very warm and cordial, and I enjoyed speaking to him whenever I was there about the issues of the day.

“We’re all saddened by his passing; he made a great contribution through his cuisine.”