Last week we broke the news that Giovanni’s owner Carl Quagliata along with his chef of six years Zachary Ladner have plans to open a barbecue restaurant on the East Side. What we did not know for certain at the time was the exact location of that restaurant. 

Now we do – and it happens to be one of the longest-running restaurants in town: Fisher’s Tavern (718 SOM Center Rd., 440-473-4414).

According to Jim Linkas, his family already is in the process of selling the property to Quagliata.

“We’re just waiting for the deal to be done,” he says. “The employees know, the customers know; we’ve been very upfront with everybody.”

Linkas, his sister Christine and his parents Pat and Mary have been running the family friendly restaurant for 25 years. But that’s nothing compared to the Fisher’s, who in 1935 converted the family farmhouse into a roadside tavern. For 80 years, Fisher’s was the place to go for unfussy burgers and beers, steaks and chops, fish fries and family fun.

“I’m pretty sure it’s the longest running business in Mayfield Village, so a lot of older people are sad to see it changing,” Linkas adds. “But, you know, that’s the restaurant business now.”

Despite some very good years businesswise, especially of late, Linkas says the time was right to close this, the final chapter, on Fisher’s.

“My dad and mom are in their 80s and they’re kind of done with it, and it’s kind of too much for just one person,” he says.

Though an exact closing date has yet to be set, Linkas estimates it will be fast approaching given the amount of renovations needed to get the new restaurant ready for the planned spring opening. So consider this notice to pay your respects to the Linkases and Fisher’s Tavern, both of whom have served their community admirably for decades.

This article appears in Dec 2-8, 2015.

For 25 years, Douglas Trattner has worked as a full-time freelance writer, editor and author. His work as co-author on Michael Symon's cookbooks have earned him four New York Times Best-Selling Author honors, while his longstanding role as Scene dining editor has garnered awards of its own.

14 replies on “Fisher’s, ‘Oldest Restaurant in Mayfield,’ to Close. Next up: BBQ”

  1. Thank you to the Fishers’ family for all the wonderful times there, the food was always good and atmosphere was welcoming. Wish you all the best in retirement.

  2. I’m going to miss this restaurant, the food and service is always good and the owners are the nicest people. Happy retirement to the family. I hope the new business is just as good as Fisher’s!

  3. Thank you for many years of wonderful lunches…My husband and I were frequent patrons while he worked at Euclid industries in Mayfield…ALL THE BEST TO YOU IN YOUR RETIREMENT..

  4. Fishers will be missed, I am sure, I also worked there for a short time and they are really a wonderful family. On the other hand, I have also worked for the Quagliatas’, and they too are a wonderful family. Their experience and expertise in the restaurant business is compared to no other. With having , I believe, 4 – 5 successful restaurant, I am sure everyone will be pleasently surprised and extremely happy with the addition of another A++ restuarant owned and managed by the Quagliatas. Who knows, there may even be a special place on the menu for UNFUSSY BURGERS AND FRIES….STEAKS AND CHOPS….FISH FRIES AND FAMILY FUN…..I am sure that whetever is on the new menu will be great and we will have another FABULOUS QUAGLIATA RESTAURANT. GOOD LUCK…SHARON STAIDUHAR

  5. We grew up at 691 SOM Center, just down the road. Talk about changes! Not only our house is gone, even the driveway has been obliterated. Best Wishes for the new endeavor!!!!

  6. My grandfather’s favorite place, the place my father and I carried on the tradition. The loss of Fisher’s is heartbreaking but I have to believe the place is going into good hands.

  8. As an employee of Progressive Ins I’ve had many many good meals here over the years. Thank you for the great food, excellent customer service, and a tremendous staff. Thank you most of all for a relaxing atmosphere and a break away from work to a place more like home.

  9. Coming from another nearby family restaurant, I understand exactly where the Linkas family is at. I’ve enjoyed many a fine meal with family and friends at Fisher’s and will miss it’s homey atmosphere. Best wishes for the future and my thanks to a family that shared their hospitality!
    I look forward to the new Quagliata restaurant coming. They are good people and will be an asset to the community.
    Denise Wilkens

  10. Awwww! we will miss Fisher’s and the friendly staff. loved the atmosphere, just like a home and we enjoyed walking to Fishers from our house in Mayfield Village!! Been customers over 30 years!
    Lots of luck to the family and happy retirement!!

    Dennis and Lu Collins, Mayfield Village resident

  11. You could always count on a good meal at affordable prices. Sitting outside on their patio was one of the pleasures of the summer months. My whole family is going to miss Fishers.

  12. Thank you LInkas family for great food and wonderful memories of families getting together to celebrate in a warm and friendly setting. You made us feel like part of your family. Your dedication to quality and service will be truly missed.
    We wish your family the very best in your future endeavors. Enjoy! You all deserve it!
    Lori Weinstein, David and Daniel Sherriff

  13. Life as I know it is over – my favorite restaurant is closed!. I started working for Rockwell Automation in 1989. I was immediately sent for training on Beta Drive and the first restaurant I explored was Fishers. 27 years later, it was still my favorite restaurant in this area.

    I will never forget the peace of sitting on the deck, taking in the sun and relaxing with a Fisher’s Chicken sandwich.

    Thanks for 27 great years and enjoy your retirement!
    John LaCasella
    Rockwell Automation

  14. Going past the property is really difficult. A dumpster has been sitting in the back for months and there’s been no word on when the new restaurant will open. Makes me wonder if Quagliata pulled out of the deal or something.

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