This Once-Thriving '70s Seafood Chain Is Now A Nostalgic Ohio Exclusive Worth The Midwest Trip

It's not every day a traveler visits Ohio for its fish & chips — but those who do know it's worth the trip. Arthur Treacher's Fish & Chips is a surviving chain that lives up to its once-thriving reputation. The fast food restaurant opened in Columbus in 1969 — a city that has long embraced international flavors. Then, it expanded to more than 800 stores at its peak in the '70s. Unfortunately, the franchise fell victim to the Cod Wars between Iceland and the United Kingdom — a disagreement that centered around cod fishing rights, overlapping with the establishment's first decade. It marked up the cost of the fish, making it hard for its multiple brick-and-mortars to stay in business. This, combined with increasingly strong fast food competition, resulted in store closures.

For decades, Cuyahoga Falls was the only location that remained — until 2023, when the chain revived. New owners renovated the Garfield Heights building, and in 2025, a brand new Cleveland Heights store opened. Now it's both a trip down memory lane and a comeback story worth rooting for. On a Reddit thread about the eatery's legacy, one user mentioned, "it was THE place until Long John's took over the market. My love for malt vinegar started at Arthur Treacher's." Another argued that it was better than its seafood competitor, so it's a relief that the owners are slowly reopening doors. They are exclusively in northeast Ohio, for now — but, given where it once was, a wider return feels possible.

Arthur Treacher's carries an Americana diner feel, with nods to its British roots — U.K. flags remind you exactly where its main dish, fish & chips come from. There's a drive-through outside and a walk-up counter inside, the kind of no-frills ordering experience that feels refreshingly straightforward. Even in the newer locations, the red tile along the cash register gives the space a retro atmosphere that lingers.

One Redditor mentioned that they are loyal to the chain, and even years later, it still tastes good. In fact, the long-standing Cuyahoga Falls spot has 4.4 stars on Tripadvisor, with reviewers noting, "the whole experience was originally going to just be a bit of nostalgia, but the warm, friendly people, as well as that outstanding food, will have me coming back if I'm anywhere in the general vicinity!" 

Favorite dishes include the fish & chips and hush puppies, which cost under $14. The restaurant also has family-sized portions to feed everyone at home, as well as sandwiches and sampler platters to taste a bit of everything. You can reach all three Arthur Treacher's locations in about an hour by car — and, while you're in the Cleveland area, the nearby Tremont neighborhood makes for a natural detour with walkable Victorian streets, eclectic restaurants, and local charm. For a chain that nearly disappeared, Arthur Treacher's is a must-visit on your Midwest itinerary.

Check out our feature on the 14 best regional fast-food chains serving up local flavors on your next road trip.