The Real Reason You Don't See Arthur Treacher's Around Anymore

You may immediately picture Long John Silver's when you think of fast-food seafood these days, but at one time, another chain was competing to dominate the field: Arthur Treacher's. Named for an actor who famously played valets and butlers, the chain specialized in British-style fish and chips.
At the peak of its popularity, the chain had hundreds of locations and had endorsements from big-name celebrities. Now, only one location remains. What led to the precipitous downfall of this fish-focused chain? Believe it or not, there are wars involved. This is the real reason you don't see Arthur Treacher's around anymore.
#Seafood #FastFood #Restaurants
Fish and chips in America | 0:00
Ed Sullivan and Bob Hope | 1:12
The Cod Wars | 1:59
Mrs. Paul's tried to help | 2:50
Nathan's saved the day | 3:35
Only one location left | 4:23
Read Full Article: www.mashed.com...

[@SirKnight1096]

My grandfather and I used to get fish & chips with Malt Vinegar at Arthur Treacher's in Toledo. It was one of our ways of bonding before he passed when I was 7. He was from Redruth, Cornwall.

[@davidnicholas7624]

I don't know why I feel compelled to reply but, my great grandfather came from Redruth 125 years ago. I paid my way through trade school working at an Arthur Treacher's in Denver, and I grew up in Detroit, thinking that Toledo was "down south". Hmm, it looks so silly when I write it down. Think I'll go console myself with a pasty.

[@boogitybear2283]

@@davidnicholas7624Toledo is pretty much “Lil Detroit”. 😂

[@sallylewis5332]

I grew up in Ohio in the 70’s and a lunch stop at Arthur Treacher’s was a real treat for me. I LOVED the batter dipped, deep fried hot dog on a stick, which I drenched in ketchup. 😳 As I got older, the crispy fish was my choice. I’ve tried duplicating that fish and came close with a beer batter, then deep frying it canola oil. Close, but not the same. There’s a closed Arthur Treacher’s in the city I live in now and the Mexican restaurant that took over the old building kept the original AT sign, just replacing the panels. I doubt many people recognize the shape of that sign, but I do!

[@stever7157]

Those hot dogs were called crunch pups and were much better than a regular corn dog. I also liked the hush puppies. Growing up in Connecticut going to one of the few in the area was a treat.

[@suzanneburns6130]

I loved their fish and chips! I was always fishing as I grew up, nearly every day. But as good as my father's recipe was, (and he never revealed it to me), I always looked forward to Arthur Treacher's fish & chips. There was just no other fish I liked more.

[@slaughterhound8793]

There was a wig shop on the north side of Memphis that was in an old Arthur Treacher's, and used the old sign with new panels in it. Not sure if it is still there, I haven't been to that part of Memphis in many years.

[@MashedFood]

Have you ever eaten at Arthur Treacher's? What was your impression of it?

[@theodorabruin4601]

The best because it was true English style...yum! Would love the recipe. Anyone out there that worked at one have it?

[@rubiks6]

In a word? ... Yummy.

[@redpyramid1914]

I can't effectively give a proper opinion on the subject, because I haven't heard of it. NGL

[@michaelb.4377]

Yep, I grew up in the town where the last one left is located. My grandmother and I used to go there every Sunday for lunch. The fish and hush puppies were fantastic! Lemon luvs were great, too. Much better than Long John Silvers. This place deserves a revival.

[@TheJjrjr125]

Waaaay back when I was like 10. Long johns and captain d's don't even compare. Wish they were still around.

[@hyfy-tr2jy]

This was by far the best fish fast food ever. Captain D's and Long John Silvers won the dividends of Arthur Treacher's amazing brand

[@renae9365]

And they are not as good! I have to go to Red Robin to get good fish and chips. Not as good though.

[@ladydeanna3775]

Captain D’s is gross. I tried it once when I lived in Alabama.

[@the_gilded_age_phoenix8717]

@@ladydeanna3775 I went there once and it was just a greasy mess. All I tasted was oil.

[@bkm2797]

Always wondered what happened, I thought they had the best type of batter, and the fish was moist and delicious. Definitely didn't know Cod wars went that far back, interesting. Thank you for the upload.

[@Semiam1]

Lent is almost here. Time to get my Walleye gorging going on up here in the Upper Midwest.

[@geraldrauch1701]

walleyes rule!!! cheers from oswego, NY!!!

[@bobwaldron420]

I loved Aurther Treachers Fish. They cooked everything fresh, so you had to wait a few minutes. It was so worth the wait!

[@tonydemasi9253]

The last one left is actually in Cuyahoga Falls, corner of State Road and Sackett Avenue.

[@anastasiarene3130]

LOVED it! Wish they’d bring it back!

[@get2dachoppa249]

Sheepshead Bay location, Brooklyn, NY in the late 70s was a special treat because it took almost an hour to get there on the B44 bus.

[@philanderphillips2309]

B46 in my hood!!

[@jimm3756]

I think they would beat Long John Silvers anytime. Really good fish.

[@williamarnold1304]

Loved this place. I think there is one in the Cleveland area. I remember eating the chicken/fish combo plater. Twenty years ago, there was one in downtown Cleveland. I used go to that one once a month.

[@rogeroran2911]

The one in Cleveland suburb of Garfield Heights closed last year. It was one of the last ones. There’s 6 left now. I think 1 in Ohio, rest are in New York and New Jersey.

[@Lawomenshoops]

@@rogeroran2911 Is an Akron in the Cleveland area?

[@rogeroran2911]

@@Lawomenshoops 30-40 minutes away

[@jeffcharles9344]

The only remaining standalone Treacher's now is in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, in the Akron area. Very tasty fish, chips, and hush puppies.

[@ladydeanna3775]

I went to the one in Youngstown

[@beverlyrobb3055]

The last Arthur Treacher’s is still going strong just a mile or so from my home. I loved sprinkling malt vinegar on my fish and chips, and still do today. The batter dip is deliciously crunchy.

[@ddll1957]

We had one in Flint Michigan in the 60’s when I was a kid, and my mom never ate there. I love the sign a wish to try it…by the time I was old enough to try it, it closed.

[@kmo3811]

I heard the 2nd and last Long John Silvers just burned on Linden Rd. in Flint a couple of days ago. We lost the Pierson Rd. location a few years back. Sounds fishy to me they both burned. (No pun intended)

[@torianholt2752]

Apparently Cuyahoga Falls has the last one in the Midwest 🙍

[@renae9365]

I loved Arthur Treachers fish and chips. Sooo good!!! With the malt vinegar…yum!

[@kimberlypatton9634]

Malt vinegar is perfect on batter dipped fried fish.. AT's blew LJS's out of the water, but we still have LJS's in my W. Tx town and it's not bad either.

[@maryallen3781]

Damn good fish. Dinning there's was a pleasant memory from my youth. I really wish it could be brought back.

[@bkm2797]

We've got to stop overfishing so it can come back, really miss it.

[@patandersen4271]

I worked at an Arthur Treacher's in Ohio , the fish was great the Hush Puppies were my FAVORITE they were crunchy outside and fluffy moist, and well seasoned on the inside.

[@williammashinski6510]

Loved Arthur Treacher’s. Miss it.

[@moderateswag69]

The last one was 5 minutes away from me,my grandparents loved that place although I never seen a person under 50 go in

[@lesbratton]

Loved Arthur Treacher's, plus didn't hurt that BFF's brother worked there. Got a lot of free dinners. Their malt vinegar made the perfect condiment.

[@suzanneburns6130]

That was our favorite restaurant! We were heartbroken 💔 when they closed in Batavia, NY. 😭

[@wellingtonmoore321]

Hello 👋there How are you doing?

[@nobodyspecial4702]

5 in Rochester. Enjoy

[@soozeelaw5057]

💗My Mom loved A.T.!!! 💗 Good memories.. 😊

[@monicdavis6150]

The best fast food 🐟 I was upset when it was gone.

[@spaceace1006]

I miss my Arthur Treachers!!!

[@sachaput]

Growing up in CT we had one of these places less than a mile away. It was replaced by a Dairy Queen.

[@landonbenford8369]

Nice mini-documentary. Soothing narrator's voice. And I'll watch again for the music.😊

[@robertmasina7388]

0:23 A number of miles from my home there was an Arthur Teacher's in Chicago, it was on 64th and Kedzie, for those who are familiar with the city.

[@gmoney3228]

I really miss Arthur Treachers

[@unclebud7577]

Salvatore's Pizza around Rochester, NY lists 5 of their locations as carrying Arthur Treachers

[@johnowens4205]

I don't care for fish , but the chicken and chips with hush-puppies were my favorite with the salad 😋 I miss the good old days and their food ☹

[@ps_nyisgone]

I also loved the chicken in that same batter with chips. That was a very long time ago but I still remember that chicken and how popular Arthur Treachers was back then in the 70s, Queens NY. My mom loved the fish and chips. great portions, taste, and memories. Today the food doesn't taste good but back then everything tasted fresh and real.

[@johnowens4205]

Yes , Arthur's was about three blocks from my house in Amityville on Long Island.. dam I'm old LOL

[@fixpacifica]

Arthur Treacher at the time was mostly known for being Merv Griffin's sidekick on The Merv Griffin Show. I grew up in Columbus and remember going to Arthur Treacher's. I didn't like it very much, but I was never a big fish guy.

[@rubywatson1144]

So enjoyed this place! I can still remember going there! Would so like to have this again!

[@theodorabruin4601]

This place was great...closest authentic fish n chips from my Australia. Want them back or would love to have the recipe.

[@iac4357]

Gosh I loved the fish from the Arthur Treacher's that was in Garfield Hts, Ohio. He closed last summer, not due to lack of Business; but because it was "too hot & couldn't get help" !!

[@storytimewithunclebill1998]

Never heard of it. Makes me want to try it now. Was fun to watch. Great video

[@georgeappleby6868]

There's an Arthur Teachers in Cuyahoga Falls Ohio by Akron. It's as good as ever

[@oldchickenlady]

Best fish and chips ever!!!

[@judibickford5306]

In my New Jersey hometown we had an Arthur Treacher's. My Mummy and I used to frequent it until the switch that the video mentioned. She took a bite of the fish and said to me, "It tastes like fish from the bay. We're not coming here anymore".

[@euclideszoto997]

Well that must be Bridgewater because I've been their and it tasted great to me.

[@markellison1707]

I liked the Seafood Galley! Captains platter consisted of Shrimp, Scallops, Claims, Fish and fries! They also had Fried Mushrooms, and Oniin Rings as additional sides. They went out of business in the late "70's"

[@HairHoFla]

Mariott's Long Johnn Silver started about the time AT's caught on(I liked Arthur T's and Im from N. Virginia) and dominated the market with their billion dollar empire

[@Richaag]

I was just a kid in 70’s and my mom & grandma would go there every Friday… and drag me along. Looking back, given all the choices they had in the western New York area for “Fish Fry Friday”, it’s hard to believe this was the place they always wanted to go to. I barely remember it, but it must’ve been something special to them.

[@torianholt2752]

Interesting...like big communal fish fry dinners they have in Wisconsin and sh*t?

[@nicktaylor2657]

I remember eating at Nathan's in the Bellagio in Las Vegas I did have the fish and chips But that was almost 15 years ago

[@gmanpee65]

There is a Nathan's at the New York, New York but l never noticed the 🐟 & 🍟

[@raiderkwood]

I live 10 min from the last one left and drive by it everyday, but they don't promote that it is the last one standing, it would surely help with business if they did

[@roberthill7007]

There was one down the street from us in Detroit. Was a treat to us kids in the early 70s

[@bh2155]

I am from Detroit and I remember the Arthur Treacher's on Fenkel Avenue this was in the eighties and nineties? Which location did you go too?

[@thomasjordan3241]

I just ate at the Cuyahoga Falls location in 7/24 when passing through the Akron area. It was just sold to a developer who re-opened the Garfield Heights location recently so now there are two locations, both in Northern Ohio. This chain may yet make a comeback which is good because the fish & chips are still better than fish & chips at the other current U.S. chains. I know there is a lot of good will around this brand with the generations who remember it - so that may help in this developer's attempt to revive Arthur Treacher's Fish and Chips. Best of luck.

[@bigmada]

I remember there was one close to me in the late 80s. I don't remember much, but I remember Hush Puppies.

[@OofusTwillip]

Arthur Treacher was the Constable, in the movie "Mary Poppins".

[@phatgirl2121]

I loved this place too hush puppies and fish and chips they used have one here in DC

[@yurikagarin6393]

I live in Akron and I went to Arthur Treacher's for the first time just last Friday. The food there is amazing!

[@gmanpee65]

It was a treat to do take out at the Arthur Treacher's in Franklin Township (Somerset), NJ.

[@kimberlypatton9634]

We had an Arthur Treachers' restaurant in Homestead, Fla growing up in the 70's.. it was so great! The last time my mother sister and I (and our daughters) ate at one was in December of 1999 when we visited her in Pa.

[@the_gilded_age_phoenix8717]

Kinda curious how Homestead was back in the 70's. I lived there in the early 00s and it was kinda rough. Still reeling from Hurricane Andrew.

[@kheff46]

I'm going tomorrow!

[@hobsonp67]

As a Brit I have yet to have proper British Chippy Chips anywhere. Here they are made from scratch on the premises in a proper chippy. However the 'frozen' chip is the norm in so many other places as it is in other countries. In Australia even fish & chip restaurants use frozen chips. If you are ever in the UK and want 'real' fish & chips avoid anywhere other than a proper chippy. Even better are fish and chips at the seaside - it must be the sea air that makes them taste so much better! In return to my American friends I will (hopefully) be on a Canada & New England cruise from Boston next year and I am looking forward to trying some of the traditional Boston & NE seafood. The Union Oyster Bar is on my list as is a real Lobster Roll in Maine.

[@johnsciara9418]

Arthur Treacher played the constable at the end of the movie Mary Poppins

[@fourthgirl]

H. Salt Fish & Chips was the west coast favorite for me!

[@jons.6216]

In California in the 1970s it was H. Salt Esquire for us!

[@EricFeldmann]

i worked as a store manager at an Arthur teacher's fish and chips in clearwater Florida from 1990 to 1995, it was in a mall food court.

[@lilitharam44]

Would love to try them, never had them in my area, Memphis. I think it's interesting that a fish restaurant started out in a landlocked state! Oh well, looks good!

[@bkm2797]

The batter was definitely Not All purpose, almost had a sheen to it once fried, like a rice flour or maybe tapioca flour, texture and crispness was like no other...too bad they are gone in Northern California as well.

[@debralorenzen2637]

Loved this fish Was 1 of my first jobs when I turned 16

[@MathumaTao]

I cooked at 1 in the 1970s Wisconsin. Excellent food but what I really miss was Kathy and Mary Jo

[@ericraymond3615]

I grew up in Akron still live here just ate there yesterday love everything about that place

[@frankrizzo4460]

We still have them in Florida but their in a combination with Miami subs.

[@exilemike]

I'm going to make the drive up there from Indiana, I loved Arthur Treachers,the best fish around.

[@John-1984]

I loved the one we had in Lancaster, Ohio. It closed about 10 years ago. It lasted a lot longer than the Long John Silvers that used to be here though.

[@Jd-zk8zl]

I miss that place. Best fish and chips around. Just like Red Barn and Burger Cheff.

[@CptBlackbeardlives]

We ate there once, terrible food. Never went back, not surprised Long John Silvers prospered while Treachers faded.

[@dustintravis8791]

I remember they had deep fried chicken that, as an 8 year old boy, was to die for. I didn't like fish at that age so that's why I went with the chicken. I can still remember the perfectly crunchy breading haha.

[@jackcle4544]

I loved the fries, drenched in vinegar and tartar sauce, grew up 6 blocks from AT.

[@pinkydogbear]

I miss them

[@dorothygale5896]

On Fridays there are probably many store delis and cafes that have a fried fish and shrimp assortment, all pretty good. Just check around..

[@ladydeanna3775]

Mahoning Ave location. Their food was so good. I grew up on it.

[@denniskloss7351]

The "brothers" really loved this stuff.

[@alananderson8619]

I don't believe I ever even saw an Arthur Treacher's. I grew up in Tacoma, Wa in the seventies. If there ever was one in Tacoma I can't say. Sorry I missed out, I bet it was excellent. Might have to hop aboard a plane and head to Ohio. :)

[@flybyairplane3528]

MASHED,HI, WAS ARTHUR TREACHERS ALSO ON THE MERV GRIFFIN SHOW? BeforevtheFISH & CHIPS ? The last one I saw some time was on BELLVIEW AVE IN NO ARLINGTON ,NJ.🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@jayshelton2765]

It's the best‼️

[@maxt707]

Arthur Treacher's was the bomb for real. Food authentic and delicious 😋 Wish still had that instead of dried hockey pucks soylent green.

[@bh2155]

Arthur treacher's was great it too bad that the stand alone location are not around anymore. I use to love their fish and chips. However my favorite thing was their fried lemon luv pies😋

[@suralos]

You need to do a story on H Salt, sometime.

[@mikewrasman5103]

Bob Hope was NOT born in Cleveland! He was born in the U.K. His family moved to Cleveland when he was little!

[@JeffreyWLaRue]

Arthur Treacher Was Also Mervyn Griffin's Announcer On The Mervyn Griffin Show!!!!!

[@bobrox70]

Loved the video but the last Arthur Treacher’s isn’t in Akron, it’s in the neighboring town of Cuyahoga Falls, Oh (my hometown). You might not have been able to pronounce it, it’s Ki-uh-ho-guh Falls. Thanks for the history lesson!

[@dawnreed7332]

Omg I loved their fish sandwiches please come back !!

[@derekcolvin9944]

Unfortunately we didn't have Arthur Treacher's here in Southeast Texas but we did have a restaurant called "H. Salt Fish and Chips" which I understood to be very authentic. Also in the Houston area we had a fish and chips place called "First Mate" which was more of a competitor to Long John Silver's. There is a Captain D's in beautiful Porter, Texas which is northeast of Houston

[@marzsit9833]

h salt was more authentic than arthur treacher's, h salt used real british-made cooking ranges like the ones used in uk chip shops and used north atlantic cod only.

[@paul16451]

I live right near an H. Salt, but it's honestly mediocre. Best fish and chips I've had is an independently owned family restaurant called Cook's seafood, and I still drive there for meals even though it is 25 miles away from me.

[@Olivia_Girl123]

I loved the fish and chips at Arthur Treacher’s

[@lindabahlmann9442]

Used to work in a store in Western Hills, Cincinnati!

[@wellingtonmoore321]

Hello 👋there How are you doing?

[@danielthewlis2109]

I Loved this restraunt and There Fish and chips since my childhood here in Danbury Ct was There Restraunt

[@whbjr.6400]

This is a very old memory for me

[@bonemaplegaming9324]

As an American, I can’t handle fries being referred to as “chips”. Although now that I think about it, fries is a pretty dumb name for those also. But still, fries.

[@mjh7879]

It's in Cuyahoga Falls Ohio, Not Akron.

[@Emlizardo]

If it comes from the True Foods LLC co-franchiser label, I know it's good!

[@annecollins1741]

I never heard of Arthur Treacher.. Was it like Long John Silver's restaurants?

[@theodorabruin4601]

No...flavor can't even compare! If you've never tasted true British fish n chips, you'll never know this true wonderful flavor. Hoping to go to UK and visit my friends and get some real fish n' chips.

[@phatgirl2121]

Yes

[@zipakna]

similar in offerings but the flavor was Way Better at Arthur Treachers back in the day long ago. several had still existed in early 2000's in Virginia but they substituted a lot and you could tell employees stopped caring, resulting in them being called " 'Awful Creatures' Restaurant"

[@bkm2797]

So funny, I had lousy fish and chips in London, actually I had lousy food everywhere in London,lol. It was back in 91', hopefully it's better.

[@JeffHokie]

there are 2 around new york

[@petersurdo4984]

In it's time and place it was a good eat. Who knows if it would go today?

[@nadinejohnson2189]

🕊️ Classic Fish 🐟 and Chips 🍟

[@thekeith-donovanexperience]

A legend

[@Shawn666Hellion]

Didn't it become seafood Bay later on?

[@user-fy3kd9qf2m]

I have always enjoyed this restraunt

[@angelicsoulz]

I went inside an Arthur Treachers by Livingston & Alum Creek one time years ago. Place smelled like rotted meat and I got the hell outta there.

[@nextphase5854]

Hushpuppies.....MMMMMMMMMM

[@brianmoody2549]

the food was great,but know it’s back.and great again.