Restaurant Spotlight: Kingfish
Hospitality Restaurants celebrates 30 years in Northeast Ohio. With eight award-winning restaurants stretching between Westlake to Hudson, suburban Akron to downtown Cleveland, the “HR” team now marches into its fourth decade of providing an upscale dining experience to its loyal patrons. Company founders and lifelong best friends, Kay Ameen and George Schindler, made short work of deciding how to best commemorate the organizations’ success. Says Schindler, “We are so grateful for the support that the communities we serve have given us over the years. As we humbly look back on our success, we wanted to do something especially meaningful and knew that there was no better way to celebrate than to give back.” That said, January’s 30th Anniversary celebration will be highlighted by the company donating $1,000 for 30 days to 30 charities.
A 20 foot-tall metallic sailfish sculpture sits high atop the hill in Copley looking down on the crossroads of I-77 and Route 18 marking the waters that Kingfish calls home. Opening to rave reviews in 2016, we were named Best Seafood Restaurant by Akron Life Magazine, an award we have received every year since. Southern flair influences the kitchen’s extensive menu of fresh seafood and thick hand cut steaks. The best Happy Hour in the area features craft cocktails and Blue Point Oysters, which are shucked at a furious pace each afternoon. The sultry coastal décor, with warm accent lighting and custom artwork make Kingfish the perfect destination for business meetings, special occasions or just a relaxing night out with someone special.
Chris Maloy, General Manager
Chris Maloy, General Manager
General Manager, Chris Maloy, is an industry professional who brings decades of hospitality to Akron's #1 seafood restaurant. His previous management experience ranges from the posh downtown property Metropolitan at the Nine to the high-volume experience at Shooters in the Flats. Mr. Maloy's leadership skills were evident when he joined HR and earned his chops at Blue Point Grille and Rosewood Hudson. His dedication and passion for the business makes Chris a standout and natural fit for Hospitality Restaurants. Chris is regularly found at the Kingfish front door, welcoming guests with his infectious smile.
Tony Sledge, Executive Chef
Chef Tony Sledge has been with Hospitality Restaurants for nearly 15 years, with his most recent position as Executive Chef at Kingfish. Tony has a natural knack for seafood that leaves him feeling inspired by his work. His favorite part about working at Kingfish is the style and flair that can be expressed in the daily and weekly specials. Tony describes the tone of his food as having a heavy New Orleans influence with ties to classic fine French cuisine. He loves being able to hone in on such unique roots of flavor and technique, and convey them in a way that guests can enjoy.