New faces, familiar fare at The Manor

STRASBURG – For those unfamiliar with the business, the Manor Restaurant is located at 753 S. Wooster Ave., in Strasburg.

Many already know. The restaurant, also referred to as the Chicken Manor, has been a staple in Strasburg for years.

The Manor Restaurant now has a new owner.

Mary Case Hunter purchased the business and began a new chapter on April 1. Chase Willis owns the building. 

Mike and Ann Marie Davis have retired after operating the restaurant since 1989. They worked at the Manor for a year before purchasing the business from her parents. Ann Marie’s father, Jim Markino, 90, of Dover, and her late mother, Mary Jane, started the business in 1961. There were 11 Chicken Manor Restaurants operating in Ohio at the time and the Markino’s broke away from the franchise to start their own. In 1979 the name of the restaurant was changed to the Manor Restaurant. The Markinos also owned and operated M&M Market in Dover.

Ann Marie Davis wishes Mary Case Hunter well as she continues in her new endeavor. 

Hunter has worked 41 years in the restaurant business. She formerly opened and traveled for Red Lobster in New Philadelphia, worked at Out Back, Bone Fish Grill and On the Border Mexican Grille and was manager at several restaurants. 

“I have no plans to change the menu items, chicken and fish are the most popular.  We have added broccoli and Brussel sprouts to our vegetable selection,” Hunter said, “Ham has been added to the green beans, along with a po’boy shrimp sandwich. We will offer daily specials. Friday is still all-you-can-eat fish. I plan to incorporate some family recipes and specials. Terry Straub, a resident, cuts the pork chops and makes the ham loaf.

“We could not operate the restaurant without community support.”

Hunter said she overheard someone talking about the Manor being for sale. She called the realtor and, eight weeks later, she was the new owner. 

“I had traveled the last few years and wanted to be home,” she said. “I did think long and hard about what issues I could face, such as the supply chain, commodities and staffing. I had to think outside the box. You can make anything work.

“The Davis’s had a great foundation and many families came to the restaurant and now  years later their families come to eat.” 

Hunter’s daughters Tiffany Gerber of Millersburg is also the marketing manager for the restaurant, Sara Baker of Strasburg and Abby Martinez of Finley all have experience in the restaurant business and will help when they are able. Hunter has eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. 

Buckets of chicken and fish are still available. Carry-outs are offered and families can order and eat dinner at Franklin Park, especially with all the sports played there. The main dining room seats about 140 and the banquet room holds about 70. Private events can also be held at the restaurant. 

Currently there are about 15 employees however Hunter is seeking more employees. Brenda Fidler is the oldest employee and has been at the restaurant for over 30 years. The restaurant is open from noon to 7 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday, noon to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. The restaurant is closed on Monday.

The Manor has a Facebook page and for information call 330-878-9809.