Bob & Ron's Fish Fry sees surge during Lent

Bob & Ron's Fish Fry has been a neighborhood joint for 60 years. People come from far and wide to enjoy the hand-cut, hand-breaded fish sandwiches: "We've had people come from Arizona. They get off the plane and the first thing they do is come here," said Manager David Wilbur.

The restaurant's good reputation has become such, that people are willing to wait in lengthy lines for a taste of the fresh catch, and at this time of year, the wait can be a little longer than usual. "People don't mind waiting half an hour for a fish fry on Fridays during Lent," Wilbur said. The seafood restaurant is about twice as busy as usual on Fridays during Lent, and three times as busy on Good Friday, he said.

That adds up to a lot of fish.


Eddie James has been a fishcutter at Bob & Ron's for 15 years. On a typical week, he cuts 200 lbs. of fish, but during Lent he cuts about 400 lbs. a week, and during Easter week, he cuts 600 lbs. That's about 1800 sandwiches served, he said, and that doesn't include all the other items that the restaurant serves, including shrimp baskets and clams.


The restaurant was owned and operated by the DeLeonardis family for over 50 years. The business was sold to the McGrath family six years ago, and they have operated the business with the same eye to detail and concern for quality. The restaurant ,which offers eat-in or take-out service, does a busy lunch for the area's stateworkers and also serves supper to a number of older neighborhood residents and young families.



Bob & Ron's Fish Fry is located at 1007 Central Avenue. 482-9747.