Tucked away on a quiet, waterfront section of Middle Spunk Lake in Avon is Fisher’s Club, a charming bar and restaurant with 90 years of history. They got their start for their delicious, fresh walleye dinners and to this day any of their walleye meals are incredible. The breading recipe is a family secret and has been kept that way (yes, they still stick to this recipe from 1932). As Sally Fisher once said, “the only thing that changes around here are the light bulbs.”
George “Showboat” Fisher had just retired in 1932 from ten years of major and minor league baseball, playing for the Washington Senators and the St. Louis Cardinals. He was 33, loved hunting and fishing, and didn’t want to get tied down with a year-round job so he opened Fisher’s Club on the northeast shore of Middle Spunk Lake. The dance floor by the jukebox was added in 1937, and the sale of cold beer and playing of slot machines made the summer-only bar a popular place. He eventually added the dining room and porch, and he and his wife Flo passed the establishment on to their son George Jr. and his wife Sally.
Fisher’s is now in the trusted hands of cousins Jacob and Cory Voss – who both worked at Fishers during their high school years. “We had the opportunity to work for Jr. and Sally Fisher and we really enjoyed the Fisher’s atmosphere full of history, tradition, and so many memories. After long busy nights of working at the Club, Cory and I would often talk about how great it would be to own Fisher’s someday. When Fishers came for sale, we thought it was a great opportunity to open the doors for the community and continue the rich tradition that the Fishers family built while working to add some of our own touches to the business.”
Cory and Jacob both grew up in Central MN in Avon and Upsala respectively. They both went away for college but felt pulled back to the people, places, and way of life Central MN had to offer. “This is a community that is made up of really great business owners that have a wealth of knowledge and a real passion for supporting one another. We’ve been able to build many great relationships and are really grateful to be a part of this business community.”
The bar and restaurant are seasonal – starting in May and extending through December – but they also have the option to use the space for private events year-round. “We really feel that Fishers Club is a place that provides a really unique experience. We’re proud to keep it a place where people can gather together with friends and family to share laughs, enjoy supper club food and drinks, and continue to build memories. At the forefront of it all is our team. Cory and I are so proud to be able to work with our team. The people have been and always will be the foundation that makes Fishers the place that it is.”
“We really feel lucky to be a part of this community and to be able to serve the people that live here. The support we’ve received has been great. We look forward to serving you, whether that is on our lakeside patio during our busy summer months, enjoying an evening during our extended season through November – March while hosting a family, business, or organization gathering. We are grateful for the many people who choose to dine with us for the first time and the many people we can call by name, who share their experiences, and our story with family and friends. Most importantly we hope that people continue to come to Fishers, enjoy the experience and continue to build memories with us.”
“Hidden gem” seems to be the perfect term for Fisher’s – and we want more people to be able to enjoy all they have to offer! Check out their weekly specials, events, and tasty eats this summer.
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