After 77 years, it looks like 2021 is the last hurrah for the Easterly family at Jim’s Fish Fry.
Jim’s, at 1248 Wolf St. across from the Crouse-Hinds plant, will serve its last fish on Friday, April 16. It’s listed for sale as a “turnkey” restaurant operation.
The family announced the closing today on Facebook.
It has been run by the Easterly family since 1944. That likely makes it the oldest specialty fish fry — certainly the oldest in one family — in the immediate Syracuse area. It was one of the places that made haddock a Central New York tradition, especially on Fridays in Lent.
Fred and Rosalie Easterly founded the restaurant during World War II. It was operated for many years by their son, Jim. They named the business for him while he was serving in the Navy during the war. Jim died in 2019.
The most recent operator has been Jim’s son, Bill Easterly. He’s ready to retire, according to his brother Fred, who runs The Locker Room bar not far away on Hiawatha Boulevard.
“We are very sorry to announce that we are closing our doors at the end of business on April 16, 2021,” the Facebook post said. “These are tough times and this was a tough decision. We wish to sincerely thank you for your patronage and loyalty. We appreciate all the kind words, laughs and smiles that have made serving you a pleasure and a privilege. We have made many fish sandwiches and met many wonderful people. Thank you for all the great memories. Please stay safe and God Bless. The Easterly family.”
In the most recent syracuse.com guide to the best fish fry places in Central New York, writer Charlie Miller noted: “Jim’s uses a lighter breading — largely cracker meal — that shows off haddock’s silver skin. The breading adheres to the meat, while the fish itself is tender and juicy. Is there anything more you require in your fish dinner? Nope.”
It also served scallops, chowder and other seafood, and was known for its fresh-cut, twice-fried fries.
And it had its own song on the jukebox: “Jim’s Fish Fry” by Onondaga Nation blues band Corn-Bred.
NAI Bridgeway Commercial has the building, property and business listed for $350,000. The current restaurant building, which dates to 1963, is 4,600-square feet with some additional acreage available for redevelopment.
In a 2019 syracuse.com interview, Bill Easterly was asked the secret to having a restaurant stay open and successful for so long.
“It’s challenging,” he said. “You try to put out a good product at a good price. That’s about all the words of wisdom I have.”
Jim's Fish Fry, 1248 Wolf St., is for sale after 77 years of operation by the Easterly family.Don Cazentre
More Central New York restaurant and dining news:
New vendor takes over restaurant, concessions at Green Lakes State Park
First Look: A new ice cream store in Camillus with a menu created by kids
Cicero sandwich shop, a ‘human eatery,’ to close this month
A ‘California Tex-Mex’ restaurant is coming soon to downtown Syracuse
Covid closed one of CNY’s oldest bars. A hometown restaurant group is giving it new life
Don Cazentre writes for NYup.com, syracuse.com and The Post-Standard. Reach him at dcazentre@nyup.com, or follow him at NYup.com, on Twitter or Facebook.
The Link LonkApril 07, 2021 at 06:15AM
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After 77 years in one family, Syracuse’s oldest fish fry is closing - syracuse.com
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