Hook, Line, and Batter: The Sullivan’s Fish & Chips Dynasty
- kellison71
- 4 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Back in 1946, when everyone was driving Chevys and eating meatloaf, William F. “Bill” Sullivan and his brother John decided they’d rather fry fish than build car parts. Bill worked at the Chevy transmission plant on E. Genesee at the time, but he was inspired by his brother-in-law. Getting the idea from Al Bergal, a brother-in-law who had success with his restaurant, Suzy Q’s in Detroit, serving fish, chips and coleslaw as carryout, Bill thought this same concept might be just what Saginaw needed—and it was.
Together, Bill and John built the original location at 2510 E. Genesee, practically by hand, and the restaurant became a true family affair—Bill’s wife, Helen, managed the staff and the front of house, and the six Sullivan children all worked there as well (Bill Jr., Dick, Jim, Pat, Maureen & Sue). If Sullivan was your name, you were either battering fish or bussing tables.
As it turned out, Bill had a winning idea. His crispy battered fish and fries became a staple of Saginaw cuisine, and they soon expanded into other menu items as well, advertising “steaks, sandwiches, short order dinner” by 1947. The advertising utilized by Sullivan’s was also continuously clever and funny. While Bill regularly updated the restaurant building--adding cedar shakes or a brick façade, for example—a full renovation took place in 1964, including a $50k expansion along with an expanded menu.
Eventually, the whole Sullivan family sought success in the restaurant industry. Bill Jr. and his wife, Phyllis, opened Sullivan’s Fine Food on Dixie Highway in Bridgeport in 1956 (sold in 1968). Dick opened Sullivan’s West at 5235 Gratiot in 1968 (still frying!) Together, Bill Jr. and Jim built Sullivan’s North at 3475 Bay Rd. in 1973 (closed on New Year’s Eve, 1994). In 1974, Pat took over the original restaurant on Genesee (closed in 1991). A take-out restaurant, Sullivan’s Irish Lad, at 2936 Bay, was also opened in July of 1969.
Matchbooks from the Castle Museum Collection.
While Sullivan’s West remains the only location still in operation today, it wasn’t for lack of success. Sullivan’s fish and chips were markedly famous around Saginaw, and their locations were all known for their family atmosphere, great locations to have showers, celebrate birthdays, and more--and their overall good food. Sullivan’s restaurants were ultimately a casualty of the 1980s, when national chain restaurants began to expand along areas like Bay Road. While there were only four restaurants along Bay Road in 1973, including Sullivan’s North, there were more than sixty by 1995, mostly chains. The competition was too much for the family-owned Sullivan’s dynasty.
The original Sullivan’s location on Genesee eventually closed due to Downtown Saginaw’s slow demise, including a smaller customer base as a result of people and businesses moving out of the city.
But Sullivan’s West is still proudly carrying the torch—and the recipe. Whether you’re there for nostalgia or just craving crispy, golden perfection, you can still get the original Sullivan’s fish and chips.
The Recipe: Sullivan's Famous Fish and Chips
As for the Castle Test Kitchen? We’ll skip the frying pan and head straight to the experts.** After all, some traditions are better enjoyed with a side of fries and a squeeze of lemon.
*For more information on the Sullivan's restaurants, check out this article by our friends at Review Magazine. We borrowed a few images from them for this blog. https://www.review-mag.com/article/the-sullivan-family-celebrates-60-years-of-success
**Sullivan's is open 7 days a week! Check their Facebook Page for details.