McKenna Hartford / mharford@skyhinews.com
Step into Sharky’s Eatery in Fraser and you’re sure to see plenty of ocean-themed decor, a bustling staff and possibly a sticker here or there of Rondo, the cook who knows his customers’ orders better than they do.
The cozy atmosphere, friendly faces and burritos bigger than your head all add up to several first place wins, including best bloody mary, best breakfast, best lunch and best restaurant in Fraser.
“It’s awesome because it shows that our hard work is paying off and people are appreciating what we do,” said owner Ted Fisher. “That’s why we do it; we like giving the locals a place that they can call their own.”
Just as the restaurant has become a town staple, Sharky’s has made frequent appearances on the Best of Grand list, holding the first place spot in the best breakfast, bloody mary and restaurant in Fraser categories for at least two years in a row.
“People like the familiar setting and they like the familiar food and seeing familiar faces and we really try to cater that as much as we can,” Fisher said.
While the food is certainly noteworthy, with the huevos rancheros and the bacon avocado eggs benedict being Fisher’s personal recommendations, the real draw is Sharky’s staff.
Fisher’s sister and business partner Kaydee is known to never forget a face and is quick to make all of her customers feel at home. Meanwhile, Rondo makes sure each dish puts a smile on diners’ faces.
“A lot of the business can be attributed to that,” he said. “You could’ve come into Sharky’s one time seven years ago … and she’s going to remember everything about you and that creates a lot of repeat customers. People like to gravitate here for that reason.”
In a space as small and popular as Sharky’s, the place gets packed quick, so Fisher noted how grateful he was to the community for the constant support he and his sister have received since opening the restaurant 12 years ago.
“We enjoy making good food for people and I really enjoy seeing people’s reactions when they get an awesome plate of huevos rancheros,” Fisher said. “Just getting to see the same people over and over again and asking how their days are, how they’ve been and how their kids are.”