MADISON, Ill. – A family-owned fish house in it’s fourth generation celebrated 95 years of business Tuesday.
What began as a convenience store in 1927 slowly built over time into a spot people gathered at to socialize, eventually turning into a diner, according to a Facebook post. Marko Podgorski began helping his wife, Francis, in the kitchen as customer turnout grew.
Soon, the fish sandwich was introduced and the diner opened for three days a week.
The business has been passed down through generations in hopes of continuing as long as possible.
“It’s nostalgic in general, just because we haven’t really changed much in regards to the menu as well as any of the decor, anything like that,” Mirella Ostrec, owner, said.
One regular customer is 95 years old and has been coming to Marko’s for over 75 years. Ostrec said the familial atmosphere allows them to sit down and get to know their customers.
John Hamm, mayor of Madison, stopped by the restaurant Tuesday to present a banner commemorating the business.
Marko’s Fish House is open Monday through Friday, from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.