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There was a rumor floating around that Summit County's Famous Spring Chicken Inn located in Wanship, was no longer in business. I'm happy to debunk that myth. The Famous Spring Chicken Inn, the area's longest continually-operating eating establishment, is still going strong more than 70 years after it first opened.
Both the service and ambiance have always had a family feel, but what has really sustained the restaurant's popularity is the delicious fried chicken dinner that everyone loves. The homemade chicken fried steak and chicken fried chicken are favorites and over the years the recipe has never changed.
Not in the mood for chicken? No problem! Diners can also choose crisp salads, sandwiches, hamburgers, fresh-baked pies and other tasty offerings. And on Fridays and Saturdays, the menu includes prime rib. New beer taps were recently installed for thirsty patrons.
Michael Hatz and his wife, Alanna, purchased Famous Spring Chicken Inn from Tracy Sargent in October 2007. In addition to owning the restaurant, Michael is also a real estate broker. I recently read a review from one of his customers that said, "Michael took us to his restaurant while we were transacting a real estate deal. My wife and I were blown away. It was simply the best fried chicken we ever tasted!"
The outside appearance of Famous Spring Chicken Inn is a little deceiving. It is an unadorned rambler-style building with a visible "café" signpost. You wouldn't know from looking at it what a comfortable, stylish interior the restaurant has, which gives it the feeling of a country inn. The wait staff are friendly and efficient. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, and Michael recommends reservations for parties larger than six.
My family roots are in Coalville so I visited the restaurant as a little boy. My recent visit to the Famous Spring Chicken Inn brought back some great memories of my childhood.
