G&R Tavern Attracts Tourists to Waldo

An area treasure loved by locals and travelers alike has been recognized by Ohio Magazine as one of 30 Famous Ohio Food Spots for Ohioans to add to their bucket lists. The G&R Tavern at 103 N. Marion Street in Waldo has been serving up thick slices of grilled bologna since 1962.

Tourist Reviews

“They have delicious food! People come from all over to have a fried bologna sandwich. Very nice people that work there as well,” said Debra Vanness of State College, Pennsylvania in a Facebook review.

“This place is hometown personified [with] friendly service, terrific food, [and] unbelievable prices,” said David Otto Scaer of Guatemala.

The famous bologna sandwich is a 1' thick slice of bologna with melted white Monterey Jack cheese, pickles, raw onion, and a soft hamburger bun. The bar is in the background.

“I live in Australia and when visiting family in the area it’s a ‘must go’ place to get my ‘fix’ of a G&R bologna sandwich,” said Sue Clifford.

“I come from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada to the G&R when visiting friends in the area [and] get at least one fried bologna sandwich and a piece of cream pie,” said Steve Tuff.

Local Fans

Many local residents agree.

“Such good food – I have grown up eating at the G&R and still do,” said Lisa Hollaway of Waldo, a teacher at River Valley High School.

With fans from all over, the G&R serves more than 1,000 pounds of bologna each week.

“We have very loyal hometown customers, out-of-town customers, and first-time customers that continue patronizing the G&R,” said owner Bernie Lewis.

Family-Owned

This MarionMade! business was named for founders George Yake and Roy Klingel. Bernie Lewis and his wife, Joy, took over the business in 1985. Their daughter, Misty Mercer, manages restaurant operations.

The family who owns and operates the G&R stands outside the building. Misty is a woman with brown curly hair, glasses, an orange shirt and a cream fleece jacket. Joy is a shorter, older woman with short white hair, a smile,m a gray shirt with a collar and a puffy black jacket. Bernie is a tall man with short white hair, glasses, a white beard, a blue button-down shirt and a black leather jacket. — From left to right: Misty Mercer and her parents, Joy and Bernie Lewis.

“My wife and I had a dream to run a restaurant,” said Lewis. “Over 36 years later, we have managed to serve great quality food, service, and atmosphere to the community.”

The Ohio Magazine honor is the latest in a long list of accolades. It has been featured on Good Morning America, The Travel Channel, the Food Network and The Chicago Tribune.

“It makes for a fun destination, it gives you a bit of local flavor and history, and most important of all: the food is great!” said Nick Dekker, a food and travel writer.

“As a former executive director of the Marion Area Chamber of Commerce, I was always fascinated by the fame of the G&R and the business it brought to Marion County,” said Edmond Loewe.

For more on the G&R, visit www.gandrtavern.com, call them at (740) 726-9685 or follow them on Facebook.

Wyandot Popcorn Museum
The Wyandot Popcorn Museum opened in early September of 1982, just prior to the 2nd annual Marion Popcorn Festival. Not only is it one of only two Popcorn Museums in the world, it also represents the largest collection of restored popcorn antiques. The Museum concept is an outgrowth of a historical research project by George K. Brown. […]Read More »
Stewart’s Root Beer Stand
STEWART’S ROOT BEER STAND Originating just a few miles east in Mansfield, Ohio, in 1924, Frank Stewart opened the first Stewart’s Root Beer Stand. Seeing its success, Frank then opened more locations–with car hops–such as Marion’s Stewart’s Root Beer Stand on North Main Street. Famous for their root beer and hot dogs, current owners, Bill […]Read More »
Pleasant Student Combines Passions for Music and Cars
Dylan Hanshaw, an 18-year-old senior at Pleasant High School, has had two lifelong loves: cars and music. “I was born into it. Dad has worked into dealerships since he was able to work. Mom’s worked for different car-related organizations. Grandpa worked in a dealership before Dad, so it’s all I’ve known,” Dylan said. Dylan; his […]Read More »
Dan Wigton
DAN WIGTON. My family moved to Marion in 1969 for a calmer place to raise the family. I was about to turn 13 in October. We moved from Oberlin, Ohio, a very liberal community, in the midst of the civil rights movement. My parents, the late Dr. & Mrs. Charles E. Ted Wigton, DDS, had […]Read More »