The Cincinnati Origins of McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish

Since moving to Cincy over a month ago, Ive been finding out so many fun Cincinnati facts about how Cincinnati has impacted the world. I had no idea the Fish Filet has its origins in Cincinnati. According to cincinnati.com, The McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish, a fast-food icon, traces its origins to Cincinnati, Ohio. This is where a struggling franchisee turned a challenge into a culinary breakthrough.

In 1959, Lou Groen opened the first McDonald’s in Ohio, located in the Monfort Heights neighborhood at 5425 West North Bend Road. However, he quickly noticed a problem: his business thrived six days a week, but Fridays, especially during Lent, were dismal. Because the area was predominantly Catholic, many customers abstained from meat on Fridays, flocking to nearby competitors like Frisch’s, which offered a popular fish sandwich. Consequently, Groen’s burger sales plummeted, threatening his livelihood.

Determined to adapt, Groen devised a solution a breaded halibut sandwich with tartar sauce and cheese on a steamed bun. Initially, he faced resistance from McDonald’s founder Ray Kroc, who feared the smell of fish would taint his restaurants. Nevertheless, Kroc had his idea: the Hula Burger, featuring grilled pineapple and cheese. To settle the debate, they pitted the two sandwiches against each other in a 1962 sales contest. Unsurprisingly, Groen’s Filet-O-Fish triumphed, selling 350 units compared to the Hula Burger’s mere six. As a result, it earned a spot on the menu, debuting nationwide in 1965.

Over time, the sandwich evolved halibut gave way to more affordable cod, then Alaskan pollock but its Cincinnati roots remain. Today, Erica Shadoin, Groen’s granddaughter, runs the original location, preserving its legacy. Thus, a local need sparked a global phenomenon, with over 300 million Filet-O-Fish sandwiches sold annually, proving Cincinnati’s lasting mark on fast-food history.