HISTORY OF THE 356TH FIGHTER GROUP RESTAURANT & COMMANDERS CATERING of The 356th Fighter Group Restaurant

The 356th Fighter Group Restaurant is the areas only authentic WWII Restaurant dedicated to the heroes of the war. The 356th Fighter Group was an actual group  that saw combat in the European Theater. Three squadrons of planes (25 planes) the 359th, 360th and 361st made up the 356th Fighter Group. These pilots flew the P-47 Thunderbolt and then the famed P-51 Mustang, and escorted the B-17 Bombers across the English Channel to safety. These pilots were part of the Eight Airforce which they were the backbone of. This group was stationed at the Martelsham Heath Airfield in Suffolk,England. The 356th Fighter Group completed a total of 413 combat missions. It is to these men of the 356th Fighter Group that we dedicate this restaurant.  

The 356th Fighter Group Restaurant & Cabaret is located on the south runways of the Akron/Canton Airport. Huge windows overlook the airport runways to enable our guests to view the the airport. The business specializes’ in elegant Casual dining with banquet facilities and off premise caterings through its “Commanders Catering Company”.  “Commanders Catering of the 356th Fighter Group is geared to take care of groups large and small. With a fleet of new trucks, Commanders Catering of the 356th Fighter Group brings great food for all to your place. Full service Planning is available. With our skilled chefs and team in place, “Commanders Catering will make your event one to be remembered. Tailor made menus for tailor made budgets.

Come back in time to a simpler era. This restaurant is a timeless concept in a unique setting that takes you back in time to the WWII era. The restaurant has a long and positive history, being one of the most successful in the tri-county area.  The restaurant is decorated in the 1940’s look with specially milled carpet and table cloths that bring out the flair and the ambiance of the era.  The 356th Fighter Group Restaurant boasts of the areas biggest and best Cabaret featuring the areas top dance bands. So if you want to cut the rug, we are the place to be, featuring top area acts such as long time favorites “LaFLavour”, New Wave Nation and some of the best entertainment coming out of the metro Cleveland Area. If you are  looking for something different, or need a change for the weekends give us a try.

On September 16th, 1989 Bob Scofield took control of the operations and turned the business around after years of neglect. In September 1990, area residents Bob and Tina Scofield of Green bought the restaurant from Specialty Restaurant Corporation. The restaurant is celebrating its 22nd Anniversary this year, 2008.