Arthur Treacher’s Fish and Chips

In the 1970s and the beginning of the 1980s, Arthur Treacher, a British actor who specialized in butler parts in movies, gained the most recognition in the US as Merv Griffin's announcer and sidekick. He became a spokesperson for the restaurant chain bearing his name, although he never stated if he had a financial stake in it. By the late 1970s, the network had expanded to over 800 locations.

The brand was established in Columbus, Ohio, and was one of the first in the country to capitalize on the well-known British fast food fish and chips. Dave Thomas, who would later form Wendy's, was one of its founding members. The chain reached its pinnacle in 1979, contending for market share with Long John Silver's, Captain D's, and other restaurants. Their affiliation with Arthur Treacher offered them a competitive edge in advertising. A business executive asserted in 1975 that the actor invented the recipe for fried fish on his own.

Icelandic fish's price skyrocketed in the 1970s, therefore Arthur Treacher's switched out cod for pollock on its menus. The modification decreased quality, resulted in franchisee litigation, and decreased sales. After many ownership changes, the brand lost its prominence in the fast food sector. In Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, there is still only one Arthur Treacher's restaurant open as of 2021. Arthur Treacher-branded fish and chips are available at a number of Nathan's Famous locations, however the formerly well-known chain is no longer in business.