Our Story
Located in the historic district of downtown Canton, Bender’s Tavern offers its customers an elegant, relaxing atmosphere where one can enjoy fine food and wine. Bender’s has been satisfying customers with culinary classics, drink and hospitality since 1902. Today, we continue our long tradition by offering only the highest quality seafood fresh from Boston, Massachusetts.
If you are looking for beef, Bender’s Tavern serves only Certified Angus Beef®️ and
Prime cuts. It is known nationally for its award-winning extensive and moderately priced wine list.
We pride ourselves on serving seasonal culinary delights and fine wines. Please stop by and see us! For reservations please call 330-453-8424 or click on the tab above to make a reservation online! Reservations of 13 people or more, may be required to pay a $100 deposit. Loss of deposit will occur only if your party does not show up or gross number of attendance is less than 90% of guaranteed final head count.
Our History
When you enter the doors of Bender’s Tavern, you are but following in the footsteps of a multitude of others who were hungry in body and spirit and came to be fed and partake of the hospitality of the tavern. From far and wide; out of the heat and cold, storms and fine weather: day and night they came: some happy and full of energy, others tired and weary; some in love, and those old and wise; some strong, others weak; flush with victory and success in efforts of physical prowess or battles in courts of law or the front lines of business and commerce, others weary from the toil of healing the sick and succor of mankind.
For over 120 long years these rooms have witnessed this procession of men and woman, and the old marble and paneled oak walls hold all the memories of the past: the echoes of shouts of acclaim for the victorious, as glasses are raised on high; the secrets of hushed voices of lovers, and the remembrance of the soft touch of their hands across the table; the oldster’ words of legal strategy is mapped and political plans are laid; the political opinions, voiced in louder tones; the bold and aggressive words of those in business, as future growth and destiny are designed; and the recounting of medical tales, as joys and sorrows of doctors and nurses are shared.
Despite a tragic fire in January 1988, Bender’s Tavern continues to be the gathering place for area residents and visitors. The beauty of the old building remains in the distinctive tiger oak paneling, priceless marble, and tin ceilings which survived the blaze.
All this from the past has created the Bender’s heritage; and today, the “spirit of Bender’s” is carried on under the guidance of the fourth generation of the Jacob family. The same memorable and satisfying blend of food, drink, and hospitality for the nourishment of body and soul can still be found within the warm and welcoming atmosphere of Canton’s oldest and finest restaurant and tavern.
A Fish Story: How Do You Get a Fish Restaurant in Northeast Ohio?
In a region better known for steel than seafood, it might seem unlikely that one of Northeast Ohio’s most revered dining destinations would become synonymous with the ocean’s finest. But at Bender’s Tavern, it all began with a fishing trip—and a little campfire magic.
Before the Great Lakes region was known for high-end seafood and seasonal cuisine, it was known to a few dedicated anglers as the site of “Camp Kagle.” This wasn't a fixed location on any map, but rather a name affectionately bestowed by a group of early 20th-century sportsmen on wherever they pitched their tents near Lake Erie. Among them was Ed Bender, a passionate fisherman and the original namesake of Bender’s Tavern. Their quarry? Walleye and perch—fresh, flaky, and abundant. Their chef? A man known simply as "Chef Kagle," who prepared the day's catch in a way that became legend. To this day, Bender’s still serves “Camp Kagle Walleye,” paying homage to those early lakeside gatherings.
One of those fishermen, John Jacob, was a banker with a flair for hospitality. Long before he owned the Tavern, he used it as a gathering spot to entertain his savings & loan clients. After a day’s fishing, he’d haul his fresh catch back to Canton and turn the tavern into a makeshift feast hall, combining Midwestern grit with coastal flavor. In 1932, he made it official and bought the restaurant, setting the course for what Bender’s would become.
As the shipping and fishing industries expanded and air freight made faraway delicacies more accessible, Bender’s broadened its menu. By mid-century, clams, oysters, and live lobsters—sourced directly from Boston—found their way onto the plates of Midwestern diners. This fascination with freshness and seasonal ingredients became embedded in Bender’s identity, a tradition carried forward by each generation of the Jacob family.
That tradition deepened in 1973, when Jerry Jacob, third-generation owner, forged a direct relationship with the famed Foley Fish Company in Boston. This handshake deal marked the beginning of a new era for Bender’s, one defined by traceable sourcing and unmatched quality. The relationship endured for decades, with the Foley and Jacob families growing close as partners and stewards of the sea. Even after the business changed hands within the Foley lineage, Bender’s continued sourcing select seafood through them.
In 2024, Jon Jacob—fourth-generation owner—began charting a new chapter. Inspired by the boutique family feel of the early Foley days, he connected with Wulf Fish, a Boston institution established in 1926. Like Foley before them, Wulf prides itself on transparency, dockside relationships, and premium quality. Family-owned and fiercely independent, Wulf delivers fish so fresh it feels like the Atlantic is just around the corner. Their philosophy of craftsmanship and trust mirrors the very values that have guided Bender’s Tavern since its Camp Kagle days.
So how do you get a fish restaurant in Northeast Ohio? You start with a fishing pole, a few good friends, a campfire by the lake—and over time, it becomes a treasured tavern in Canton, Ohio, rooted in tradition and a deep love for doing things the right way, generation after generation.
Where Fine Dining Meets Football Tradition
This question often comes up in conversations at the restaurant. As many of our regulars know, the first organizational meeting for what would become the NFL was held in 1920 at the Jordan and Hupmobile automobile showroom in Canton, Ohio. Decades later, in 1962, efforts to persuade the NFL to locate the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton also took place right here in town.
What the history books don’t always mention is where many of those conversations continued—Bender’s Tavern. A private room upstairs once served as a favored gathering place for drinks and discussion. In fact, in the early days, none other than Jim Thorpe was known to frequent the bar. Like many pivotal business deals and big ideas born in Canton over the past century, Bender’s played its part as a meeting spot for movers and shakers. If only we could have listened in on those conversations!
Ed E. Bender
Bender's Cafeteria, located at 118 Market Avenue, 1903.
Wilbur Jacob Passport Photo circa 1925.
Camp Kagle, a fishing camp in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan. Camp Kagle walleye is still a classic dish on Bender's Tavern menu.
John Jacob Sr. hosts a sold-out New Year’s Eve celebration at Bender’s Tavern, December 31, 1937. Guests welcomed 1938 with dinner, dancing, and seasonal drinks in a fully decorated dining room—marking another milestone in the growing popularity of the Canton landmark.
Jane, Jim & Jerry Jacob- siblings captured in a quiet moment, circa 1949. A snapshot of childhood in a postwar America.
The Jacob Family circa 1953. Back row (left to right) Dorris, Jewel Jacob, Wib Jacob, Jack, Steve, Sally, Dr. Pat Jacob. Front row Jerry Jacob, John, Jim, Cora, Jane, John Raymond Jacob, Jennifer, Harry, Barbara.
The Jacob Family circa 1955.
Cora & John Jacob with their four children; John Jr., Harry, Wilbur and Pat.
A young Jon Jacob enjoys dinner with his family in the early 1980's.
Jon Jacob celebrates his 9th birthday Tuesday, October 25th, 1982 with close friends and family at Bender's.
A tragic fire hits the establishment on New Year's Eve, January 1st 1988.
Jim Jacob and his wife, Jane , survey damage in the main dining room after the 1988 fire.
Jerry Jacob in the 1990's seated in the bar.
Jerry Jacob raises a toast during his son's rehearsal dinner at Bender's Tavern on Friday, October 10, 2003.
Jon and Elizabeth toast their marriage surrounded by friends and family in Bender’s historic bar, October 11, 2003.
Bender’s Tavern Wins Big at the Taste of the NFL! In January 2015, Jon and Elizabeth proudly represented Bender’s Tavern on the national stage in New Orleans, showcasing their culinary excellence at the prestigious Taste of the NFL.
Jerry Jacob experiencing the world of Robert Parker at Matter of Taste in NYC, February 2016.
Jon & Elizabeth Jacob host winemaker Helen Keplinger and her husband DJ for an intimate wine tasting experience on June 9th, 2017.
The Jacob Family, August 22, 2017. Photo courtesy of Joe Albert.
General Manager Joe Prestier and owner Jerry Jacob share a moment after a bustling evening on February 10, 2018.
Family and friends gather at Bender’s during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the restaurant adapted to Ohio’s service restrictions by transforming its parking lot into a welcoming space for outdoor dining and carhop-style dinners.Maryann McGill, Bella, Joe Prestier and Andrea greet the Budweiser Clydesdales during Hall of Fame Week for a special delivery on August 5, 2023.
The Jacob A.C. team captured the 1923 City Indoor Baseball League championship, earning the Daily News Trophy after a standout season with only three losses.
Back row (left to right): John Jacob Jr., Robert Seccombe, H. Van Almen, Harry Jacob, Harry Guertal, W. Hendershot Middle row: V. Steff, E. Van Almen, John Jacob Sr., C. Bartel, S. Platt, William Seccombe
Front row: Wilbur Jacob, E. Jacob
Zoar, Ohio 1924 A. Heironimus, Jake Simonds, Mrs. Heironimus, Mrs. Simonds, Mrs. John Uliss, Ed E. Bender.
Holiday window display with gingerbread houses made by Henry Jacob & a local baker. Approximately 1930.
Staff at Bender’s Tavern prepare for one of the most elaborate New Year’s Eve celebrations in the restaurant’s history, December 1937. Led by proprietor John Jacob Sr., the team worked to deliver exceptional food, festive drinks, and top-tier service—upholding the proud reputation of Canton’s oldest and most celebrated restaurant.
The Bender's Tavern staff with John Jacob Sr., Cora Jacob & Wib (Wilbur) Jacob in the center. Circa 1950.
John Raymond Jacob Jr. in 1955 posing for his Scottish Rite Masonic certificate.
Bender's Tavern main dining room.
Cora Jacob, wife to John Jacob Sr.
Jim & Jerry Jacob with their father, Wilbur Jacob, are presented with a painting of John Jacob, their grandfather.
Celebrating Jon Jacob's birthday, October 1980.
Jerry & Jim Jacob in 1984.
Bender's Tavern in downtown Canton circa 1987.
Jerry Jacob poses outside on Court Avenue in the early 1990's.
The rehearsal dinner for Jon & Elizabeth (Gaynor) Jacob held at Bender's Tavern on October 10, 2003.
Before the celebration begins—Jon and Elizabeth enjoy a moment with friends and family ahead of their wedding reception on October 11, 2003. Left to right: Jon Jacob, Julie Leszynski, Rebecca Falconer, Jim Chiofolo, Elizabeth Jacob, and Michael Gaynor.
Joshua & Jonas Jacob enjoy dinner at Bender's, winter 2010.
On December 24, 2015, Leslie and Josephine Jacob embraced a cherished holiday tradition—crafting their beloved lobster rolls for Christmas Eve. A festive nod to family, flavor, and timeless tradition at Bender’s Tavern.
Elizabeth and Leslie Jacob raise a glass to 115 years of Bender’s Tavern during a celebratory wine tasting on January 25, 2018.
Ringing in the new year on December 31st, 2018. Elizabeth, Jon, Josephine, Jerry & Leslie Jacob.
Savoring a carhop moment: dining curbside while the restaurant stayed closed during COVID-19.
Jim, Jerry & Jon Jacob with filmmaker Allen Farst at the Triangle Park movie kickoff event held at Bender's Tavern on November 19th, 2023. Triangle Park, directed by Allen Farst, tells the story of the NFL’s first game in 1920—featuring scenes filmed at Canton’s historic Bender’s Tavern.
Some of Bender's staff pose with Santa and Mrs. Claus during a festive holiday brunch on December 14, 2024.