Fort Wayne, IN – A beloved local dining spot, Trolley Steaks and Seafood, earned a national spotlight when the America’s Best Restaurants (ABR) Roadshow filmed an on‑site episode at the restaurant on Tuesday. The ABR Roadshow travels the country showcasing independently owned restaurants and the families behind them, and Trolley’s century‑old heritage helped secure its place on the itinerary.
Historic roots and community focus
Owner Rob Clevenger told WOWO that the restaurant’s selection was driven by its long history, traditions, and strong community involvement. Trolley traces its origins to the 1890s when it operated downtown as Palm Gardens. During Fort Wayne’s trolley boom, the establishment became known as the Trolley Bar, a popular stop for streetcar riders. The phrase “Meet Me at Trolley” became a local catch‑phrase, cementing the eatery’s identity.
In 2003, the restaurant moved to its current address at 2898 East Dupont Road, where it continues to serve generations of Fort Wayne patrons. Clevenger emphasized that growing alongside the surrounding neighborhood has been a blessing, allowing the business to remain a fixture in the community.
Menu highlights and local sourcing
While Trolley is famed for its steaks and seafood, Clevenger highlighted the walleye dish as a longtime favorite that dates back to the restaurant’s downtown era. The menu also features locally sourced steaks, the signature Trolley Bucco, and a variety of seafood selections.
Commitment to local agriculture is a cornerstone of the restaurant’s identity. Trolley works with several area farms and businesses, sourcing eggs, steaks, vegetables and salad ingredients from nearby producers, including Amish Aquaponics. The establishment also offers a house‑brewed Trolley Lager made in partnership with Hop River, further showcasing regional collaboration.
Family values and customer experience
Rob Clevenger, together with his wife Stacey, places a high priority on hospitality. “Our home is Fort Wayne,” he said, underscoring the family’s deep connection to the city. The couple strives to create an enjoyable experience for every guest, praising the hard work and service of their employees as central to the restaurant’s success.
Weekly live music adds to the venue’s community atmosphere, reinforcing Trolley’s role as more than just a place to eat—it is a gathering spot for neighbors and visitors alike.
America’s Best Restaurants Roadshow details
America’s Best Restaurants, headquartered in Florence, Kentucky, has produced over 2,000 episodes featuring independently owned eateries. The Trolley Steaks and Seafood episode will premiere on the company’s social‑media channels at a later date, with announcements expected on the restaurant’s Facebook page and the ABR website and YouTube channel.
For more information about Trolley Steaks and Seafood, visit trolleysteaksandseafood.com. Additional details about the ABR Roadshow can be found at AmericasBestRestaurants.com.
Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.
