Forty-nine years ago, Canton was just a small community with little going on, and Ford Road was just a two-lane road. A lot has changed since then. What hasn’t? The cozy, comfy vibe and good food you’ll find at the Rusty Nail Lounge. It has been owned and operated by the same family since 1976.
“My father bought this building and property back when it was called The Economy Lounge,” says Rusty Nail’s owner, John Johnson. “I committed my life to this business back in my mid-twenties, and what we’ve tried to do is just keep it a friendly, comfortable atmosphere and a family-friendly place. My father always wanted it to be a friendly and safe place to walk into. He made it that way, and it’s continued to be that way.”
“It’s been a big part of Canton through a time of everything changing,” adds Lisa Boyd, who continues to work there after 20 years, doing social media and back-of-house things, even though she has another full-time job. “I feel like it’s a business where people still show up. Even if they’re just in town for the holidays, they’re like, ‘Oh yeah, we gotta go stop there.’ It’s definitely like a community meeting place.”
In fact, the people who work there are part of what keeps the friendly, comfy vibe going. Many of them, like Lisa, have worked there for a very long time. The current floor manager, Melissa, started working there when she was 16 and is still part of the family today.
“I can’t do this without the staff I have,” says John. “My staff reflects what we have always wanted it to be, which is that corner neighborhood bar and restaurant. We strive to give the best possible service we can, and I have the staff that does that.”
The Rusty Nail Lounge has become known more for the restaurant side of the business these days. Most of the food ingredients are brought in fresh every week. They’re especially known for their burgers and the Friday fish fry.
“Our burgers are as good as anybody’s around here,” says John. “We have a fish fry on Fridays that I think is second to none.”
Located at 43845 Ford Road, the place looks very unassuming from the outside, but the atmosphere, people and food inside are what keep The Rusty Nail Lounge a Canton classic that brings people back year after year.
“I think when you look at it from the outside and then walk inside, you would be pleasantly surprised to see how comfortable it is and you’d feel that comfort feeling,” says John.
“What makes it special is the vibe inside,” adds Lisa. “I think it’s just cozy, and it almost feels like you’re in someone’s uncle’s house or cabin. It just has a very cozy vibe.”
If you haven’t experienced this inviting atmosphere, 49 years in the making, you owe it to yourself to visit this truly classic Canton establishment.
Add a comment to: Classic Canton: The Rusty Nail Lounge