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Name Your Fave Locals Edition

We asked for recommendations of favorite local eating.drinking establishments and our panel didn't disappoint. Try these gems out this month!

Brian Belden

VP Sales & Marketing, The Belden Brick Company

Bender's Tavern has been a long-time favorite of the Belden family. We celebrate there for holidays and special events with family members, friends and business associates. I look forward to the Nantucket Cape Scallops and you can never go wrong with the Halibut Ala Foley! The wine selection is the best in Canton and the Bourbon selection is solid as well. We are treated like family by the staff and look forward to running into Jon, Jerry, and Joe once we arrive. I’m always looking forward to my next visit!

Visit Bender's Tavern at 137 Court Ave. SW, Canton, OH 44702.

Debra Justus

Aultcare Marketing, Communication, Corporate Experience & Community Relations

Heggy's Nut Shop on West Tuscarawas is a Canton landmark where generations (including mine) have enjoyed visiting their shop and ordering lunch at the nostalgic counter or quaint dining area. They specialize in fresh ground burgers, coneys, homemade ice cream, fresh roasted nuts, a variety of candies and, of course, Ben Heggy's chocolates. My mom, Charlotte, loves the fries with double butter and has been enjoying them for nearly 60 years! Their malts are a family favorite and worth cheating on the diet!

Visit Heggy's Nut Shop at 3200 Tuscarawas St. W, Canton, OH 44708.

Bryan Rice

President, Rice’s Landscapes Redefined

My dad first took me to Athens restaurant for lunch many years ago after a landscape meeting at Aultman Hospital – and I have been a fan ever since. Owner Dee Dwyer, has a way about her that always makes you feel good, and she doesn’t miss a beat in serving good food… no matter how long it takes! Just ask her! Good food. Good laughs. You can’t miss with Athens Restaurant for breakfast or lunch. It’s my go-to spot!

Visit Athens Restaurant at 816 Harrison Ave. SW, Canton, OH 44706.

Sam Messerly

General Manager, Anew Room

Francisco’s Cantina Restaurant should be on everyone’s radar. It is my new favorite local restaurant. Every friend I introduce to Francisco’s falls in love with it as well. This family-owned restaurant never disappoints, from my favorites, the fresh guacamole and handcrafted watermelon mint margarita to the delicious sizzling fajitas. Everything on the menu is delicious! The owners and staff are incredibly knowledgeable about the cuisine and love to make suggestions. Follow their advice. You can’t go wrong! I can’t wait to go back.

Visit Francisco's Cantina Restaurant at 6041 Whipple Ave. NW, North Canton, OH 44720.

Kelly Ann Roth

Owner, Kelly Ann Roth Family Dentistry

I love Angello's 2 Go on Fulton Drive. I appreciate their family atmosphere and dedication to quality. I have a hard time passing by their Pasquale's Italian Sub Sandwich, with its delicious ciabatta bread. Our family has tried just about everything on the menu, and it’s all wonderful! Angello's catering options are perfect for bringing dinner to friends. When you go, don't forget to take home a loaf of Angello's homemade bread, and check out the homemade dessert options. You will not be disappointed!

Visit Angello's 2 Go at 5081 Fulton Dr. NW, Canton, OH 44718.

Pete Dennis

VP Corporate Banking, First Commonwealth Bank

Bocca Grande is one of my favorite local restaurants to visit. I have been a patron for many years and they never disappoint.  In my opinion, they have the best dry-aged filets in Stark County. Other favorites include the steak burgers, fettuccine alfredo, pork chop and daily seafood specials which are unique and delicious. Larry and Renee Anderson opened Bocca Grande Italian Steakhouse in 1981, which is situated along the Erie Canal Towpath Trail and they have been serving patrons for over 30 years. 

Visit Bocca Grande at 4490 Erie Ave. NW, Canal Fulton, OH 44614.

Brian Bailey

Owner/Publisher, Canton Lifestyle Magazine

Has the giant chain coffee shop chain let you down? In their effort to maximize the almighty green “bucks,” they’ve all but shut down the in-store experience as they funnel long lines of cars through their drive-thrus. Not Muggswigz Coffee & Tea. This cozy shop on Fulton Drive (and Downtown Canton) is a spot where I can enjoy my almond milk latte served by true coffee people. You’ll oft find me there, meeting with my team or clients, hands comfortably wrapped around a real ceramic mug of exquisitely poured java juice.

Visit Muggswigz Coffee & Tea at 5854 Fulton Dr. NW, Canton, OH 44718.

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