If you’re looking for a place that’s simple for parents and fun for kids, Perrysburg’s Odd Fodder on North Dixie Highway is a mix of a fast-food-esque spot and a neighborhood hangout. Casual and clearly designed to keep younger diners happy, we recently stopped in with our 9-year-old to test the food and the atmosphere for a family dinner.
Open kitchen reassures
One of the first things you see when you walk in is the open kitchen. You can see the staff preparing meals, which is reassuring for parents who like to know their food is made in a clean space. Most of the staff are local teenagers, and even though they’re young, they act very professionally — sincerely committed to making our visit a good experience.
Owners Scott and Alexis Bowman say this culture is by design. “We choose our team as carefully as we can,” they shared. Instead of just looking for technical skills, they look for personality. “We know if the person has the right attitude and an interest in what we do, that they will learn the basic job functions over time. Our team is awesome because we pick awesome people to work here.” That attitude shows. Even during a busy stretch, the staff was polite and hardworking.
More than ice cream
Odd Fodder is well known for its big ice cream and milkshakes, but the owners say they put the most effort into their savory dishes. “Everyone loves to talk about the ice cream, but we are really proud of our chicken sandwiches and house-made sauces,” the Bowmans explained.
Unlike some places that rely on frozen meats, Odd Fodder handles the prep themselves. “All of our chicken comes in fresh, and is hand-breaded to order. We selected the spices and herbs that spice the chicken, and we think we have one of the best chicken sandwiches in town.”
We tried the Crispy Chicken Sandwich combo and the Chicken and Waffle combo. The food was tasty, came out quickly and was served hot. It’s a step up from regular fast food, making it a good pick for lunch or a weekend treat. Our son chose the mac and cheese from the kids’ menu and really liked it. For dessert, we had the Bon Voyage sundae, where you can pick your own flavors. All quite delicious!
Giving back
Another reason families appreciate Odd Fodder is their Givebacks program. Local elementary schools and other non-profits participate with this simple idea: groups host an event at the restaurant, and Odd Fodder gives 20% of the sales back to the group.
The Bowmans hope this part of their business continues to grow. They call Odd Fodder a “family and community first restaurant” and want the program to “become a staple in their fundraising activities.” It’s an easy way for teams or school clubs to raise money while offering families a place to eat together.
Odd Fodder isn’t aiming to be a fancy restaurant. It’s a friendly, practical place that serves good food quickly. With high chairs, a changing room and a quiet atmosphere where you can talk, it’s a great place for a relaxed family meal.
The Short Course
Kid-friendly: Yes
Noise Level: Low
Changing Station: Yes
High Chairs: Yes
Kids Menu: Yes
Hours: Monday–Sunday, 11 am–9 pm
Odd Fodder
26520 N Dixie Hwy A, Perrysburg.
419-386-9800
oddfodder.com
