Where Everyone Knows Your Name

“Hey, Brenda! How was your day? Is it a Meiomi day or is it a tequila day?” In the middle of a photo shoot that is supposed to be centered around himself, Eric Piper of Madfish Grill can’t help but make every moment about his guests.

“He’s amazing,” says Brenda Goff. “He always remembers your name, what you like, and how you like it.” Pat McCabe, sitting with Brenda at one of the communal bar tables, agrees. “He’s truly one of the best.”

Eric has been a fixture at Madfish Grill for more than two decades and it’s clearly his dedication to the customers that turned this part-time gig into a career. To quote myself from an article that I wrote in 2012: “They praise Eric for his personable appeal and his ability to keep things interesting. Eric’s catchphrase is ‘Yeah, sure.’ Tell Eric what you want, and you’re bound to get it; he will find a way.”

The catchphrase has evolved since then. It’s now: ‘Whatever you want’ and Eric’s gone from bartender to manager but he’s the same hardworking, affable guy that he’s always been, and he’s even more adored. I’m told that people ask for Eric when he happens to have a day off. “He’s like the Mayor of Madfish.”

Thanks, in part, to his Massachusetts roots, Eric has an innate desire to make Madfish Grill feel like Cheers. “I want to create a safe and comfortable environment where people feel special and are able to enjoy themselves.” Eric recalls his early days as a server at various other restaurants. “I love to spoil my customers. I used to get guff for that.” Fortunately, he’s found kindred spirits at Madfish Grill in the form of a core team that’s been there for more than a decade and former General Manager (now owner) Ben Gough.

The team at Madfish Grill are focused on customer service; the camaraderie between patrons and employees is palpable. Eric’s regulars have been told that he’s being interviewed today, and they’ve been steadily streaming into the bar since we arrived.

John and Felicia Cox have been regulars at Madfish Grill for over a decade. They love the hometown feel, the excellent food, and they love Eric. Felicia mentions that he’s a big part of the ambiance—when he’s there all things are right. John, a retired sheriff’s deputy, laughs and tells me “I depend on Eric to tell me what I’m going to have for dinner, because he knows what I like.” John and Felicia consider Eric to be a member of their extended family and they look forward to “the big smile and the big wave.”

Jim and Caroline McCaffrey have been coming to Madfish Grill every Saturday at 4 p.m. for the past 20 years. They sit at the same table and they tend to order the same things: crispy calamari for Jim and a burger for Caroline (sautéed mushrooms, no bun). Eric, of course, knows what they want and how they want it. Sam Malone of “Cheers” would be proud.

> Madfish Grill: 4059 Cattlemen Rd, Sarasota; 941-377-3474; madfishgrill.com