Main Street America announced this week that Surf and Turf in Milford was awarded a $10,000 Backing Small Business grant by American Express. The nationwide initiative is designed to fuel growth and continue to make meaningful impacts in their communities. Only 400 grants were awarded by the company.
“As an accredited Main Street program, we are thrilled to learn that one of our businesses was awarded a grant that will help them grow,” Sade Truiett, Downtown Milford Coordinator said. “Surf and Turf has become a staple in Milford, and they are very supportive of our efforts to make Milford a place people want to live, work and play.”
Surf and Turf, owned by Steve Akoglu who also owns The Palace, opened in April 2021. When Bob Evans closed its doors, Akoglu purchased the building and began an extensive renovation, converting the location into a high-end steakhouse.
“I always wanted a good steakhouse in Milford,” Akoglu said in a 2021 interview. “When we remodeled The Palace, we added steaks and seafood to the sign on the front of the building, and we will continue to offer those there, but I always felt Milford needed something dedicated to steak and seafood.”
In August 2021, the restaurant closed briefly when Akoglu, like many restaurants in the area, was having difficulty finding help. The restaurant reopened in February 2022 with a new menu.
“Before, we tried to do the better quality, fine dining experience,” Akoglu said. “Although it kind of worked in the beginning, we began to struggle. Don’t get me wrong, the high-end steakhouse has business potential, but at the time, we just could not get the right help. The help in the kitchen at the time was just not making good food and it was not consistent.”
Akoglu hired a new chef and adjusted the menu with lowered prices due to feedback he obtained from customers. Akoglu added some of the favorite items from The Palace to the Surf and Turf menu, but still offers high-end cuts of steak as well as seafood. The restaurant has been a popular dining destination since reopening.
Surf and Turf is open seven days a week from 11 AM to 10 PM. They are located at 947 North Dupont Highway in Milford.
