Hayward Fishery

In 2005, the landmark Hayward Fishery was sold to Art’s Crab Shack owner Milouda Kelley. Kelley painted the building, but kept and restored the neon Fishery sign that once lit up the street in flashing colors. She also kept the Fishery staff, many who had been working at the restaurant for decades.

At the time of the sale, the restaurant, started by Gus Aguiar, had been run by himself and his family for 63 years. The business started as a store that the Aguiars lived above in the 1940s. The store operated around the clock, with customers ringing the bell late at night for a quart of milk or some other item. The restaurant came along almost by accident by offering samples of the fish. A couple of tables were added, then a lunch counter. It did not become a full-scale restaurant until 1977.

In its heyday, the Fishery was a prominent fixture on the Hayward scene. Bands played there, and it was frequented by popular professional athletes of the day. Art’s is now closed too, and we can only hope that the next owners will appreciate this great old building and keep it going.