Belgrade Gardens - Chicken Restaurant

Belgrade Gardens, Inc., the first chicken dinner operation in Barberton was started by Mike and Smilka Topalsky in 1933. The Topalskys began a family tradition in dining and management. Seventy five years ago they opened their farmhouse dining room to families who enjoyed old world cooking.
Mike and Smilka met as Yugoslavian immigrant children in Barberton. After marrying and becoming involved in other business ventures, they opened the existing restaurant on July 4, 1933 in what had been Mike’s father’s home on East State Street. Mike’s father, Alexander, had operated a dairy farm on the premises prior to his death in 1930. The farm had to be sold during the depression years and the new landlord rented the farm to the younger Topalskys. In 1940 the property was purchased by the Topalskys and the farm was back in the family name.