Early Years

Pictured above left to right: Bernard and David Harteis in front of Johnstown Fish & Poultry Market 1975. If you look closely in the window a fish sandwich was only 60¢

In 1957 Bernard and Velma Harteis opened The Johnstown Fish & Poultry Market, on Clinton Street in downtown Johnstown selling fresh fish sandwiches to the hard working people of Johnstown. This would be there place of business for the next 20 years!

New Location & Name

Pictured above left to right: Bernard, Velma and David Harteis standing in front of their new location.

In 1977, a redevelopment project acquired the original location, and the family had to relocate to its current location at 544 Main Street. Although there were reopening delays due to the 1977 Johnstown flood, the Harteis Family eventually opened the restaurant under a new name, The Fish Boat. When asked about the new name, Bernard said, "It just came to me." The new location offered the same fresh seafood and a much larger dining area, which was exactly what the family needed.

Bernard Harteis holding some of the fresh fish found in the new department

Passing the Torch

In 1990, Bernard and Velma Harteis decided to retire after 33 years of hard work. They felt it was their time to relax and enjoy retired life. Although they were no longer the owners of The Fish Boat, they continued to assist their son David, the new owner. The Fish Boat has truly been a family business, with Bernard and Velma starting the restaurant and employing all three of their children, David, Sharon, and Loraine, over the years.

It didn't stop there, as the new owner and operator's two children, Wes and Greg, also joined the family business. Since 1990, David Harteis has been the proprietor and has made several adjustments over the years. These changes did not affect the food quality, which remains consistent. Instead, the updates involved the store's appearance, including a new storefront and the addition of catering services.

Hitting a Milestone 

 The Fish Boat has been operating for over 65 years. We would like to express our gratitude to the people of Johnstown for your continued support over the years. We couldn't have done it without you, and we look forward to many more years of providing delicious seafood to the community of Johnstown.
Thank You!