Inside Bistro 83: Bud Hagy’s Recipe for Success

For over a decade, Bud Hagy has been serving North Ridgeville with a memorable dining experience at Bistro 83. Originally from Huntington, West Virginia, Bud relocated to the Cleveland area over 50 years ago, and settled in Red Tail with his wife, Linda. He’s now been part of the Red Tail community for nearly 25 years, raising two daughters both of whom now reside in Cincinnati.
Bud's journey to becoming a local restaurateur has been as varied as it is impressive. Before opening Bistro 83, Bud started North Coast Bearings out of his basement while living in North Ridgeville and moved the business to Avon in 2000. North Coast Bearings had 110 employees and had sales of over $40 Million. After selling that business in 2008, he ventured into other businesses, including Green Quest Homes and Cafe 83. What began as a modest coffee and
sandwich shop soon evolved into Bistro 83, a full-service restaurant and community favorite since June 2013. His dedication and commitment to the business have been evident, with Bistro 83 expanding twice—once in 2018 to add a bar area, and again in 2019 with the introduction of the Roundabout Room, providing additional seating and space for events and gatherings.
What sets Bistro 83 apart is its dedication to a seasonally-inspired menu that keeps diners coming back to explore new flavors throughout the year. The restaurant prides itself on offering a unique culinary experience paired with an extensive wine list, all within a comfortable yet upscale setting. This balance of sophistication and accessibility has been key to Bistro 83's success, attracting a loyal customer base that appreciates fine dining without pretension.
The culinary team at Bistro 83, led by General Manager and Executive Chef Anthony Martorello and Sous Chef Kim Fox, crafts weekend specials that push the boundaries of their already impressive menu. These limited-time offerings, showcased on the restaurant's Facebook page, give regular patrons a reason to return and new visitors an exciting preview of the kitchen's creativity.
Bistro 83's commitment to excellence extends beyond its flavorful menu. Jeff Gresko, one of the area’s most celebrated bartenders, has crafted an outstanding cocktail menu, garnering accolades for his creativity and expertise. Adding to this impressive team is a dedicated sommelier, Jim Fink, who has elevated Bistro 83’s wine offerings. The restaurant has received Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence for five consecutive years, a testament to the quality and diversity of its wine program.
Bud attributes much of the restaurant’s success to having dedicated employees and their commitment to quality and consistency. From the carefully curated wine and cocktail menus to each dish served, Bistro 83 has built a reputation for excellence. “The quality and consistency of our food is some of the best I have ever seen,” Bud remarks, a statement echoed by Bistro 83’s many loyal patrons who appreciate the unique dining experience.
When asked about the key ingredients for success in business, Bud is quick to emphasize the importance of a positive attitude, hard work and having dedicated employees. For him, these elements have been essential in growing his business and fostering relationships within the
community. He also highlights the value of taking risks, a principle he’s applied throughout his career and one that has led to the creation and evolution of Bistro 83.
Bistro 83 is located at 36033 Westminister Ave in North Ridgeville. Whether you’re looking for a carefully crafted cocktail, an award-winning wine selection, or simply a quality meal with friends and family, Bistro 83 offers a welcoming environment with top-notch service and an elevated dining experience.