Ed's Fish House | Our Story

The story of Ed’s Fish House began with a father’s desire to give his son an opportunity and keep him on the right path. After graduating high school at just 16 years old, Edward Morris Jr. received a $1,750 loan from his father, Edward Morris Sr., who encouraged him to stay out of trouble and build something of his own. With his father’s financial support and guidance, Edward Jr. founded Ed’s Fish & Pizza House in February 1971. The restaurant began as a small, hole-in-the-wall location at 1759 Buchanan Street in Nashville. After approximately 11 months, a former gas station across the street at 1801 Buchanan Street, now D.B. Todd Jr. Boulevard, became available. Edward Sr. recognized the opportunity and encouraged his son to make the move. With his father’s support, Edward Jr. transformed the building into the new Ed’s Fish & Pizza House in 1972. Ed’s famous whiting fish fillet sandwich and pizza quickly gained popularity throughout Nashville. The restaurant became especially popular among students and faculty from Tennessee State University, Fisk University, Meharry Medical College, American Baptist College, Vanderbilt University, and the surrounding community. Over time, Ed’s reputation reached customers across the country. In 1993, Edward Morris Jr. joined forces with his cousins, Anthony and Pamela Drumwright, who became owners and operators of the D.B. Todd Jr. Boulevard location. They continued the Ed’s legacy for 28 years before retiring in 2021 and passing the torch to their grandsons, Anthony and Charles Williams. Today, Ed’s Fish House proudly continues as a three-generation Black-owned family business, carrying forward more than five decades of food, family, and Nashville tradition. In 2004, Edward Morris Jr. also opened the Ed’s Fish House food truck, which he continues to operate at 2806 Smith Springs Road in Nashville. What started with a $1,750 investment in a 16-year-old has grown into a Nashville institution and a family legacy that continues today.