Carol Fisher-Linn
Silver Fox Steakhouse preparing to celebrate 50th anniversary; longest family-owned restaurant in Ellicottville.
After fifty years of serving the Ellicottville community, Silver Fox owner, Mike Nickolson shares these sentiments: “I would like to thank all of our 1st, 2nd and 3rd generations of customers. You have become friends and family and have made this vision a true pursuit of happiness. I also need to give my upmost respect and appreciation to my wife Sally who has been steadfast in our family vision. You have been a strong force by my side in work and in my life. I whole-heartedly, thank each and every one of you.”
Unlike from the fortunate locals who have been born and raised in this wonderful town, so many of us have found our way to Ellicottville and created our own unique niche, almost as if it were destiny. Mike Nickolson first set foot into our community at the age of twelve by way of a concrete construction business owned by his father, Gerry Nickolson. It was a family business and he was dad’s helper. Ellicottville was “becoming;” – condominiums and private housing were starting to pop up on the hillsides, and the proprietors of Nickolson Concrete found themselves with plenty of work in the Ellicottville area. In 1968 they purchased an old fur barn as a depot for their equipment. Gerry was quite familiar with the area having skied at Holiday Valley since the late 50’s learning about the culture of the community, making friends, and developing his business. Life was busy between the business and skiing, and in the early to mid-70’s the men decided to back off on the concrete business after 35 years. That left them with a big old barn which needed a new purpose. Rental property made sense with the growing need in what was developing into a winter destination town. It was a perfect setting for an antique shop, which held great appeal for Gerry, satisfying his love for antiques. But, with Ellicottville’s growing popularity and only four places in the village to enjoy a sit-down meal, and with Gerry’s past experience working for family members who had taverns, the idea of a restaurant won out.
John Northrup nicknamed Gerry “The Silver Fox” because of his mane of silver hair when Gerry worked for him at the Holiday Valley Ski School. With the barn being an old fur storage and trading barn, his nickname was a natural fit and thus the restaurant had a name. And so, they went to work, father and son, now tapping into their talents as high-quality carpenters, opening in 1974. Gerry’s love of antiques can be seen in the Victorian décor, the beveled glass and crystal chandelier. It is, frankly, difficult to imagine that two men had the mastery and creative inspiration to create the opulent and lush interior of this building, but then, it turns out they were artists. The inside is a feast for the eyes, and one feels compelled to study the fine woodworking and the beautiful copper covered bar they hand built.
With Gerry’s death in January 2001, Mike has continued running the restaurant and being a presence to greet guests when the doors are opened, an M.O. both men followed from the beginning. Along with an extensive wine list, the highest quality of meats, seafood, and fresh produce they can procure for their patrons, they remained committed to visit with their guests nightly.
The fare at The Fox is legendary. Harking to their beginnings as a first-class steak house they take pride in serving USDA Prime Center Cuts of Rib-Eye Steaks and 21 Day Dry-aged Strip and Rib-Eye Steaks, all cut from Certified Angus Beef. Silver Fox is one of the few restaurants in the county to feature dry aged steaks. Over time, their menu has evolved to accommodate new culinary trends including seafood and creative pasta dishes with extraordinary sauces.
The Nickolsons will be hosting the 50th anniversary of The Silver Fox with a party on Friday, December 13th from 6-9pm. You are invited to join them for a drink and an assortment of lovely appetizers. Currently, the Silver Fox is open on Wednesday, Thursday, 4:30- 9pm and Friday and Saturday, 4:30- 10pm. The bar opens at 4:30pm, and dinner is served starting at 5pm. Convenient parking is at the front door at 23 Hughey Alley. To check their holiday scheduling, find them on Facebook or at their website at www.silverfoxrestaurant.com.