Shark’s taking a bite out of Vineville Avenue

Restaurant owner Mike Ali said he’s received a lot of love in Macon after opening Shark’s Fish & Chicken -- Chicago Style, on Mercer University Drive in August. Now, he’s spreading the love by opening a second location in the former Shane’s Rib Shack on Vineville Avenue.

“I moved here (to Macon) for the restaurant. It’s been good, it’s been beautiful,” Ali said of his Mercer University Drive location.

“The people have been friendly and lovely. They love the food, and they love us.”

Ali said that before opening a restaurant, he scopes out the area, surrounding businesses and traffic. He said he liked what he saw on Mercer University Drive and he really likes what he sees on Vineville Avenue.

“I see a lot of traffic and businesses around,” Ali said. “I love this area.”

Ali said he’s hoping to open the new location May 20, and he needs to hire some cashiers.

“We already trained the cooks because they have to be experienced and know how to deal with our fish,” Ali said. Some of the menu items at Shark’s includes catfish fillet, tilapia, trout, whiting, grouper, chicken wings and legs, sandwiches, side orders and desserts. When asked why the restaurant has Chicago style in the name, Ali said, “because we started in Chicago ... and because of our recipe and how we serve (the fish). Everything is fresh.”

This story was originally published May 12, 2011 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Shark’s taking a bite out of Vineville Avenue."