Snapshot: Lakewood’s Celebrity Chef Teams Up with APL

Matt Fish has always had a soft spot for rescued dogs. 

Growing up, his dad would take in “second-hand” dogs that didn’t have a home.

Now, the owner of the world-famous is using his celebrity status to help some rescued dogs.

Fish’s restaurant is sponsoring Cleveland Animal Protective League’s February campaign MELTing Hearts to help some Cleveland-area pets find new homes. 

“I am a big dog lover,” he said, adding that he’s spent some time recently at the shelter. “I’ve had dogs my whole life.”

Last month, Fish participated in the APL’s Doggie Bag awareness campaign. It seemed like a natural fit to participate in the animal rescue organization’s latest local celebrity campaign, he said.

“Why not?” he said. “We decided to give it a shot. We thought up the campaign.”

Anyone who takes home a pet from the APL and mentions the promotion will automatically be entered into a drawing to win a $20 gift card to the wildly popular grilled cheese establishment.

And, in case you were wondering, Matt still has a special place in his heart for big, lovable dogs. He brought home Doris, his English Mastiff, when she was just a puppy.