Belgrade Gardens

The Topalskys began a family tradition in dining and management. Eighty years ago they opened their farmhouse dining room to families who enjoyed old world cooking. Mike and Smilka met as Serbian immigrant children in Barberton. After marrying and becoming involvedin other business ventures, they opened the existing restaurant on July 4, 1933 in what had been Mikes fathers home on East State Street. Mikes father, Alexander, had operated a dairy farm on the premises prior to his death in 1930. The farm had to be sold during the depression years and the new landlord rented the farm to the younger Topalskys. In 1940 the property was purchased by the Topalskys and the farm was back in the family name. The idea about selling fried chicken dinners developed when customers dropped in for a lunch of homemade soup and a sandwich. While eating they were intrigued by the aroma that came from the kitchen where Smilka prepared her family meals on a kerosene stove. The customers questioned what was being cooked. Smilka decided to let them taste and share in the meal she had made for her family. The customers were so pleased that fried chicken, djuvece known as hot sauce, (which even today remains unduplicated), coleslaw and fried potatoes became the specialty of the house. This one entrée menu remained the same for 33 years, until 1966. For the past fifty years the Topalskys son-in-law, Kosta Papich, an electrical engineer, has been President and General Manager of Belgrade Gardens, Inc. His wife, Sophia, a former teacher is the daughter of the original owner the late Mike and Smilka Topalsky. Through the efforts and foresight of Mr. & Mrs. Papich, Belgrade Gardens has grown from that small farmhouse restaurant surrounded by the big lawn, trees, and flower beds to its present size. The expanded farmhouse now seats 270 people. Belgrade Gardens reputation as a Barberton Landmark and fine eating establishment is known the world over. In the January 1991, the Belgrade family