There has been a huge explosion/expansion of ice cream/yogurt/custard/gelato places in greater CLE the past few months. I don't think this fad can sustain this many shops considering the climate for the other 8 months of the year. I think Jeni's location was odd. I consider it to be one of the few destination dessert places around, but too far from most of Cuyahoga County residents. I would have envisioned a Cedar/Lee location over Chagrin.

^ nevertheless, they seem to be doing pretty well. There's always a line whenever I walk past the place (haven't been inside yet)

There has been a huge explosion/expansion of ice cream/yogurt/custard/gelato places in greater CLE the past few months. I don't think this fad can sustain this many shops considering the climate for the other 8 months of the year. I think Jeni's location was odd. I consider it to be one of the few destination dessert places around, but too far from most of Cuyahoga County residents. I would have envisioned a Cedar/Lee location over Chagrin.

 

What does the climate have to do with the sale of Ice Cream/Yogurt/Custard/Gelato?  I dont see a direct corelation.

 

Why can't we have options?  Why is it when anything in Cleveland grows or expands (and i've said this before on other topics/subjects) people can come up with reasons why "X" thing will fail.

 

People said similar things when East 4th came on-line, that Tower City and the Warehouse District will suffer.  Is there any proof they have suffered?

 

And we get more that 4 months of good weather in NE Ohio.  We, as a region, cannot blame the weather for "this or that" anymore.  It's BS.

^I don't think it's a Cleveland thing; I'd bet that a big chunk of the recent Pinkberry/RedMango/Berry Wild explosion in Manhattan closes in a few years too.  This thing has fad written all over it.

I saw this fad 20 years ago and it flamed out then as well. I'm sure we'll enjoy a couple years while everyone is touting how good these yogurt places are, then suddenly, everyone will stop and move on to the next fad.

 

I'm with WestBlvd. I haven't been to one of these places yet where the actual yogurt was tasty.

There has been a huge explosion/expansion of ice cream/yogurt/custard/gelato places in greater CLE the past few months. I don't think this fad can sustain this many shops considering the climate for the other 8 months of the year. I think Jeni's location was odd. I consider it to be one of the few destination dessert places around, but too far from most of Cuyahoga County residents. I would have envisioned a Cedar/Lee location over Chagrin.

 

What does the climate have to do with the sale of Ice Cream/Yogurt/Custard/Gelato?  I dont see a direct corelation.

 

Um, lots, thats why many just close down in the winter (Honey Hut, traditional road side ice cream places  etc.) 

There often isnt enough business in the winter to sustain these places being open. 

 

There has been a huge explosion/expansion of ice cream/yogurt/custard/gelato places in greater CLE the past few months. I don't think this fad can sustain this many shops considering the climate for the other 8 months of the year. I think Jeni's location was odd. I consider it to be one of the few destination dessert places around, but too far from most of Cuyahoga County residents. I would have envisioned a Cedar/Lee location over Chagrin.

Which 8 months are you referring to?  Because I've had dessert in May, September, & October in Cleveland.  Heck, I've even had it in November, December, Jan, Feb, March, & April??

 

 

I would say there is a huge correlation between climate and frozen dessert sales! Why are there huge lines outside on hot summer nights and barely a trickle in the dead of winter? Many shops even close October through April.

 

My point is that food goes through fads. You'll get a bunch of outlets selling product A. Then oversaturation, then product A goes out of flavor. Those food stands close, and eventually are replaced by product B. The cycle continues.

 

Remember donut shops, mr. Bulky type stores, popcorn, soon to be cupcakes, etc.

^I don't think it's a Cleveland thing; I'd bet that a big chunk of the recent Pinkberry/RedMango/Berry Wild explosion in Manhattan closes in a few years too.  This thing has fad written all over it.

 

I agree its a fad and attrition/retraction will happen.  One company will buy one of the others, sooner or later.

 

There has been a huge explosion/expansion of ice cream/yogurt/custard/gelato places in greater CLE the past few months. I don't think this fad can sustain this many shops considering the climate for the other 8 months of the year. I think Jeni's location was odd. I consider it to be one of the few destination dessert places around, but too far from most of Cuyahoga County residents. I would have envisioned a Cedar/Lee location over Chagrin.

 

What does the climate have to do with the sale of Ice Cream/Yogurt/Custard/Gelato?  I dont see a direct corelation.

 

Um, lots, thats why many just close down in the winter (Honey Hut, traditional road side icecream places) 

There isnt anough business in the winter to sustain these places being open. 

 

Yes, some "seasonal" businesses close down.  But if I'm not mistaken these are not seasonal stores.  Please correct me if I'm wrong.  Ice Cream/Yogurt, etc. is a comfort "food" and has a year round market and reaches deep across may audiences.

 

 

 

 

I would say there is a huge correlation between climate and frozen dessert sales! Why are there huge lines outside on hot summer nights and barely a trickle in the dead of winter? Many shops even close October through April.

 

My point is that food goes through fads. You'll get a bunch of outlets selling product A. Then oversaturation, then product A goes out of flavor. Those food stands close, and eventually are replaced by product B. The cycle continues.

 

Remember donut shops, mr. Bulky type stores, popcorn, soon to be cupcakes, etc.

 

Ah but it's not soley based on weather.  If you have a bad product it's not going to sell period.  I do agree that certain niche food products go thru cycles.  Look at donuts, Krispy Kreme was poised to be the next starbucks, then the health freaks targeted them. 

 

There are lots of factors and variables, but I wouldn't use weather as one.

I used to have the master franchisor for Dairy Queen for Northeast Ohio as a client. He told me directly that demand went down in the winter months. May through September is when he made the majority of his money. That was due to 1) kids being off of school, 2) people being outside (due to warm weather). When the winter months came, his volume dipped. It didn't go away, but it went down.

 

Weather impacts ice cream sales. It doesn't mean it goes away, but you're making your money in the summer in this business.

There has been a huge explosion/expansion of ice cream/yogurt/custard/gelato places in greater CLE the past few months. I don't think this fad can sustain this many shops considering the climate for the other 8 months of the year. I think Jeni's location was odd. I consider it to be one of the few destination dessert places around, but too far from most of Cuyahoga County residents. I would have envisioned a Cedar/Lee location over Chagrin.

Which 8 months are you referring to?  Because I've had dessert in May, September, & October in Cleveland.  Heck, I've even had it in November, December, Jan, Feb, March, & April??

 

Jeez. I'm sorry I made that comment. I'm willing to bet that shops that sell primarily frozen ice cream/yogurt /gelato do the vast majority of their sales the four month from mid May through mid September.

 

I've always wondered why there aren't more winter-seasonal dessert restaurants ie a variety hot chocolate place. There seems to be an explored niche market here

I used to have the master franchisor for Dairy Queen for Northeast Ohio as a client. He told me directly that demand went down in the winter months. May through September is when he made the majority of his money. That was due to 1) kids being off of school, 2) people being outside (due to warm weather). When the winter months came, his volume dipped. It didn't go away, but it went down.

 

Weather impacts ice cream sales. It doesn't mean it goes away, but you're making your money in the summer in this business.

 

There's no question that weather plays a large part.  I worked for 3 differrent Ice cream places growing up... One was a family business.  But, they all made there money over the summer to sustain them over the winter where they either just closed or also sold food that helped to sustain them or not loss as much.  I mean who wants to go out in the freezing cold to get something freezing cold?

 

Dont over-look the obvious.   

Ice cream is not seasonal.  But 'going out' for ice cream is a seasonal thing.  I would bet that container sales go up a bit in the winter, but the sale of cones goes way, way down.

 

I saw this fad 20 years ago

 

TCBY ruled the late 80's / early 90's !

With a half dozen or more Columbus locations, each a bit different than the next (including urban and suburban) I am sure Jeni's had an idea what they were doing by picking Chagrin for #1 in Cleveland. I know it is not urban enough for some on this board, but Chagrin has lively sidewalks, with locals and plenty of visitors, alike, and is the kind of walkable location Jeni's seeks. Coincidentally, I literally live down the street from this location, though would have gone anywhere they chose to put it, and can attest that it is constantly busy, frequently with a line well, well out the door, even 3+ months since opening. Have been 3+ times a week since opening, as have many, I would suspect.    $4-$6 avg coat appears,not to be an issue and nearby Popcorn Shop continues to do nice biz with more basic ice cream flavors, With that said, Lakewood, Coventry, etc... would have been good choices, too, but their time will come.  Any way you slice it, it is nice to have ,Jeni's in the area.

As a Pinkberry/Red Mango fan, I have fallen for Menchie's in a big way. At the same time, I don't necessarily get the benefit of the self serve thing and all the flavors, as the "original tart" (with fresh  fruit topping) that started the froyo craze is pretty perfect as it is and I don't see any fewer workers than at a Pinkberry, nor are costs much different.. Still, I give the idea a few years only... though Jeni's will be...

 

One cold weather ice cream quirk.... Lived in Milwaukee for many years. The busiest restaurants in town, 365 days a year, are their famous frozen custard outlets, many of which are local landmarks. 90 degrees: busy.... 5 below: busy.... Rich, creamy frozen custard, is part of the culture up there  in a way that is hard to umderstand outside Wisconsin , where life  goes on normaly  in frozen temps. (East Coast Custard is,closest in CLE, but not even in "good" ballpark vs. Milwaukee custard....)

Not to add to this yogurt craze but try BlueKiwi in Hudson!  Its much better than Menchies, and the fruit is all freshly cut (not frozen and no 500 kids running their hands through the toppings!!! :-o)  Altho I love BlueKiwi, I am surprised at how many of these Pinkberry-style places have popped up just in the last few months...wonder if we will ever actually get a Pink Berry?

'Walnut Wednesdays' in downtown Cleveland

 

There is a growing movement in Cleveland that is using social media and taking over our taste buds in the process.

 

We're familiar with fire trucks, dump trucks and good ol' pick up trucks...and now we are learning about food trucks, thanks to the Downtown Cleveland Alliance.

 

Welcome to Walnut Wednesdays -- the Downtown Chow Down. The NineTwelve District is proud to present Walnut Wednesdays. Join us every Wednesday through Sept. 7 for a special Chow Down event that makes working downtown even better.

 

http://www.wkyc.com/money/article/199495/110/Walnut-Wednesdays-in-downtown-Cleveland

FYI, this may be affected by Avengers shooting so best to check the websites, FB pages or twitter accounts of some of the more regularly participating trucks.

'Walnut Wednesdays' in downtown Cleveland

 

There is a growing movement in Cleveland that is using social media and taking over our taste buds in the process.

 

We're familiar with fire trucks, dump trucks and good ol' pick up trucks...and now we are learning about food trucks, thanks to the Downtown Cleveland Alliance.

 

Welcome to Walnut Wednesdays -- the Downtown Chow Down. The NineTwelve District is proud to present Walnut Wednesdays. Join us every Wednesday through Sept. 7 for a special Chow Down event that makes working downtown even better.

 

http://www.wkyc.com/money/article/199495/110/Walnut-Wednesdays-in-downtown-Cleveland

 

Lord my uncle doesn't need to see this. He'll eat everything on those trucks.

I haven't been able to keep up with this place as much lately as I'd like, but I noticed something today I didn't think had been mentioned.  I was driving down Euclid, and the old KFC AND Rally's close to E. 79th are both in the process of being renovated.  Like I said, I was driving, so it was hard to look for signs, but the KFC maybe looked like it might be turning into a Long John Silver's?  The only reason I say that is because there's a giant ship wheel on the roof and a pirate-looking flag, but I don't know for sure.  The Rally's was painted bright purple, and I think it said something like "Slow-yo" on the door?  Anyway, I don't think either place is anything crazy exciting, but it's at least two less abandoned buildings.

Doc I thought I had read up thread that those two buildings were a part of the filming for the movie "Big Fun". I am sure they will go back to being neglected after their 15 minutes are up.

Yep, that's correct, except that the movie is actually called "Fun Size" (not that anybody's going to watch it anyway).

 

Am a huge Bar Cento fan - food (for us at least) - is always reliable fantastic, price is right and it all just clicks. Unfortunately, had the worst, most disappointing meal in my (and my wife's) memory at Bar Cento's brand new sister restaurant, Market Garden Brewery, tonight.  Spot was full of happy drinkers, and place looks like a million (especially knockout beer garden), but food was as awful as Cento's is super. Pork tacos and Scotch eggs were both terribly overcooked and dry - and each dish seemed incomplete - another ingredient or condiment or side needed to pull it all together. A wedge salad and a salmon dish - both failed twists on common preparations - were odd, barely passable.... head scratchers - again, with something missing (a side in the salmon's case). How could this be the same chef as Cento? Gone are the tasty, crispy pizzas from Cento and pretty much any side dish of any kind  = a strength of Cento's - unless it is spelled "fries"... Server arrived late, kept her distance and was indifferent - too many tables? Too little personality? Debating whether to give them a 2nd chance - or just to head back to the Cento routine. Looked very forward to finally getting the time to go - and then this laughable visit. A shame.

^give it some time and try again.  I also wasnt impressed with my meal at Market Garden.  Bad wings, marginal burger.  I will be back though especially for beer.  I will give them a shot to work out the menu kinks.

I don't see that the 2 restaurants are related in terms of food, but maybe there's something I don't know about. FWIW, the menu at Bar Cento was developed by the former owner, Chef Jonathan Sawyer who owns Greenhouse Tavern and Noodlecat. Once he sold it, I heard the quality there was hit miss and my service there has never been anything but mediocre.

 

Sounds like market garden better get their stuff together or nobody's going to be eating there at all.

Well, junk, with respect to the "restaurants" on Euclid.

 

We went to Market Garden last weekend (we actually had to make a reservation to sit down and eat).  The beer was delicious, I'll give them that.  I wouldn't say the food was terrible - honestly, I don't think the joint is meant to be a restaurant restaurant in the first place.  The focus is the beer.  They serve food.  And the food they serve is better than your typical pub food.  The ingredients they used were of good quality.  But I agree with what was said about it seeming like something was missing.  I had the pork tacos that were good but needed some crunch and more spice.  As I was eating them, I was telling the mister that they would be friggin' awesome if they put some spicy slaw on them to give crunch and spice.  We'll be going back because the feel of the place and the beer were pretty decent.

^^saywer never "owned and sold" bar cento.  He and Sam mcnulty were partners on it...and I'm not even sure if sawyer ever had an ownership stake, maybe just exec chef. 

 

Just returned from a private happy hour at MGB, and the food they provided was unbelievable.  I don't doubt that they are having their growing pains with service and execution, but the food they put out tonight, on a buffet no less, was awesome.

Can't you contain yourself a bit and perhaps get your facts straight? I doubt people are ready to boycott this place like you. Give them a break and they will work out the issues. I mean this Guy has brought so much to this neighborhood and you're ready to fry him. How do we know it's just not you!

I don't see that the 2 restaurants are related in terms of food, but maybe there's something I don't know about. FWIW, the menu at Bar Cento was developed by the former owner, Chef Jonathan Sawyer who owns Greenhouse Tavern and Noodlecat. Once he sold it, I heard the quality there was hit miss and my service there has never been anything but mediocre.

 

Sounds like market garden better get their stuff together or nobody's going to be eating there at all.

Well excuse me! It was my understanding Sawyer owned and sold it. I never said I was the living Bible, nor did I say I was boycotting anyplace. Geez!

R&R's point is that Bar Cento was launched with a top chef lined up to develop the menu and that same chef wasn't involved with Market Garden, so it's not a big surprise if the food at MGB isn't at the same level.  Not sure why the reaction to her was anything more than a gentle correction about the ownership...

 

Anyway, I'm sure MGB will do fine because of the beer, the setting and because the food is probably "good enough," and I'm excited to give it a try.  I hope the kitchen can get it together though if it's having issues, because there's really no excuse for poor prep.

Myxx in Cleveland Heights opened.  Anyone check it out?

 

RE Banh Mi

Dragonfly in Ohio City may have these on the menu in the (near) future.

^^I happen to drive by this past Saturday night at about 11:45 pm and there looked to be about 12-15 customers.

 

Crop Bistro's website has been updated with a blurb about their new location and a good picture of the bank's mural that evidently will be in the bar area of the restaurant.

 

http://cropbistro.com/

R&R's point is that Bar Cento was launched with a top chef lined up to develop the menu and that same chef wasn't involved with Market Garden, so it's not a big surprise if the food at MGB isn't at the same level.  Not sure why the reaction to her was anything more than a gentle correction about the ownership...

 

Anyway, I'm sure MGB will do fine because of the beer, the setting and because the food is probably "good enough," and I'm excited to give it a try.  I hope the kitchen can get it together though if it's having issues, because there's really no excuse for poor prep.

 

MGB has gotten off to a ridiculous start financially. Fortunately, the demand is not able to be met and the surrounding restaurants are seeing a great uptick in their business as MGB-hopeful customers find other lesser-known establishments in Ohio City.

 

Sam McNulty recently said that his his two-year expansion plan quickly became a 2-month expansion plan as they had run out of beer and their brewery capacity was not able to keep up with business.

Great Lakes Brewery was incredible last night. I did some major damage there, and the crowd, the food, and of course the drinks were just perfect

As it relates to Market Garden  - and my poor review -  it gets back to the old "charging full price" theory - and, new or not, if they are open for biz and charging full price - then diners should expect good-enough service and food - or at least some of either - which we didn't get, not even a bit. Since Sawyer left Cento, I haven't noticed a decrease in quality - but after my MGB visit, I'm fearing that perhaps Cento has kept going doing nothing but copying Sawyer's dishes/formula - and, left to their own devices, the remaining crew can't get it done. Hope I'm wrong - but it likely will be awhile until I go back. I have a friend coming into town in a few weeks - and that was to be our first stop - but now I fear mediocrity, so likely won't make it. check out the OpenTable.com reviews for MGB and you'll see numerous "food's not all that great" reviews already...

Surprised to see everyone dogging on MGB. I love their Chorizo Joe!

 

Then again - I'm no food connoisseur, so perhaps I'm easy to please!

I have been there twice, once to drink and once to eat (and drink).  Both times I had a great time, and the time I ate the food was pretty good (better than what you'd get at most pubs).  Sure, it's no Zach Bruell restaurant, but I didn't expect it to be (and could care less if it is since the beer is the real reason to go there).

On Momocho Facebook, It will be delicious!:

 

chef + owner nolan konkoski of the soon to open SOHO kitchen + bar in ohio city will be holding a 1 night "pop up" restaurant at momocho on monday aug 22nd / SOHO chefs will feature their modern southern style cuisine + cocktails / plz call 216.694.2122 for reservation times

 

for details @ SOHO check out their FB page or sohocleveland.com

 

 

Does anybody on the board have any strong opinion or thoughts about Luxe.  I was thinking of going for the first time (really like Kaplan's food...once had a soup at One Walnut that was the best things I ever ate).  This is to celebrate a friend's promotion so I want it to be somewhat special.

 

The reason I am hesitating is because there are a number of really bad customers reviews out there.  As a rule I ignore these internet reviews unless they are 100 negative or positive, but I just wanted to make sure because some of them were just blistering.  The really bad ones were from when they just opened which may be relevant.  Again, I usually just ignore internet reviews and try out a place for myself, but I wanted some thoughts from you all.  Thanks.

 

I have never had a bad experience at Luxe in the 4 or 5 times I have been there, and the pizza was fan-tab-ulous...Although it's been probably over a year since I have been there.

 

My worst experience was washing a Luxe gift certificate in the pocket of my pants that we had won at an event, that was a bummer.

We have enjoyed Luxe each of the 3 or 4 times we have eaten there as well, and we have tried a pretty good variety of the menu.  It has been about 4 months since I was last there, though.

I've been to Luxe twice recently.  Excellent. 

They had some kind of networking thing this weekend - apparently it had a massive crowd

I think Luxe can be hit or miss.  I agree that the pizzas are awesome and they also have great cocktails.  The patio would be a great place to celebrate a special occasion.

I agree on hit-miss. I've been 3 times with smallish groups and we get a variety of things and share. I remember the fries being very good and the pizza good as well, but many other things were very medicore and some not really worth eating. I do recommend XYZ the Tavern just a few doors down on the other side of 65th though. Have had 3 good meals there.

Thanks for the imput everyone.