July 17, 201212 yr OK, I may have exaggerated the cannibalizing bit, but I still maintain that a pretty good portion of the CH crowd comes from Lake and Geauga Counties based on shirts I see people wearing there and also Facebook posts from people I know from Lake County (not urban minded people) that are always going there, some of which live as far east as Painesville. Sure, he will draw new customers, but obviously some percentage of customers will be people who would have gone to CH. Is it enough to make it worth opening a whole new restaurant? I don't know. But I guess my bigger complaint is exactly what dwirthwein posted. He is changing the whole image of the place. The Independence location was bad enough, but I figured it at least made sense if he was going to have locations about 5-7 miles from downtown on the east, west, south, and then maybe open up one in the city proper. Even though the Independence one would be a bit of an outlier, it still would have made sense to me. I like Melt enough that the last thing I want to happen to it is for them to open in 25 cities and be the next Max & Erma's. I see a dumpy strip plaza in Mentor as a first step along that path. Also, AJ, sorry to push your buttons about Mentor, I think that's the most defensive I've ever seen you on here. But I do know Mentor. I grew up less than a mile from where this new Melt was going. Yes, Mentor is nearly all strip plazas, but I still think he could have found a better location. First of all, as strip plazas go, this spot is not very visible. Most of the traffic on Mentor Ave. at this point is concentrated between 306 and the mall, not west of 306. Second, this is a dying strip plazas that has seen a couple of restaurants open and close over the years (wasn't it a Tony Roma's before?) Also, even very suburban-minded people I know think it's dumpy, and these are people that thing newly renovated strip plazas are great. And if he wanted to at least attempt to keep an urban vibe, like Jeni's does in Columbus or even like Yours Truly location seem to attempt to do, he could have located somewhere like the more "urban" styled building on 615 behind the Center Street School condos. I just think it's an odd choice for a restaurant that grew to fame as a hip urban joint.
July 17, 201212 yr Where is "The Tea Room"? I realize it might just be a room in a non-restaurant (Spaces art gallery?), but was curious about it. I just came across a reference to it here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/spacesgallery/7563193880/#
July 17, 201212 yr As far as being out in exurbia, if Melt didn't do it someone would eventually beat them to the punch with an imitation. Likely a really awful one and not just in regard to location. ^^ Urban sprawl? In Mentor? We aren't talking about Bainbridge Twp. here. Much of Mentor was fully developed by 1980 including this shopping center and its surrounding neighborhood. Sprawl wasn't invented in the 90s and just because something is 30yrs old doesn't make it not sprawl.
July 17, 201212 yr I wouldnt call that Strip Center dumpy or dying. It has an Old Navy, Marshalls, Panera Bread, Sallys Beauty Supply, Marcs!, and Pets Supply Plus. I dont know what else is in there. And atleast he got the location closest to the street. I also think he is on the right side of town. If he went by 615, that would be a good distance from the rest of Lake County, and be in a much more sprawly area. Im still wishing he would have chosen DTW. I dont think this will hurt CH business at all. Hopefully it will help the wait slightly, but I doubt even that will occur.
July 17, 201212 yr Where is "The Tea Room"? I realize it might just be a room in a non-restaurant (Spaces art gallery?), but was curious about it. I just came across a reference to it here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/spacesgallery/7563193880/# It was part of a show SPACES put on that just ended a few days ago ... ... SPACES will become the unofficial visitors center for Cleveland—a city with its own unique charms—in its exhibition The Cleveland Convention and Visitors Bureau (May 11 – July 13, 2012). This project seeks to engage the idea of tourism through the lens of a city that is not a traditional tourist destination. Participating artists engage Cleveland as a subject and medium in both critical and laudatory way—show that the city is singular and generic, foreign and familiar, and how that plays into notions of nostalgia, pilgrimage, place, history, community, displacement, commerce, and attraction. The front gallery of SPACES will be converted into an ad hoc visitors center complete with postcards, brochures, a tea room and a friendly staff to guide visitors through the exhibition and the city ... http://www.spacesgallery.org/project/the-cleveland-convention-and-visitors-bureau
July 19, 201212 yr for clev...to go with the casino...i'm thinking...robot bar! http://m.io9.com/5926964/tokyos-new-robot-girls-restaurant-will-bring-out-your-inner-cyber+fetishist
July 19, 201212 yr I dont think this will hurt CH business at all. I do. In fact I even think that it will start drawing many of the more suburban-minded folks from North/Northeast Cuyahoga County that for whatever reason don't feel like going to the Cleveland Heights location (when in the past that was their only option). Just my opinion, though.
July 19, 201212 yr Barroco Owner Bringing New Flavor to Detroit Avenue Juan Vergara is set to open Helvetica — a design-inspired café — on Aug. 15. ByColin McEwen July 18, 2012 "The businessman who brought a popular South American street food restaurant to Madison Avenue now has another artsy idea up his sleeve. " http://lakewood-oh.patch.com/articles/barroco-owner-bringing-new-flavor-to-detroit-avenue
July 19, 201212 yr Barroco Owner Bringing New Flavor to Detroit Avenue Juan Vergara is set to open Helvetica — a design-inspired café — on Aug. 15. ByColin McEwen July 18, 2012 "The businessman who brought a popular South American street food restaurant to Madison Avenue now has another artsy idea up his sleeve. " http://lakewood-oh.patch.com/articles/barroco-owner-bringing-new-flavor-to-detroit-avenue This Juan Vergara Cat is on a roll!!
July 19, 201212 yr Baltimore needs pierogies like Cleveland's Sokolowski's University Inn It's a funny thing: Baltimore and Cleveland have a lot in common. They were both former steel making powerhouses, they had huge Polish immigrant populations and they both love food. And yet, you have to go to Cleveland to get the very best pierogies on the planet: Sokolowski's University Inn. Local chef and Iron Chef Michael Symon pronounces them "the very best thing (he) ever ate". Having opened in 1923, it's the oldest family-run restaurant in Cleveland. http://www.examiner.com/article/baltimore-needs-pierogies-like-cleveland-s-sokolowski-s-university-inn
July 21, 201212 yr Black Dog opening in 3 weeks http://www.blackdogkitchenandbar.com/2012/04/20/hello-world/
July 23, 201212 yr Viaduct Lounge going to special events only. As ABC Team Takes Over Ontario Street, Viaduct Lounge to Go Events-Only In the same week that that Alan Glazen, Randy Kelly, and Linda Syrek take possession of Ontario Street Café (2053 Ontario St., 216-861-6446) they will conclude normal restaurant service at Viaduct Lounge (2100 Superior Via., 216-556-8200). This Saturday, July 28th will be the last night of regular dinner service, explains Kelly. From then on, the restaurant will be open only to private events. There will be no changes at ABC Tavern and XYX Tavern, the team's other properties. More at: http://www.clevescene.com/scene-and-heard/archives/2012/07/23/as-abc-team-takes-over-ontario-street-viaduct-lounge-to-go-events-only
July 23, 201212 yr Viaduct Lounge going to special events only. As ABC Team Takes Over Ontario Street, Viaduct Lounge to Go Events-Only In the same week that that Alan Glazen, Randy Kelly, and Linda Syrek take possession of Ontario Street Café (2053 Ontario St., 216-861-6446) they will conclude normal restaurant service at Viaduct Lounge (2100 Superior Via., 216-556-8200). This Saturday, July 28th will be the last night of regular dinner service, explains Kelly. From then on, the restaurant will be open only to private events. There will be no changes at ABC Tavern and XYX Tavern, the team's other properties. More at: http://www.clevescene.com/scene-and-heard/archives/2012/07/23/as-abc-team-takes-over-ontario-street-viaduct-lounge-to-go-events-only Kelly cites poor visibility, limited parking and zero foot traffic as insurmountable obstacles to running a successful eatery at that location. So true. But very glad that Viaduct is doing well with special events. It really is a great space. But that area has not gotten any sorta traction beyond Stonebridge.
July 23, 201212 yr Sushi ROCK is closed for remodeling. Sign says they'll re-open Fall 2012 My ex-girlfriend is going to be mad. But that's like saying water is going to be wet. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
July 24, 201212 yr Viaduct Lounge going to special events only. As ABC Team Takes Over Ontario Street, Viaduct Lounge to Go Events-Only In the same week that that Alan Glazen, Randy Kelly, and Linda Syrek take possession of Ontario Street Café (2053 Ontario St., 216-861-6446) they will conclude normal restaurant service at Viaduct Lounge (2100 Superior Via., 216-556-8200). This Saturday, July 28th will be the last night of regular dinner service, explains Kelly. From then on, the restaurant will be open only to private events. There will be no changes at ABC Tavern and XYX Tavern, the team's other properties. More at: http://www.clevescene.com/scene-and-heard/archives/2012/07/23/as-abc-team-takes-over-ontario-street-viaduct-lounge-to-go-events-only Kelly cites poor visibility, limited parking and zero foot traffic as insurmountable obstacles to running a successful eatery at that location. So true. But very glad that Viaduct is doing well with special events. It really is a great space. But that area has not gotten any sorta traction beyond Stonebridge. This has been pretty obvious for years though.
July 24, 201212 yr Sushi ROCK is closed for remodeling. Sign says they'll re-open Fall 2012 Sounds like it will be more bar than restaurant... http://www.cleveland.com/dining/index.ssf/2012/07/clevelands_sushi_rock_restaura.html
July 25, 201212 yr Ouch! Doors Close at Sullivan’s Irish Pub The employees were told not to return, and the popular Madison Avenue eatery has been shuttered since Friday. http://lakewood-oh.patch.com/articles/future-of-sullivan-s-irish-pub-remains-uncertain#photo-10753072
July 25, 201212 yr Sushi ROCK is closed for remodeling. Sign says they'll re-open Fall 2012 Sounds like it will be more bar than restaurant... http://www.cleveland.com/dining/index.ssf/2012/07/clevelands_sushi_rock_restaura.html Definately sounds that way. Too bad. Although the owner (as all the other owners of places in the WHD) has also cited the downgrading of the WHD from days-gone-by due to the shifting around of districts and the changing of the population or types of people that frequent the places in the neighborhood. "There will be changes to reflect new realities in the Warehouse District, says co-owner John Kostoglou. "It's more of a bar business and the diners are going to East Fourth," he says. "You're seeing the East Bank of the Flats all over again." In the last decade, however, the action along West Sixth and Ninth streets has increasingly gone downscale, with casual bars serving younger audiences.
July 25, 201212 yr Ouch! Doors Close at Sullivan’s Irish Pub The employees were told not to return, and the popular Madison Avenue eatery has been shuttered since Friday. http://lakewood-oh.patch.com/articles/future-of-sullivan-s-irish-pub-remains-uncertain#photo-10753072 *disclaimer* I don't like Patrick Sullivan. So if you do stop reading. No surprise to see mere months after Sullivan sold it that the place went under. Well if it went under. He is just crafty enough to dump it in a , ahem, timely manner. I have no idea what happened I'm just sad it didn't go under during his watch.
July 26, 201212 yr Kamm's attracts 15 new businesses thanks to $12m streetscape project The Kamm's Corners neighborhood, chock full of Irish pubs, small shops and dive bars, doesn't set out to lure chain restaurants. Yet it's a nice complement, nonetheless, when those companies decide the area has the right demographics to make it desirable to set up shop. Recently, Chipotle decided to open a new restaurant in a former Kentucky Fried Chicken at 16729 Lorain Avenue. The building had become a bit of an eyesore since closing. Chipotle will renovate the structure, eliminate the drive-through and replace the asphalt front driveway with a landscaped patio that faces Lorain. http://www.freshwatercleveland.com/devnews/kammscorners072612.aspx
July 27, 201212 yr Lago in Tremont is having a closing party this Saturday, July 28th until close. They mention they will be in the Aloft hotel on the East Bank when they re-open. Hopefully the Lago Tremont space gets scooped up soon.
July 27, 201212 yr ^^That's great news about the Chipotle in Kamm's. Freshening up a dumpy fast food structure, removing drive-through and adding terrace should actually have a pretty big impact on the streetscape. Great to see investment from one of the better fast food chains outside of downtown/UC.
July 27, 201212 yr So You Want My Job: Restaurant Owner by Brett & Kate McKay on July 19, 2012 Once again we return to our So You Want My Job series, in which we interview men who are employed in desirable jobs and ask them about the reality of their work and for advice on how men can live their dream. Last month we got a look inside the life of a restaurant critic. This month we hear from the guy the critic critiques: the restaurant owner. Dan Deagan is the owner of not only a rockin’ beard but also a tasty gastropub in Ohio. Today he gives us the lowdown on his stressful but satisfying job. 1. Tell us a little about yourself (Where are you from? How old are you? Describe your job and how long you’ve been at it, etc.). My name is Dan Deagan. I’m 38 years old. I grew up in Poland, Ohio (suburb of Youngstown). I currently reside in Rocky River, Ohio (suburb of Cleveland). I am the owner of Deagan’s Kitchen & Bar, a gastropub located in Lakewood, Ohio. I’ve been in the bar/restaurant business for 22 years, working at basically every position in the industry, including line cook, bartender, server, manager, and now owner. 2. Why did you want to become a restaurant owner? When did you know it was what you wanted to do? I had no intentions of staying in the business. I always planned on getting a “real job,” and bartending/serving was just to pay for school and bills. It was a fun job and I realized that I was actually pretty good at it. I got into management and decided that I was tired of making other people money. I wanted to do it for myself. I opened my first bar in 2002 (Dive Bar in downtown Cleveland). It’s still open and doing well, but I started becoming more interested in food. I wanted a place that my wife and I like hanging out in: independently-owned, casual atmosphere, great craft beer list, and fine dining quality food. We opened Deagan’s Kitchen & Bar in September 2010 and have been very lucky to get great reviews and success. read the rest: http://artofmanliness.com/2012/07/19/so-you-want-my-job-restaurant-owner/
July 27, 201212 yr ^Love Deagan's...was actually there yesterday for dinner....everything was perfect, from drinks to apps (especially apps and bar food). entrees and service. Wish it was on the east side.
July 27, 201212 yr This should shed some light on some of the recent happenings at PHS.... Sammy's restaurant returns, coming to Cleveland's PlayhouseSquare this fall: Restaurant Row Published: Friday, July 27, 2012, 3:45 PM Updated: Friday, July 27, 2012, 4:18 PM Visitors and workers dining in Cleveland's PlayhouseSquare district have lost a place to eat -- but they're about to become reacquainted with a name long familiar to local diners. Early this week, Acapella restaurant in the Keith Building, 1625 Euclid Ave., quietly closed. Attempts to contact the restaurant's former owners were unsuccessful. Meanwhile, Art Falco, president and chief executive of PlayhouseSquare Foundation, confirmed that the former Star restaurant will become Sammy's At PlayhouseSquare. http://www.cleveland.com/dining/index.ssf/2012/07/sammys_restaurant_returns_comi.html
July 27, 201212 yr Why would they get rid of Acapella. I wonder what their plans are for that little space.
July 28, 201212 yr Discussion of this aside from the most recent news is in the Playhouse Square development thread.
August 1, 201212 yr Some recent Facebook chatter going on... ...on Nano Brew's FB page, there is talk about a fourth brewpub opening in the Market District. ...on Mitchell's Ice Cream FB, they re-confirm how they're opening this winter. Also, Lago replacement has already been identified Say Goodbye to Lago in Tremont and Hello to... Posted by Douglas Trattner on Tue, Jul 31, 2012 at 6:08 PM "It's been just a couple days since Lago (2221 Professor Ave.) owner Fabio Salerno shuttered his six-year-old Tremont restaurant, which closed this past Saturday. But the attractive space across the street from Michael Symon's Lolita has already been spoken for. " http://www.clevescene.com/scene-and-heard/archives/2012/07/31/say-goodbye-to-lago-in-tremont-and-hello-to
August 7, 201212 yr More good press for Barroco... Lakewood's Barroco Grill named Ohio spot for must-try sandwich: Restaurant Row Published: Tuesday, August 07, 2012, 2:23 PM The Plain Dealer By Joe Crea, The Plain Dealer In its September issue, Food Network Magazine names the Chorizo Arepa sandwich at Lakewood's Barroco Grill the single must-try sandwich of Ohio. The Chorizo Arepa sandwich joins 49 other notables in the feature "50 Sandwiches, 50 States," available on newsstands today. For the magazine's annual survey of the best dishes across the country -- its editors have featured burgers and pizza in prior years -- Food Network Magazine's staff searched the United States for the most delicious sandwich in every state. read the rest http://www.cleveland.com/taste/index.ssf/2012/08/lakewoods_barroco_grill_named.html
August 8, 201212 yr WELL... its finally here. What do we think? I don't know anything about the restaurant but this is in my opinion a huge development for the area... "Red the Steakhouse to replace Volk's Jewelry & Loans, other Prospect Avenue merchants" http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2012/08/red_the_steakhouse_to_replace.html#incart_river_default ALSO POSTED IN E 4th NEWS
August 8, 201212 yr Wow thats a pretty big deal and will really add to the dynamic of the area (even though it is yet another restaurant). Ate there recently for the first time in Beachwood and likely the best steak I have ever had.
August 8, 201212 yr ^Why is it such a big deal--just one chain restaurant, no? I'm not that familiar with it. Personally, I'd rather see Volks and hatter over another restaurant---those places--amongst others---gave Prospect its soul, which, sadly, it is slowly losing....
August 8, 201212 yr its a four restaurant chain and i think the guy is from cleveland. I'm still not totally sure what chains we are allowed to like and which ones are the devil.
August 8, 201212 yr Oh yeah its a Cleveland Restaurant that opened one a lucrative Miami outpost and then one in Boca Raton. The article talks about owner Mr. Friedlander and what a true Clevelander he is..... Being brought up downtown most of my life, I never thought I would see a resurgence like I am right now. "I love Cleveland," he added. "I think it's the greatest city in the country, and I want to be down there to support it."
August 8, 201212 yr WELL... its finally here. What do we think? I don't know anything about the restaurant but this is in my opinion a huge development for the area... "Red the Steakhouse to replace Volk's Jewelry & Loans, other Prospect Avenue merchants" http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2012/08/red_the_steakhouse_to_replace.html#incart_river_default Interesting bit from the article: With roughly 140 seats, plus party rooms and meeting space, the downtown steakhouse will be larger than its suburban cousin. It will employ at least 80 people and eventually could be open for lunch, Friedlander said. "It seems to be that the biggest problem with downtown is that there is not one area that's been fully developed," said the restaurateur, who started his career washing dishes at his father's former downtown Cleveland eateries. "It seems like this is the first time that one area has really been developed with focus and branched out from.
August 8, 201212 yr ^Why is it such a big deal--just one chain restaurant, no? I'm not that familiar with it. Personally, I'd rather see Volks and hatter over another restaurant---those places--amongst others---gave Prospect its soul, which, sadly, it is slowly losing.... I like Volks and their iconic-but-shabby sign. I hope they can relocate nearby. If they really want to I'm sure they will stay in business. This restaurant will employ 80 people and the building will finally get the tlc it needs. We need that.
August 8, 201212 yr ^Why is it such a big deal--just one chain restaurant, no? I'm not that familiar with it. Personally, I'd rather see Volks and hatter over another restaurant---those places--amongst others---gave Prospect its soul, which, sadly, it is slowly losing.... I think this is great news, but you have a point, and I do hope these businesses are able to land on their feet nearby. Pimp-hat retail is still retail and we can't afford to lose any.
August 8, 201212 yr ^Why is it such a big deal--just one chain restaurant, no? I'm not that familiar with it. Personally, I'd rather see Volks and hatter over another restaurant---those places--amongst others---gave Prospect its soul, which, sadly, it is slowly losing.... Truth.
August 8, 201212 yr ^^Thanks for the great pic. Use to love going to Dave's for lunch. Hope this does not hurt xo and mortons.
August 8, 201212 yr It is not simply "one chain restaraunt"..... http://www.moxietherestaurant.com/press/press_esquireredreview.pdf..... it is a nationally renowned steakhouse which has more than one location. I hesitate to call it a chain. Is Melt a chain? Red certainly is not the type of chain Applebee's, Chili's, TGIF, etc. are. It does not even fall into the category of a ACF or PF Chang's.
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