What is going to happen downtown to make this environment more sustainable for business owners?  We cant just let businesses come down and leave and new ones come and leave.  In order to sustain, i would imagine it takes a public/private/resident plan.  Doesnt seem like there is one

What is going to happen downtown to make this environment more sustainable for business owners?  We cant just let businesses come down and leave and new ones come and leave.  In order to sustain, i would imagine it takes a public/private/resident plan.  Doesnt seem like there is one

In a perfect world, sure, that would be great, but that's not how things work. I'm sure DCA works with these owners.

Guys (if this news is true) restaurants come and go.  It is the nature of the business.  Chop House had a great run in Cleveland (probably close to 20 years which is phenomenal in the business).  I would imagine there are many reasons for the move.  No reason to go nuts analyzing.  And I agree...they had a great product for the type of restaurant it was and it will be missed (especially the super brunch on Sunday).

It kind of makes me wonder what exactly the plan is.  WE just keep loading up on restaurants, eventually the concepts overlap.  SO here comes Red the Steakhouse, to take the place? I feel like there isnt a plan.  I applaud the businesses for taking coming into the downtown area...i just hope there is diversifying and an increase in a critical mass of people real soon.

 

i would say it's more of a testament that restaurant owners are now seeing having a downtown address as a viable option, and some cases a necessity.  many of these recognized establishments in the outlying areas see a feasible model of success being downtown.  think of pickwick & frolic, lola, etc... opening up on e. 4th before there was any real critical mass of downtown residents or hint of a casino.

 

the audience is here, so the risk of taking a shot on downtown has never been better.

Chophouse closed their Rock Bottom outlet in last few years - so perhaps this wasn't a surprise. Only fear will be next tenant more bar than restaurant - but visible/good space hopefully will be snapped up quickly.

la times shares secret to market garden's sweet potato pie

Thursday, December 13, 2012

 

In a Los Angeles Times column titled “Culinary SOS: Divine medley of flavors,” Noelle Carter answers a reader’s question about her experience with Cleveland’s own Market Garden Brewery and shares their recipe for sweet potato pie.

 

http://www.freshwatercleveland.com/inthenews/latimespierecipe121312.aspx

 

http://articles.latimes.com/2012/dec/08/food/la-fo-SOS-sweet-potato-pie-20121208

It kind of makes me wonder what exactly the plan is.  WE just keep loading up on restaurants, eventually the concepts overlap.  SO here comes Red the Steakhouse, to take the place? I feel like there isnt a plan.  I applaud the businesses for taking coming into the downtown area...i just hope there is diversifying and an increase in a critical mass of people real soon.

 

Before we start conspiracy theories and go further with the "downtown can handle", etc. thoughts, feelings or comments, does anyone know if the other three restaurants (in the chain) are closing and what the financial status of the Chain is?

 

Could it be they just don't want to be here?

I did look into it yesterday but could find nothing about the chain in general (and the DC one for that matter) having trouble or any announced closings for that matter.  I guess the important thing to remember here is that it was only an uncomfirmed rumor for Cleveland. 

word on the street is that the cleveland chophouse & brewery will be closed at the end of the year.

 

I used to eat there, but haven't done so in years. Most of my culinary exploits are along/near Euclid Avenue these days -- it is the latest dining hot spot. I guess I just forgot about the Chophouse, along with most other Warehouse District establishments....

The Chophouse changed ownership about two years back and my opinion is the quality of the food has tanked. I was told that they completely changed vendors. I took my mom there for her birthday in September since she is old school meat and potatoes. A friend of mine from NYC was in town as well. The meal was horrible across the board. My filet was tasteless and I think the first time ever, I didn't finish a steak. I had been back one time since September with the same results. I have not been back since. The place is not the Chophouse we all know and love. It's time for a change whether the rumor is true or not.

I guess the important thing to remember here is that it was only an uncomfirmed rumor for Cleveland.

 

my information came from current employees/mutual friends.  there was a buzz on one of their facebook pages where current and ex-employees were reminiscing/discussing it, but the page has since been taken down.  there was discussion about a lease not being renewed, but 12/31/12 was the closing date they were given.  my guess?  they probably had a number of holiday party contracts to honor before they closed up.

 

i guess we'll just wait and see.

Red for Chophouse is a great trade if it comes to that.

 

not really local news, but could potentially have local ramifications.

 

a new grilled cheese chain in california, "the melt" is preparing for big expansion with 500 locations planned across the country:

 

http://la.eater.com/archives/2012/12/14/before_tomorrows_launch_tour_the_melt_on_sunset.php

 

i can't help but think this would cause confusion in the marketplace with regards to "melt bar and grilled", at least in this region should "the melt" choose to enter this market.  i have no idea if matt fish and company have any bigger expansion plans in the future, but they've been moving at a pretty good clip as of late.

 

i found it interesting based on another recent story.  celebrity chef tom colicchio has been pretty litigious (and successful) when it comes to people using the word "craft" in the name of their establishments.  the chef has built a small empire based on his handful of "craft" branded restaurants, and has gone out of his way to protect it. 

 

http://eater.com/archives/2012/12/13/tom-colicchio-forces-sf-restaurant-to-change-its-name.php

 

regardless of your opinion of melt b&g, it is a cleveland original.  it would suck to be having a discussion with someone from chicago or new york, and have them say "oh yeah, we've got like 10 of those melt places here."

 

You kids crack me up.  Why worry?  Come on.

yeah a lot of hype places like that start out announcing big expansion plans and it never happens. it could, but usually doesnt.

Nothing is a slam dunk, but I think Fishman would have a pretty easy time preventing "The Melt" from operating under that name in the Cleveland market.  If he's willing to pay some legal bills.

Nothing is a slam dunk, but I think Fishman would have a pretty easy time preventing "The Melt" from operating under that name in the Cleveland market.  If he's willing to pay some legal bills.

 

How do we know if "the melt" is in violation of "Melt Bar and Grilled" or "Cleveland melt Bar and Grilled" copyrights, etc., or vis versa?

 

This is worrying over nothing!

^I'm not going to take the bait and turn this into a half a@@ed discussion of IP law when neither of us are Ohio IP atties, but you'll notice my conclusion was the same as yours "this is worrying about nothing."

^I'm not going to take the bait and turn this into a half a@@ed discussion of IP law when neither of us are Ohio IP atties, but you'll notice my conclusion was the same as yours "this is worrying about nothing."

 

That wasn't bait, I was adding onto what you were saying!  LOL

 

Knowing Cleveland, if a restaurant like that moved in, the locals would probably avoid it.

 

Speaking of that, how is the Twisted Kilt doing?  I know that no person here can give financial but what does the crowd generally look like?

^Sorry, MTS, I misinterpreted your post.

 

Good question about Tilted Kilt.  Back in the day we speculated about the possible effects of the casino and MM/CC on the downtown restaurant scene.  So far, doesn't seem like too much has changed (for better or for worse), but will be interesting to see the other big piece open up next year.  Might still be that nothing much changes in the short term till we see some big hotel room additions. Who knows.

i'm not "worried" over anything, just drumming up some thought provoking conversation (slow work week).

 

i'm aware melt b&g didn't invent the grilled cheese sandwich, or is even the first/most prevalent establishment in the market.  but, the word "melt" is synonymous in this region with a brand.  it's been nationally recognized, and every out of towner that visits me has it as a "must" on their to do list.

 

should this california brand expand, isn't it reasonable to think people will automatically associate or mistake the two?  who knows, it could be a benefit in some capacity. 

 

it's just more of a discussion of how a relatively small, local, successful name could have their brand jeopardized or cheapened when a big player comes in under extremely similar circumstances or product.

 

just offering some friendly, hypothetical bar talk.

^That makes sense.  I was thinking more locally, and at least there, I'm confident Fishman will be able to defend his brand against bricks and mortar competition.  There are certainly other grilled cheese places out there so I guess it was only a matter of time before someone tried to scale up a huge national chain.  As always, it's easier said than done.

i'm not "worried" over anything, just drumming up some thought provoking conversation (slow work week).

 

i'm aware melt b&g didn't invent the grilled cheese sandwich, or is even the first/most prevalent establishment in the market.  but, the word "melt" is synonymous in this region with a brand.  it's been nationally recognized, and every out of towner that visits me has it as a "must" on their to do list.

 

should this california brand expand, isn't it reasonable to think people will automatically associate or mistake the two?  who knows, it could be a benefit in some capacity. 

 

it's just more of a discussion of how a relatively small, local, successful name could have their brand jeopardized or cheapened when a big player comes in under extremely similar circumstances or product.

 

just offering some friendly, hypothetical bar talk.

 

Hell no!  You think that Clevelanders would not know the difference??  Clevelanders are very food savvy!  If anything the chain coming in has the worries, you're trying to open up in a territory with a local following.  it would be the same if Katz Deli tried to open up here or a perogie palace opened in the heart of Parma.

 

 

Hell no!  You think that Clevelanders would not know the difference??  Clevelanders are very food savvy!  If anything the chain coming in has the worries, you're trying to open up in a territory with a local following.  it would be the same if Katz Deli tried to open up here or a perogie palace opened in the heart of Parma.

 

not cleveland proper, but if melt b&g has expansion plans outside of northeast ohio (columbus, pittsburgh, detroit, etc...), who would know the difference?  and on the outside chance they (the melt) were to enter the cleveland market, based on their current efficiency model and pricing, i'd say melt b&g would be the one to worry.

Hell no!  You think that Clevelanders would not know the difference??  Clevelanders are very food savvy!  If anything the chain coming in has the worries, you're trying to open up in a territory with a local following.  it would be the same if Katz Deli tried to open up here or a perogie palace opened in the heart of Parma.

 

not cleveland proper, but if melt b&g has expansion plans outside of northeast ohio (columbus, pittsburgh, detroit, etc...), who would know the difference?  and on the outside chance they (the melt) were to enter the cleveland market, based on their current efficiency model and pricing, i'd say melt b&g would be the one to worry.

 

Outside of NE Ohio, I wouldn't care.  If those areas are receptive to bad food...then let them suffer!  I still do not think they would connect a out of state chain to a Cleveland institution.  Especially with the handy dandy internet available to check a company's website.

I tell you one thing.  If "The Melt" came in and located itself in my neighborhood (D-S) or Ohio City...like Matt Fish SHOULD HAVE instead of selling out to the strip malls, i will be eating at "The Melt" when i want a Grilled Cheese Sandwich. 

^ no, no, no -- stay local and go to "the diner" instead!!

 

oh what am i saying? if its good, go to the new melt. it's all about whats tasty too, right?

 

wait, we dont even know if this cali melt is any good -- as of today it sounds like its just big dreams and marketing hype.

 

this reminds me of another similar story about a salad place opened by some guys, including former clevelanders, in nyc with a lot of initial hype and big plans to expand everywhere. it was several years ago, but thats why it stood out in my memory. anyway they are still around, but i dont think they ever expanded much or to cleveland (its called chopt).

 

"The Melt" is something created by the guy that invented the Flip camera. From what I understand it's more fast food themed that (clearly) what Melt B&G serves up. Yes, they both serve grilled cheese sandwiches, but I wouldn't say they have the same product. Melt B&G is a compeltely different experience.

"The Melt" is something created by the guy that invented the Flip camera. From what I understand it's more fast food themed that (clearly) what Melt B&G serves up. Yes, they both serve grilled cheese sandwiches, but I wouldn't say they have the same product. Melt B&G is a compeltely different experience.

 

If that's the case, then I posted about it, I believe a couple of years ago.  (I remember being concerned at the time (more about him stealing Clevelands thunder ( since to this day I still have several people ask in DC when I mention I'm going home, if I will be going to that "Grilled Cheese Restaurant" made famous from various food shows))

But if this is as far as he has gotten then I'm not too worried about it. 

I've seen "The Melt" in SFO area at a malls... Think Five Guys for grilled cheese...

I guess the important thing to remember here is that it was only an uncomfirmed rumor for Cleveland.

 

my information came from current employees/mutual friends.  there was a buzz on one of their facebook pages where current and ex-employees were reminiscing/discussing it, but the page has since been taken down.  there was discussion about a lease not being renewed, but 12/31/12 was the closing date they were given.  my guess?  they probably had a number of holiday party contracts to honor before they closed up.

 

i guess we'll just wait and see.

 

 

still nothing definitive, but getting warmer:  http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20121217/FREE/121219839#

Speaking of Melt (and Chophouse, in the news) - wouldn't the Chophouse space - in the center of a more bar-focused aread these days - be a great location for the first downtown Melt?

^ From what I have heard he doesn't have an interest in the city and is focusing on a suburban model.

With regards to Chophouse I heard a rumor that the owner of the building jacked up the rent.  If true, the only reason I see that happening is if the owner already has another tenant lined up.  However, this is not confirmed just hearsay.

^This discussion of The Melt is interesting timing because they had their grand opening here in Hollywood at the corner of Sunset and Vine on Saturday.  They were giving away free grilled cheese and soup.  I tried their brie with honey apple spread and a sweet corn soup.  It was good, but nothing like Melt.  Totally different concepts and execution.  Melt has nothing to be concerned about.

^This discussion of The Melt is interesting timing because they had their grand opening here in Hollywood at the corner of Sunset and Vine on Saturday.  They were giving away free grilled cheese and soup.  I tried their brie with honey apple spread and a sweet corn soup.  It was good, but nothing like Melt.  Totally different concepts and execution.  Melt has nothing to be concerned about.

 

thanks for the first hand feedback!  as stated before, i can see it being fairly different product, but at the end of the day they are both grilled cheese shops called "melt".

 

it would be akin to some burger franchise coming into cleveland with the name "b's spot".  if you were up on the brands or did the research, you would know the difference, but how many people actually would/do?  probably much ado about nothing on my part, put i've always found intellectual property protection with the food and bev industry interesting.  thanks all for playing.

I don't think anyone here would ever confuse the various Melt concepts. The problem is that Melt had already established itself nationally through TV shows and publications. It's pretty clear to me that the Melt concept mightve been created from hearing all the buzz about the original Melt. It's not like Melt is a little gem that's never gotten national PR. Far from it. The timing is very peculiar and I find it odd that Matt Fish hasn't said anything about it since The Melt has been hyped a lot in many national restaurant publications. He would be wise to follow Collichio's lead and protect his brand.

Cleveland Chop House restaurant to close in Warehouse District

Published: Tuesday, December 18, 2012, 4:00 PM    Updated: Tuesday, December 18, 2012, 6:40 PM

 

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Come the new year, downtown Cleveland will lose a popular eatery. Cleveland Chop House will shutter after the holiday rush.

"Our understanding is that it was a corporate decision to close the restaurant," says Joe Marinucci, chief executive officer of Downtown Cleveland Alliance.

 

http://www.cleveland.com/dining/index.ssf/2012/12/cleveland_chop_house_restauran.html#incart_river_default

Cleveland Chop House restaurant to close in Warehouse District

Published: Tuesday, December 18, 2012, 4:00 PM    Updated: Tuesday, December 18, 2012, 6:40 PM

 

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Come the new year, downtown Cleveland will lose a popular eatery. Cleveland Chop House will shutter after the holiday rush.

"Our understanding is that it was a corporate decision to close the restaurant," says Joe Marinucci, chief executive officer of Downtown Cleveland Alliance.

 

http://www.cleveland.com/dining/index.ssf/2012/12/cleveland_chop_house_restauran.html#incart_river_default

 

 

Definitely a bummer. Glad I was there sunday for the browns brunch.

 

As a resident of the warehouse district, I hope whatever takes its place is a nice establishment, whether it be restaurant or retail.

^I hope whatever takes its place utlizes the brewing equipment already on site and brews some beer!  It's nice to have a micro-brew in the neighborhood.  McNulty looking for another location?!?!

^I hope whatever takes its place utlizes the brewing equipment already on site and brews some beer!  It's nice to have a micro-brew in the neighborhood.  McNulty looking for another location?!?!

 

That would be awesome. Thumbs up to that idea

Anyone know how Bar Louie is doing?  I am only asking because it would be interesting if corporate joints will be interested in the space.  (or already was, and offered more money that Chophouse was willing to spend)

New restaurant opening in Tremont:

 

Schulze is talking about his planned restaurant and watering hole Bourbon Street Barrel Room, which was recently approved by the local Tremont block club, a major feat given the propensity of skiddish neighbors to blackball new liquor licenses. The 100-seat restaurant, which will be located on Professor Avenue between Fahnrenheit and Edison's, is expected to open by next summer.

 

http://freshwatercleveland.com/devnews/bourbonstreet122012.aspx

/\/\/\ don't forget this bit too:

 

popular east-side pub parnell's coming to playhousesquare

Thursday, December 20, 2012

 

Synnott, who moved to the States from Dublin, purchased the bar (nee The Charles Stewart Parnell) from its previous owner in 1997. He expanded the bar into the adjoining space in 2004.

 

Synnott's next expansion will be a tad more ambitious: In March, Parnell's Downtown will open in PlayhouseSquare, in a space that has seen its share of short-lived operations. Most recently, it was home to Corks Wine Bar, which lasted a little less than three years.

 

http://www.freshwatercleveland.com/devnews/parnellsplayhouse122012.aspx

Yep :) I put that in Playhouse Development since they're not serving food...not sure of the rules for "restaurant".

A new burrito place opened at 3226 Clark Avenue. One of the vegetable vendors at the West Side Market opened it up just recently. The place is called Sunshine Burrito Bowl.

Actual New Restaurants opening in Kamms.  http://www.cleveland.com/sunpostherald/index.ssf/2012/12/new_businesses_opening_up_in_c.html

 

Actual New Restaurants opening in Kamms.  http://www.cleveland.com/sunpostherald/index.ssf/2012/12/new_businesses_opening_up_in_c.html

 

 

Ya can't believe anything that hack writes. :)

The Hyde Park folks have been issued a liquor license for the former, short-lived Fountain space in Moreland Hills... "Moreland Hills Tavern" is the name on the license...  so will be interesting to see what sort of establishment opens there.

 

The new Piada - the "Italian Chipotle" - opened last Friday in Cedar Center North... Crowded all weekend (as I should know from my 3 visits...) Great concept... Next up in CLE = Rocky River (Westgate?) location. www.mypiada.com

^picked up a menu from there the other night. Is on our places to go for a quick bite list now. Can't wait to try it out