Topic: Akron-Canton: Restaurant News & Info

[yanni_gogolak]

Tax difficulties close Yocono's restaurant

By Katie Byard
Beacon Journal business writer

Published on Wednesday, Apr 06, 2011

Longtime West Akron restaurant Yocono's — known for its inexpensive Italian food — has abruptly closed after falling behind on paying state sales tax.

An Ohio Department of Taxation sign taped to the front door of the 36-year-old establishment says the place is ''prohibited from making retail sales'' beginning Monday.

http://www.ohio.com/business/119307789.html

[JamesMatthew]

I was driving in downtown Akron and I noticed nervous dog was no longer and an imitation looking coffee place is there instead. Does anyone know why?

[Gramarye]

I noticed that a couple of days ago, too.  No idea.

[yanni_gogolak]

EuroGyro is undergoing big makeover

By Katie Byard
Beacon Journal business writer

EuroGyro — a longtime carryout in a converted old house across from the University of Akron — is changing into a sit-down eatery.

Workers with Butcher & Son Inc. of Akron demolished the two-story house Wednesday to make way for a bigger two-story structure at 444 E. Exchange St.

http://www.ohio.com/business/121668159.html

[yanni_gogolak]

Farmers markets, new and old, to start opening this weekend

Highland Square to host event; other changes planned in area

By Lisa Abraham
Beacon Journal food writer

Farmers markets will be putting up their awnings this weekend and next to start the summer season — including new markets in Akron's Highland Square, Peninsula and North Canton.

The Countryside Conservancy moves its Thursday market at Stan Hywet Hall to Wednesdays on Conger Avenue in Highland Square.

http://www.ohio.com/lifestyle/122557029.html

[yanni_gogolak]

Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt expected in Fairlawn
June 8, 2011 by Lisa Abraham Leave a Comment Filed under: Dining Tagged with

Expected to open in Fairlawn this summer is a franchise of Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt, which will be in the Shops of Fairlawn next to the new Earth Fare grocery store.

http://the330.com/dining/menchies-frozen-yogurt-expected-in-fairlawn/

Tim's Pizzeria owner returns with new eatery

Pasta, homemade soups, sandwiches, in addition to pizza at Falls location

By Lisa Abraham
Beacon Journal food writer

This time, Tim's Pizzeria and Pub, at 2823 Bailey Road in the Falls, is more than a carryout. It's a casual sit-down restaurant with a bar, offering a full menu as well as pizza.

Carrabine, who is doing the cooking, said pizza is the specialty of the house, but there's also pasta (including mussels marinara for those still missing DiLullo's), homemade soups and sandwiches. Carrabine makes his own dough and bread daily, along with desserts.

http://www.ohio.com/lifestyle/123440504.html

Tito’s Mexican Grill in Fairlawn expected to open
June 8, 2011 by Lisa Abraham Leave a Comment Filed under: Dining Tagged with

Springfield resident Fernando Leon said he expects to open his Tito’s Mexican Grill in Fairlawn within the next two weeks. Leon is going into the former Egg Castle at 25 Ghent Road.

The restaurant is ready to go, but Leon is waiting on final approval for the restaurant’s liquor license. ”We are very eager,” he said.

This is Leon’s first restaurant. His father operates the El Meson, formerly El Rincon, on Portage Trail in Cuyahoga Falls, while his business partner also runs the El Rincon on South Arlington Street.

http://the330.com/dining/titos-mexican-grill-in-fairlawn-expected-to-open/

[yanni_gogolak]

Signage up at The Rail at Summit Mall.

[Gramarye]

I was driving in downtown Akron and I noticed nervous dog was no longer and an imitation looking coffee place is there instead. Does anyone know why?

Update on this: Kuppa Coffee has also closed.  Guess that space just isn't coffee-shop friendly.

[yanni_gogolak]

According to this article The Rail at Summit Mall is supposed to open this week:
http://www.ohio.com/news/local-news/retail-stores-in-fairlawn-thriving-1.225673

http://www.therailburger.com/

[yanni_gogolak]

Blues & Brews returns Aug. 6

By Rick Armon
Beacon Journal staff reporter
Published: July 26, 2011 - 08:54 PM

ut the seventh annual Blues & Brews — one of the largest beer festivals in Northeast Ohio — will have plenty of “firsts” this year.

For starters, the location is new. The event will be held Aug. 6 at Lock 3 Park in downtown Akron. It’s the first time the festival hasn’t been at the picturesque Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens.

http://www.ohio.com/lifestyle/blues-brews-returns-aug-6-1.226789

[yanni_gogolak]

Front Porch Cafe cooking up dignity

By Kim Hone-McMahan
Beacon Journal staff writer

There’s a guy standing on the corner holding a crudely made cardboard sign directing people to the joint near the bus stop that serves $2 burgers.

“Help us teach people to work for food … Eat at our Job Training Cafe,” the sign reads.

http://www.ohio.com/news/local-news/front-porch-cafe-cooking-up-dignity-1.227465

[yanni_gogolak]

Downtown Akron Restaurant Week!
Sept. 12-15

http://www.downtownakron.com/enjoy/downtown-akron-restaurant-week

[yanni_gogolak]

Deep Fried Cheeseburger to Debut at the National Hamburger Festival
6th Annual Event is August 20-21 at Akron, Ohio’s Lock 3
Published: Wednesday, August 17, 2011

The burger is a slider-sized hand pressed patty topped with Yancey’s Fancy cheddar cheese and surrounded by a bun. It is then dipped and deep fried in a special batter recipe.

http://ci.akron.oh.us/news_releases/Display.asp?RecNum=448

National Hamburger Festival This Weekend at Lock 3!

[yanni_gogolak]

Downtown Akron Restaurant Week Starts Monday!
Sept. 12-15

check out the menu's at:
http://www.downtownakron.com/enjoy/downtown-akron-restaurant-week

[willyboy]

Apparently Vegiterranean Restaurant has closed its doors (Chrissie Hynde's place)

[KJP]

It is true.......

VegiTerranean closes after four years; lawsuit filed
By Lisa Abraham
Beacon Journal food writer
Published: October 4, 2011 - 06:19 AM

Chrissie Hynde rolled into town on a Harley-Davidson dressed like a waitress and bearing a platter of hors d’oeuvres to open her VegiTerranean restaurant in 2007.

Her departure was much less auspicious — mired with debts, legal troubles and a dissolved business partnership that arose from the nationally acclaimed vegan eatery.

The Akron native and lead singer of the band the Pretenders, Hynde announced the closing of her restaurant Sunday, posting the following message on the restaurant’s website and Facebook page:

“It is with great regret that The VegiTerranean in downtown Akron has closed it doors for the last time. This has been a labor of love for us for the last four years. We tried everything we could to keep the restaurant going but unfortunately due to the current economic climate this has not been possible. I’d like to thank everybody who helped me fulfill my dream. I discovered that Vegan cuisine in Ohio has become more appreciated than I imagined.

READ MORE AT:
http://www.ohio.com/news/local/vegiterranean-closes-after-four-years-lawsuit-filed-1.238427

[yanni_gogolak]

Nick Anthe restaurant locks its doors

By Lisa Abraham
Beacon Journal food writer
Published: October 11, 2011 - 12:09 AM

AKRON: Add North Hill icon Nick Anthe Restaurant to the growing list of Akron-area eateries that have closed recently.


Chrissie Hynde’s Vegi- Terranean on the north side, Yocono’s in Wallhaven and Triple Crown in Munroe Falls all have recently closed their doors.

http://www.ohio.com/news/nick-anthe-restaurant-locks-its-doors-1.239564

[audidave]

I don't think this is much of a trend.  Restaurants close in good economies and bad.  There have been I'm sure just as many restaurants opened in the last few years.  I think the restaurants had their various issues to deal with.  Location, demographics, and quality did in Yoconos.  Plenty of places to get a decent pizza in that general area.  It seems to be all by itself there on W. Exchange.   
  I'd say similar reasons for Nick Anthe's closing minus quality issues.  There really isn't much near Anthe's to make an evening of it.  They probably should've moved close to the Diamond Grille since they share the same diner demographics and they'd be a lot closer to downtown.  If anything it was probably The Office Bistro that ended up putting the last dagger into Anthe's.
  For VegiTerranean, the reason is more the huge expense of being in a brand new upscale loft building and not having the daily foot traffic that was promised.  I would wonder if the 2nd phase building was built by now whether she would've closed up shop.   I think the easy out is someone or a group of deep pocketed people in LA requested that she focus her efforts out there where she won't have to worry about money issues like here.  So she's taking her chef with her to give this a go as a chain most likely.
  I'm still wondering when the restaurants/bars will be announced at Lock 4 by the Akron Civic Theater.

[jeremyck01]

I don't think this is much of a trend.  Restaurants close in good economies and bad.  There have been I'm sure just as many restaurants opened in the last few years.  I think the restaurants had their various issues to deal with.  Location, demographics, and quality did in Yoconos.  Plenty of places to get a decent pizza in that general area.  It seems to be all by itself there on W. Exchange.   
  I'd say similar reasons for Nick Anthe's closing minus quality issues.  There really isn't much near Anthe's to make an evening of it.  They probably should've moved close to the Diamond Grille since they share the same diner demographics and they'd be a lot closer to downtown.  If anything it was probably The Office Bistro that ended up putting the last dagger into Anthe's.
  For VegiTerranean, the reason is more the huge expense of being in a brand new upscale loft building and not having the daily foot traffic that was promised.  I would wonder if the 2nd phase building was built by now whether she would've closed up shop.   I think the easy out is someone or a group of deep pocketed people in LA requested that she focus her efforts out there where she won't have to worry about money issues like here.  So she's taking her chef with her to give this a go as a chain most likely.
  I'm still wondering when the restaurants/bars will be announced at Lock 4 by the Akron Civic Theater.

The article about the closing of VegiTerranean clearly states that it wasn't an issue with foot traffic leading to closure.  The person quoted said that their numbers were fine.  The issue was a bad business partner who owed hundreds of thousands of dollars in backtaxes and they couldn't afford that.  It's strange to say that it was an easy out, when, clearly Chrissie and her chef were committed to Akron. 

[yanni_gogolak]

Restaurants are always coming and going.
Minus VegiT, this is more of an issue that these were all previously well established and community loved at one point. If you notice however, all of them had been sold to a different owner at one point. You always run into quality and management issues with that.
Those were for the older generations and the younger generations now, X & Y's are moving more towards places Bricco and Crave for local establishments.

[audidave]

^^ Not to belabor the point since none of us have the full financial picture, but being in debt with almost $200,000 in back taxes plus other outstanding debts, I don't think means that they were totally financially solvent unless one is to imply that the partner was just taking the money for personal use.   That could be the case.   But then I would assume there would be criminal charges of laundering or more directly embezzling. 
  My point was that I would frequent the restaurant on Sundays and Saturday afternoons and there was barely a person in the restaurant.  Nice for me since I got great service.  I feel, had the Marriott been built and opened by now, the restaurant would not have such slow periods of time and would likely have an additional 10-30+ patrons a day/night in addition to what they normally receive.  That would, I believe, allow them to avoid closure.  It makes sense to me that they could not exist on the traditional Akron restaurant dinner crowd of Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights.

[yanni_gogolak]

Agreed, although I did stick my foot in my mouth last week and was talking a little "junk" on the place to a person who worked there, unbeknownst to me. They then mentioned they worked there, not as a server, and they also said it was not the business. I too am having a hard time figuring out the whole ownership roles and who was getting what money.
I liked the place, but when I was there, there were only ever a handfull of people. All in all I think the concept was great, but it's too much of a niche market for a small city to support.

[audidave]

A nice announcement for the stew pot downtown.  They have moved to a much higher profile location after only a year in business. Also its nice since there is a lack of street activity in regards to retail or food options for 4-5 blocks south of market st until lockview/peanut shoppe.

http://www.downtownakron.com/newsitem/the-stew-pot-kitchen-grand-opening-in-new-location
HOME  /  DOWNTOWN NEWS  /  NEWS AND PRESS RELEASES  /  THE STEW POT KITCHEN GRAND OPENING IN NEW LOCATION
The Stew Pot Kitchen Grand Opening in New Location
Today is the grand opening of The Stew Pot Kitchen's new location! The restaurant has moved from 30 N. High St. to 23 S. Main St. (in the Nantucket Building across from the Federal Building).

Today is the official grand opening at the new location. Stop in and check out the new place, the bigger menu and the warmer atmosphere! The Stew Pot Kitchen will also be offering free cupcakes with every purchase today...while supplies last!

[yanni_gogolak]

Yes, great news.

[audidave]

Somehow this was missed...  From back in May, a new restaurant opened downtown.  I'll try to check it out this week..  The Creperie!!


Grand Opening of The Creperie on Friday, May 20
By Downtown Akron Partnership

This morning I had the pleasure of getting a sneak preview of Downtown Akron’s newest breakfast eatery, The Creperie, with a few of the DAP staff members. The restaurant officially opens its doors to the public tomorrow, Friday, May 20.

The Creperie will be open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. and is located at Greystone Hall, 76 E. Mill Street in Downtown Akron.

The Creperie offers a variety of tasty crepes to choose from. If you’re craving something sweet there are choices such as Strawberry & Nutella® and Baked Apple. If you’re craving something more savory, you can choose from Mushroom & Spinach, the Grecian or Ham & Gouda, just to name a few!

I decided to go with the Grecian crepe, which includes fresh spinach, roasted tomatoes, scrambled eggs and feta cheese. As soon as I took my first bite I fell in love. My coworkers ordered the 3 Cheese & Raspberry and the Raspberry & Peach crepes, which I also got to sample and would highly recommend.

If crepes aren’t really your thing, The Creperie also offers a variety of breakfast sandwiches, fresh fruit, yogurt parfaits, coffee and juice.

Overall, I had an enjoyable experience at The Creperie. The food was delicious and the staff was helpful. Next time you’re looking to grab breakfast on the go or step out of the office for a morning meeting, I recommend you try The Creperie!

For more information and full menu, visit http://www.downtownakron.com/go/the-creperie.

Katelyn Gainer, Intern

[yanni_gogolak]

• Joe Salem has opened a version of Primo’s Deli in downtown Akron on South Main Street. It’s not owned by Bob Mileti, who owns the original Primo’s on Vernon Odom Boulevard, but Salem has Mileti’s blessing to use his name and mimic his menu.

• Signs indicate that a B Loco Mexican Grill, which has a location on Fulton Drive NW in Jackson Township, is coming to downtown Akron.

http://www.ohio.com/lifestyle/abraham/food-notes-restaurant-comings-and-goings-fabulous-food-show-this-weekend-1.244432

The new Primo's looks like it is in the space that was last the Varsity Bar aka the space that restaurants / bars go to die. Hopefully the Primo's name will bring a change to that space.

[Gramarye]

I was in Primo's not so long ago and they had not changed much of the decor from when it was Varsity (and I was never in Varsity's predecessor, Fatz).  It was unfortunately somewhat forlorn--there were only two people at the bar, including me, at about 10:00 on a Thursday night.  While I hate to say it, I'm not sure that Primo's is likely to be the one to change the fate of bars entering that space.

However, Wing Warehouse has made a decent run in the ballpark space now, and that used to also strike me as a place that restaurants went to die.  The Menches Bros. that was there before never seemed to be open.

[yanni_gogolak]

Well-known area chef Dante Boccuzzi, partners to open restaurant in Akron space vacated by VegiTerranean

By Lisa Abraham
Beacon Journal food writer

Cleveland chef Dante Boccuzzi has partnered with local developer Joel Testa and others to open a new restaurant in the former VegiTerranean location in Akron’s Northside Lofts.

DBA, which stands for Dante Boccuzzi Akron, is set to open by March, Testa said. Work on the interior of the restaurant already is under way.

http://www.ohio.com/news/break-news/well-known-area-chef-dante-boccuzzi-partners-to-open-restaurant-in-akron-space-vacated-by-vegiterranean-1.248255

[musky]

I love his Tremont space. Akron is getting a good thing.

[yanni_gogolak]

Food notes: New bar in Parasson family

By Lisa Abraham
Beacon Journal food writer

Mickey Parasson said his family has come full circle. “My dad wanted out, and I wanted in,” said Parasson, 44, of Akron.

In the fall he purchased the former Nuthouse Bar in the Liberty Commons area and renovated it into Mickey’s, which opened in October at 1310 Weathervane Lane.

http://www.ohio.com/lifestyle/food-notes-new-bar-in-parasson-family-1.253378

[audidave]

He did a nice and needed renovation.  Its just a bar though.  Definitely nothing special about the place. There is another new bar in the valley at the location that was called Dominic's Pub.  It is now called the Beer Haus.  Has a wider selection of beer but nothing that is going to draw me back.  The best beer bars in the valley are still Bricco Pub(low key English Pub) and Johnny Js(One of best sports bars in Ohio with its serpentine bar).  Both places also have very good food as well.

[yanni_gogolak]

He did a nice and needed renovation.  Its just a bar though.  Definitely nothing special about the place. There is another new bar in the valley at the location that was called Dominic's Pub.  It is now called the Beer Haus.  Has a wider selection of beer but nothing that is going to draw me back.  The best beer bars in the valley are still Bricco Pub(low key English Pub) and Johnny Js(One of best sports bars in Ohio with its serpentine bar).  Both places also have very good food as well.

I went to Beer Haus, good selection of beer and you can even drink out of Das Boot! 1L and 4L available. The food was less than spectacular though. I think if I'm hungry I would just go across to Pub Bricco.

Food notes: Diamond Deli opens second location in the Falls

By Lisa Abraham
Beacon Journal food writer

Owner Chuck Magilavy said the new location, at 2202 Front St. (at Portage Trail) will be open weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Located in the former Gothic Grounds coffee shop, the deli will be offering a variety of breakfast sandwiches, Pearl coffee, and many of the same sandwiches and soups from his Akron location, including the signature corned beef and matzoh ball soup.

http://www.ohio.com/lifestyle/abraham/food-notes-diamond-deli-opens-second-location-in-the-falls-1.257903

[yanni_gogolak]

Food Notes: Restaurants are coming and going

By Lisa Abraham
Beacon Journal food writer

Several local eateries recently have flipped their open signs to closed.

The Creperie, which served stuffed crepes and breakfast sandwiches in Greystone Hall, 76 E. Mill St., closed after just eight months. It was run by the Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Jim Mahon, director of marketing and communications for the bureau, said the restaurant just wasn’t attracting enough business to keep it going. Anyone with a gift certificate is asked to call Mahon at 330-374-8900 for a refund. Certificates also will be honored at Greystone’s weekly lunch garden on Tuesdays.

Also locking the doors are the Sandwich Board in Wallhaven and Metro Burger in Highland Square.

On the opening side, look for El Rancho, a Mexican restaurant, to open up in the near future at the former Yocono’s location.

http://www.ohio.com/lifestyle/food-notes-restaurants-are-coming-and-going-1.266020

[yanni_gogolak]

An FYI, I drove by Northside to see about DBA, which was supposed to open in March. I haven't heard anything about an opening and they have all of the windows covered so hard to say if any construction has happened.

edit, haha, not surprised that a restaurant has taken longer to open than thought:

Food Notes: Dante Boccuzzi to open dba restaurant in June

By Lisa Abraham
Beacon Journal food writer

Look for dba (Dante Boccuzzi Akron) to open in the Northside Lofts in June.

“We should be starting construction this week,” Boccuzzi said. “We’re still shooting for a first-week-in-June opening.”

http://www.ohio.com/lifestyle/food/food-notes-dante-boccuzzi-to-open-dba-restaurant-in-june-1.279843


This is sad:
"Burgers at Summit Mall
The Ohio Burger Company, which specializes in single, double and triple burgers made from local beef, is set to open in the Summit Mall food court on April 1.

The restaurant is a new concept by Ray Benne, who previously owned Cyber Pete’s Internet Café in Bedford. He hopes to add six more locations over the next three years."

There is already a great burger place at the mall with The Rail and the last place this owner had was an Internet Cafe? no thanks

[yanni_gogolak]

UA to sell beer in stadium’s main seating area

By Carol Biliczky
Beacon Journal staff writer
Published: May 2, 2012 - 03:40 PM | Updated: May 2, 2012 - 11:25 PM

University of Akron trustees agreed Wednesday to become the fourth tax-supported university in Ohio to sell beer throughout their stadium.

Athletic Director Tom Wistrcill said fans, including students, sought the change at
InfoCision Stadium “to enhance the game-day experience.”

“We hope it will attract more fans to games,” he said. “It’s a positive step forward for everyone.”

http://www.ohio.com/news/local-news/ua-to-sell-beer-in-stadium-s-main-seating-area-1.304406

I'm pretty sure that NCAA rules don't allow alcohol sales in the first two years of a new stadium being under operation. I believe this will be their fourth.