Business

Hexagon Books opens a door to world literature and language

Hexagon Books opened at 2184 Lee Road in July. The store is focused on literature from all over the world. And for those who would like to read in Spanish or Italian but could use a little help with their proficiency, classes in those two languages are offered right in the store.

Owner Manuel Chinchilla explained that, in August and September, he offered multiple sections of beginning Spanish and Italian for adults, with both morning and afternoon sessions to accommodate different schedules, and one section of each of those languages at the advanced level. He hopes to add children's workshops in Spanish and Italian in the near future.

In an exciting signal of ambitions to grow the reach of the business, Chinchilla added, “I’m hoping to hire more instructors to teach Spanish and Italian lessons for adults next year.”

Read Full Story
Volume 17, Issue 10, Posted 12:30 PM, 09.30.2024

Bales is Lake View's new COO

Lake View Cemetery has promoted Andrew Bales to the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO). In this capacity, Bales is responsible for all cemetery operations, including burial management, grounds maintenance, and sales.

According to Katharine Goss, Lake View’s president and CEO, “Bales exemplifies the Lake View Cemetery standard of high moral character in everything he does. His deep understanding of our work and the families we serve will ensure Lake View Cemetery continues to meet the evolving trends of the deathcare industry and of our community. On behalf of our executive leadership team and the Boards of Directors, I am proud to welcome Bales into this new role.”

 

Read Full Story
Volume 17, Issue 9, Posted 4:24 PM, 08.27.2024

FH announces 2024 Best of the Heights honors

Nineteen years ago, FutureHeights established its annual Best of the Heights Awards program to recognize the many unique businesses in Cleveland Heights and University Heights, and to celebrate their contributions to the local economy.

The 2024 selection process began with a round of nominations, followed by voting for the top vote getters in each category. Well over 1,400 total ballots were cast, demonstrating the enthusiasm with which Heights residents support their local business.

The winners and runners-up of the 2024 Best of the Heights Awards are:

Best Pizza: Dewey’s Pizza
Runners-up: Vero, Pizza Bogo

Best Coffee Shop: Phoenix Coffee
Runners-up: Rising Star, Stone Oven Bakery Cafe

Read Full Story
Volume 17, Issue 8, Posted 9:35 AM, 08.02.2024

Coventry Village announces new executive director

The Coventry Village Special Improvement District (SID) has a new executive director—Matt Moore. He brings to the position a diverse background in the marketplace, nonprofit, and faith-based sectors. Through his creative company, Airloom, Moore also has decades of experience in the arts and marketing.

“The Coventry merchants and the SID are really looking forward to working with Matt Moore,” said Suzanne DeGaetano of Mac’s Backs, who recently celebrated 40 years in Coventry. “He is raising a family in the neighborhood and has worked in the district, so he has a deep and fundamental understanding about community issues that affect us.”

Though he works in a variety of environments, Moore’s approach to leadership has two consistent ingredients. “Usually, there’s a problem! When an organization feels stuck or frustrated, that’s where I like to jump in,” said Moore.

Read Full Story
Volume 17, Issue 8, Posted 11:50 AM, 07.28.2024

Oak Tree Veterinary offers expanded services in new facility

Oak Tree Veterinary Hospital is proud to announce the August grand opening of its new facility on South Taylor Road. Oak Tree has operated as a veterinary hospital since 1950, and has been part of the Cleveland Heights community since 2013.

The new, modern building comprises 9,700 square feet and is located at 1794 S. Taylor Road, next to its former location.

The new hospital will have separate waiting areas for dogs and cats, 11 examination rooms, three surgical suites (soft tissue, orthopedic, and dentistry), and advanced imaging suites for radiology, ultrasound imaging, CT scans, and more. It will also feature an on-site pharmacy, stocked with pet medications and prescription-diet food.

Read Full Story
Volume 17, Issue 8, Posted 5:06 PM, 07.30.2024

Sweet Siren Bakery marks one year with community celebration

Sweet Siren Bakery will celebrate its one-year anniversary on Saturday, July 20, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Owner Tiera Briggs—a "nearly lifelong Cleveland Heights resident"—invites the community to stop by the bakery, located at 2180 S. Taylor Road in Cleveland Heights, for a day of celebration, gratitude and fun.

“This anniversary celebration is not just a milestone for the bakery,” said Briggs, “but a heartfelt thank you to all who have made our success possible.”

Throughout the day, customers can partake of special discounts and surprise giveaways. Briggs and her team have planned a lineup of activities and giveaways for the whole family, including:

  • Cupcake decorating for kids: Little ones can unleash their creativity at the cupcake decorating station. All supplies will be provided, and staff will be on hand to assist.
Read Full Story
Volume 17, Issue 7, Posted 7:35 AM, 06.26.2024

Best of the Heights: Nominate your favorite Heights business

Since 2005, FutureHeights has conducted the Best of the Heights Awards to recognize the unique attributes of businesses in Cleveland Heights and University Heights, and their contributions to the local economy. The categories for awards, time of the year and process have varied over the years; however, the main purpose of the Best of Heights Awards remains the same to highlight local businesses in the Heights and to promote the importance of shopping local.

This year, FutureHeights is expanding to try to increase the visibility and variety of nominations across all Heights business districts, increase awareness of shopping local, and raising funds to help grow and strengthen our Local Business Outreach & Support program.

Read Full Story
Volume 17, Issue 4, Posted 11:29 AM, 03.28.2024

Upcycling leads to new business for CH duo

Many of us, at some point, have dreamed of finding the courage to leave our jobs and careers and reinvent our lives.

Cleveland Heights residents Jessica Schantz and Dori Nelson-Hollis are next-door neighbors who, unbeknownst to each other, decided to leave their jobs—as CSU lecturer and HR executive, respectively—around the same time. Both sought more personal balance and alternative ways to channel their creativity.

By pure chance, they bumped into each other while shopping for tools needed for their own home-restoration projects.

Read Full Story
Volume 17, Issue 3, Posted 3:02 PM, 02.28.2024

Stone Oven's new owners promise more of the same

On Feb. 1, the day Nick Kalafatis and Chris Compton closed on their purchase of Stone Oven Bakery and Café, a longtime patron introduced himself with a warning: Don’t screw it up.

Stone Oven’s steadfast presence on Lee Road these past 29 years has cultivated a lot of loyalty, and the new owners want you to know they don’t plan to change the formula.

“We wouldn’t have done this if we hadn’t seen what this place means to the community,” said Kalafatis. “We don’t want to mess with this too much; it’s a great business as-is.”

Read Full Story
Volume 17, Issue 3, Posted 11:08 AM, 02.18.2024

Campbell tapped as new think-tank CEO

Emily Campbell has been named president and CEO of The Center for Community Solutions (CCS), a nonpartisan research and public-policy think tank focused on solutions to health, social and economic issues. CCS has offices in Cleveland and Columbus.

Campbell, who lives in Cleveland Heights with her husband and two children, has worked for CCS for 16 years, serving as its chief operating officer since May 2022. Campbell was selected after a broad search by an executive search firm and the board of directors. More than 470 applied to lead the organization, which was founded more than 100 years ago.

“After reviewing many standout prospects, the CCS board of directors concluded the strongest candidate for this important post was right here in our backyard, and that leader is Emily,” said Board President Kyle Miller.

Read Full Story
Volume 17, Issue 1, Posted 11:13 AM, 12.28.2023

Made Cleveland plans grocery expansion

Made Cleveland, a Coventry Village store that features locally made goods by area artisans, has launched a fundraising campaign to expand its grocery offerings, to meet the needs of the community. 

The plan for the space includes a cooler/freezer section for dairy/dairy alternatives, ice cream, fresh pasta, and proteins. There will also be a grab-and-go section for salads, sandwiches, breakfast options, pastries and breads, and an array of choices for all dietary considerations and needs.

The updated grocery section also will include bulk goods: locally milled flour, grains, legumes, coffee, tea, spices, olive oil, vinegars, and sweets.

Read Full Story
Volume 16, Issue 12, Posted 3:59 PM, 11.29.2023

Primoz on Cedar creates Cooper-themed pizza

Since I came to life at UH City Hall in 2019, I have been dreaming of this moment. Thanks to my new friends at Primoz Pizza. I now have a pizza named after me.

The “Mr. Cooper” is available at the Primoz Pizza location in University Heights, at 13890 Cedar Road. Drop by in person to order one, or call 216-273-6704. If you’re super tech savvy, like me, you can order online at primozpizza.com.

What does my namesake pizza taste like? Like University Heights itself, the Mr. Cooper pizza is a rich mosaic of many different ingredients. The sum is greater than the individual parts. And it’s delicious.

Read Full Story
Volume 16, Issue 10, Posted 10:20 AM, 09.29.2023

Olie’s Gift & Ship opens Sept. 7

A fresh approach to gifting and shipping has arrived in the Cedar Lee Business District, near the corner of Lee and Silsby roads.

Olie’s Gift & Ship, which combines a gift store with shipping services, will celebrate its grand opening Thursday, Sept. 7, through Saturday, Sept. 9, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with fun, festivities, and giveaways planned. All store items will be discounted 15% during the three-day event.

Owners Jason Davis and his wife, Anco Davis, brought the concept of a gift/shipping shop to Cleveland Heights, moving their online-only business from Atlanta in search of a better life for themselves and their toddler, Olie.

Read Full Story
Volume 16, Issue 10, Posted 3:09 PM, 09.03.2023

Sauce the City Express opens at MetroHealth CH

For the past month, Victor Searcy Jr. and his staff have been helping to feed employees, patients, and visitors at MetroHealth Cleveland Heights Medical Center at 10 Severance Circle.

Searcy's Sauce the City Express opened July 31 on the second floor of the medical office building, offering a different featured menu item, and a selection of gourmet coffees, each weekday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Searcy is a graduate of Benedictine High School and Kent State University, where he honed his entrepreneurial skills.

Sauce the City is known for its chicken and flavorful sauces. Since February 2022, Searcy has operated a takeout-only spot in the Cedar Green shopping center, at 14480 Cedar Road in University Heights.

Read Full Story
Volume 16, Issue 9, Posted 10:28 PM, 08.28.2023

And the 2023 Best of the Heights awards go to . . .

FutureHeights established its annual Best of the Heights Awards program 18 years ago to recognize the unique attributes of Cleveland Heights and University Heights businesses, and their contributions to the local economy. Voting for this year's winners began Feb. 1 and concluded March 15, with a nearly three-fold increase in participation compared with last year. 
 
FutureHeights, Cleveland Heights’ community development corporation, creates the categories, distributes the survey (in print and online) and tallies the results. It expanded the award categories this year to include trade services.

Winners and runners-up comprise longtime fan favorites, as well as new businesses—or businesses new to the awards.

Nova's Performing Arts, a dance studio owned by Alicia Sloan, won the award for Best Place to Take Kids. In a full-circle twist, Sloan began her training as a child at The Dance Studio on Lee Road in Cleveland Heights.

Read Full Story
Volume 16, Issue 5, Posted 9:30 AM, 05.02.2023

Stone Oven returns to its bread-baking roots

When the Stone Oven Bakery and Café opened in 1995 in the Cedar Lee Business District, owners Tatyana Rehn and John Emerman had already been baking bread for distribution to area stores and restaurants for two years.

As they continued to add new wholesale customers, that part of the business eventually required a larger production facility, which they located on East 36th Street in Cleveland. Rehn ran the wholesale operation, while Emerman looked after the retail business.

Now, though, Rehn is back to baking bread in small hand-made batches, exclusively for Stone Oven’s Lee Road café.

Read Full Story
Volume 16, Issue 3, Posted 11:18 AM, 02.21.2023

Best of the Heights voting opens Feb. 1

Beginning Feb. 1, Heights residents can show their appreciation for locally owned, independent businesses by voting for their favorites in the FutureHeights 2023 Best of the Heights awards.

Since 2005, FutureHeights has conducted the Best of the Heights awards as a way to recognize the unique attributes of Heights businesses, and their contributions to the local economy.

"FutureHeights is always proud to support and celebrate our local merchants with the 'Best of the Heights' awards," said Micah Kirman, FutureHeights' interim executive director. "Our quality independent businesses add so much to the health and vitality of our community, and the incredible merchants, who operate them so well, deserve to be recognized.”

Read Full Story
Volume 16, Issue 2, Posted 10:59 AM, 01.31.2023

Coventry Holiday Fest is Dec. 10

The holiday season just doesn't feel the same without some "Big Fun" on Coventry—so, as part of Coventry Village's 8th Annual Jingle Bell Holiday Shop, Steve Presser, the impresario behind the beloved Cleveland toy shop, will be back for the event with retro gifts, knick-knacks, collectibles, vintage neon letters and more for sale.

The Holiday Shop will take place on Saturday, Dec. 10, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Grog Shop and BSide Lounge (2785 Euclid Heights Blvd.).

It's part of the Dec. 10, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Holiday Festival in Coventry Village.

Coventry Road will be aglow with decorative lights and festive characters walking about and taking photos with festival visitors, including the Grinch and Olaf. Santa will also be on the move, taking in the live music hosted at various venues along the street.

Read Full Story
Volume 15, Issue 12, Posted 8:46 AM, 11.29.2022

Sophie La Gourmande and Heights Arts collaborate

This year's Heights Arts Holiday Shop has overflowed the nonprofit art space at 2175 Lee Road, extending down the block to 2277 Lee Road—home of Sophie La Gourmande.

"I am all about collaboration," said Bob Sferra, Sophie's owner. "This marks our third sort of large collab in the past six years. The energy and mission of Heights Arts has always been a favorite of mine!  Plus, Rachel Bernstein and her team are so great to work with."

The art installation at Sophie La Gourmande will be on view through the beginning of the new year, until Jan. 17.

Each piece on the gourmet shop's wall is accompanied by a QR code that describes the piece and provides an opportunity to purchase it.

Sophie La Gourmande opened on June 1, in the space formerly occupied by Verne & Ellsworth Hann Inc.

Read Full Story
Volume 15, Issue 12, Posted 10:16 AM, 11.22.2022

Cedar Lee businesses host holiday drives

Rudy's Pub, at 2191 Lee Road, is hosting its annual sock drive through Dec. 18.

The business is accepting donations of new socks for children and adults.

Across the street, at 2180 Lee Road, CLE Urban Winery is a 2022 drop-off location for Toys for Tots. New, unwrapped toys can be donated at CLE through Dec. 14.

Read Full Story
Volume 15, Issue 12, Posted 10:14 AM, 11.22.2022

MetroHealth's new hospital opens at Severance

A dedication ceremony to mark the opening of the MetroHealth Cleveland Heights Behavioral Health Hospital was held on Oct. 4.

The new three-story, 100,000-square-foot hospital at 10 Severance Circle is believed to be the largest investment in behavioral health in Northeast Ohio in at least 30 years. The 112-bed hospital facility is designed for short-term stays for adolescents, adults and seniors with mood disorders, addiction, and other behavioral health needs.

“We’re setting a new standard in relation to care in Northeast Ohio,” said Julia Bruner, M.D., MetroHealth’s senior vice president for Behavioral Health and Correctional Medicine. “We want to do the best for our patients and our families and the community.” The new hospital, she said, is “designed to be a place of calm, of welcoming and of light.”

The hospital, on the campus of the MetroHealth Cleveland Heights Medical Center, will add 225 jobs and generate an estimated $350,000 in additional tax revenue for Cleveland Heights.

Read Full Story
Volume 15, Issue 11, Posted 12:51 PM, 10.17.2022

Dave’s Markets acquires Zagara’s Marketplace

Dave’s Markets has acquired Zagara’s Marketplace on Lee Road in Cleveland Heights. 

Zagara’s will close on Oct. 21. On Oct. 29, it will reopen as Dave’s Market and Eatery.

Dave’s Market in the Cedar Fairmount Business District will close on Oct. 25.

Dave’s is a fifth-generation family-owned and operated business, with three generations of the Saltzman family currently active in Dave's Markets.

David Saltzman, a fifth-generation member of the family, said, “We continue to believe in Cleveland Heights and we’re ready to deepen our investment in the city. We’re going to rebrand the new location as Dave’s Market and Eatery."

Read Full Story
Volume 15, Issue 11, Posted 3:14 PM, 10.10.2022

Hammond to oversee clinical services at new MetroHealth CH hospital

Robert Hammond, PsyD, will oversee the social workers, psychologists and behavioral health specialists on staff when the MetroHealth Cleveland Heights Behavioral Health Hospital opens on Oct. 8.

Hammond, the new director of clinical services, is leading a team that is developing programing and building a curriculum for the various patient treatment units.

The inpatient curriculum for the 112-bed hospital is based on non-drug interventions that include therapy, support groups and classes—activities that promote interaction, engagement and learning skills.

Read Full Story
Volume 15, Issue 8, Posted 9:29 PM, 07.27.2022

Made Cleveland opens on Coventry

Made Cleveland, the new "marketplace of independent creators" in Coventry Village, opened its doors on June 3. It hosts the work of approximately 120 vendors, mostly from Northeast Ohio, whose wares include perishable and non-perishable food items, apparel, beauty products, refillable cleaning products, home goods, furniture, art and jewelry.

Owner Ash O’Connor describes her path to opening Made Cleveland as part determination and part good luck and timing.

After moving to Northeast Ohio from Philadelphia in 2017 to take a job as a hotel food and beverage director, O'Connor decided to stay in Cleveland when it turned out the job was not a good fit. Two years later, with a partner and a newborn, she hadn't yet made her next professional move.

Read Full Story
Volume 15, Issue 7, Posted 10:18 AM, 07.01.2022

Behavioral Health Hospital plans October opening

On Oct. 8, the MetroHealth Cleveland Heights Behavioral Health Hospital will open its doors to adults and seniors who need inpatient care. The adolescent unit will open in June 2023.

The 112-bed hospital, on the campus of the MetroHealth Cleveland Heights Medical Center at 10 Severance Circle, is designed for short-term stays for people with mood disorders, addiction, and other behavioral health needs.

A job fair held at MetroHealth Cleveland Heights on May 20 attracted more than 50 people interested in job openings for a dozen different opportunities. Social worker, patient care nurse assistant, registered nurse, and mental health counselor positions are among those being filled.

Read Full Story
Volume 15, Issue 7, Posted 5:41 AM, 06.30.2022

After 65 years, Heights Cleaners has closed

After 65 years in business, opening in 1957, Heights Cleaners—Coventry Village’s longest-running business with a single owner—closed on Saturday, June 4.

The owner, 98-year-old Manny Dishler, has retired after being in the clothes cleaning business for about 75 years.

Soon after Dishler returned from serving in the U.S. Army Air Force as a unit headquarters clerk in North Africa and Italy in the late 1940s, he started working as a home-delivery man for his father, Nathan Dishler, who owned U-Need-A-Laundry in Cleveland.

“Those days, few people locked their doors and women were full-time homemakers,” said Dishler.

"I was single," explained Disher. "I wanted Saturday afternoon and Wednesdays off.

But management wouldn’t budge. So, in 1952, when he was 28, Dishler started Prospect Laundry at 19th and Prospect in downtown Cleveland. Being the boss of his own business, he took time off and went courting. 

He and Arline Cohen married in 1954 and lived in University Heights, then Beachwood.

Read Full Story
Volume 15, Issue 7, Posted 12:40 PM, 06.27.2022

Wizbang's 'social circus' builds skills and connections

On May 21, Danielle and Jason Tilk of Cleveland Heights' Wizbang Circus Theatre, a 2021 FutureHeights Mini-Grant recipient, brought their third Free Circus Day for kids and teens to Coventry PEACE Campus. There, 16 kids, ages 8–15, spent the day learning prop balancing, plate spinning, hula-hoop tricks, juggling, stilt walking, unicycling, and aerial arts, and enjoyed a healthy lunch provided by Tommy's restaurant.

Wizbang's Free Circus Day started in 2018, in the open space on Lee Road, bringing together a large group of neighborhood kids for the first time. An hour in, those who were once strangers were laughing together while juggling. At the end of the day, e-mails, numbers, and group selfies were shared. A bond was formed—all under the umbrella of what is known as "social circus."

Read Full Story
Volume 15, Issue 7, Posted 12:41 PM, 06.27.2022

Two UH tastes go great together

If you’re old enough, you certainly remember the Reese’s commercial. A young guy is dancing down the street eating chocolate, while around the corner, a young lady is eating from an open jar of peanut butter with her fingers. (It was the 1970s, and things were weirder then.)

The two collide. She protests that he got his chocolate in her peanut butter, while he expresses the inverse concern about her peanut butter being on his chocolate. But they soon are delighted that, while perhaps unexpected, these are two great tastes that go great together. One can assume they got married and lived happily ever after.

Read Full Story
Volume 15, Issue 6, Posted 9:58 AM, 05.26.2022

Best of the Heights 2022

Over a period of six weeks, Jan. 1 through Feb. 15, Heights residents cast their votes in the annual Best of the Heights awards, in recognition of the businesses that serve Cleveland Heights and University Heights.

As in prior years, FutureHeights, a nonprofit community development corporation and publisher of the Heights Observer, created a list of 10 unique award categories, showcasing the wide variety of establishments that call the Heights home, and asked residents to vote by writing in the names of their favorites in each category.

This year’s categories, which included Best Opened-Our-Doors-During-a-Pandemic Business, Best Pandemic-Safe Dining and Best Care for a Community During a Pandemic, recognized that the global pandemic has upended everyone’s lives and forced local entrepreneurs to innovate while keeping customers and employees safe.

“Thank you to all our supportive customers,” said Rachel Gross, owner of Bialy’s Bagels, which won Best University Heights Business.

“I am so appreciative to be recognized, and it’s my passion to introduce new foods to our community!” said, Douglas Katz, owner of Chimi, winner of the Best Innovative Product or Service During a Pandemic.

Read Full Story
Volume 15, Issue 4, Posted 11:50 AM, 04.02.2022

Women entrepreneurs choose Cleveland Heights

Last month, the Heights Observer featured owners of Black-owned businesses that new FutureHeights Business Outreach Manager Belle Espinal met during her first month on the job. Now, for Women’s History Month, Espinal now has put together a recap, and a series of photos, of some of the women who own Cleveland Heights businesses, whom she has met since beginning her job in January.

Josefita Fehn is an independent representative of Beautycounter, offering cosmetic products made using fair-trade business practices, such as prohibiting the use of child labor and toxic chemicals, and offering fair wages to its employees. Fehn characterizes Black and Latina women as using makeup in high quantities, and wants them to know that Beautycounter is an option. She is proud that the company offers 25 scholarships for minorities to start their own Beautycounter business. “All you need is a passion and a desire to work to get started,” said Fehn. In April, she hopes to participate in an initiative to increase federal regulations on beauty products. Contact Fehn at achyfehn@gmail.com.

Read Full Story
Volume 15, Issue 3, Posted 11:10 AM, 03.01.2022

Tommy’s restaurant celebrates 50th anniversary

On Friday, Jan. 14, Tommy’s restaurant celebrated its 50th year in business. (Fifty years? How is that possible? Tommy must have been a kid when he opened the business!)

In fact, Tommy Fello was just a teenager when he began working as a soda jerk and stock boy at a drug store and soda fountain on Coventry Road. And he was just 19 when he purchased the business from the former owner in 1972 and opened Tommy’s restaurant. Its original location on Coventry had only seven seats. It now seats 125, and has become one of the most-loved businesses in Cleveland Heights.

About 50 people gathered outside the restaurant at 11 a.m. on Jan. 14, for a “love-in” to show their appreciation for Tommy Fello and Tommy’s restaurant. Some carried signs reading, “Tommy for Fello for mayor of Coventry” and “Make falafel, not war.”

Read Full Story
Volume 15, Issue 2, Posted 10:36 AM, 02.01.2022

FutureHeights staffer highlights unique Heights businesses

On Jan. 3, Belle Espinal joined FutureHeights as business outreach manager for the nonprofit, community development corporation.

Originally from New York City, Espinal now lives in Cleveland Heights. Her professional experience includes teaching, working with minority- and women-owned businesses on community events, and starting her own wellness business.

In her new role at FutureHeights, Espinal will be reaching out to Cleveland Heights businesses, to learn about their concerns and successes, and working on programs and initiatives to support them.

Espinal has already begun introducing herself to business owners, and put together the following series of photos with captions to celebrate and honor Black History Month by focusing on some of the owners of Black-owned businesses she’s had a chance to meet.

Read Full Story
Volume 15, Issue 2, Posted 8:29 AM, 02.01.2022

Tommy's restaurant celebrates 50 years

On Friday, Jan. 14, Tommy’s restaurant will celebrate its 50th year in business. (Fifty years? How is that possible? Tommy must have been a kid when he opened the business!)

In fact, Tommy Fello was just a teenager when he began working as a soda jerk and stock boy at a drug store and soda fountain on Coventry Road. And he was just 19 when he purchased the business from the former owner in 1972 and opened Tommy’s restaurant. Its original location on Coventry had only seven seats. It now seats 125, and has become one of the most-loved businesses in Cleveland Heights.

The restaurant announced that, starting Monday, Jan. 10, it would kick off its anniversary celebration with daily trivia, and merchandise and gift card giveaways, leading up to its 50-year celebration on Friday, Jan. 14.

Read Full Story
Volume 15, Issue 2, Posted 10:30 AM, 01.11.2022

Show some love for local businesses with Best of the Heights

Beginning Jan. 1, Heights residents can show their appreciation for locally owned, independent businesses by voting for their favorites in the FutureHeights 2022 Best of the Heights Awards contest.

To help support Heights businesses during this challenging time, FutureHeights will create four prize packages by purchasing gift certificates from local businesses, and each ballot will be entered for a chance to win one of the packages.

“Our local businesses make the Heights a great place to live,” said Deanna Bremer Fisher, executive director of FutureHeights. “The global pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges to local businesses, and yet many of them have been resourceful and innovative. Their individual personalities and unique products and services add to the diversity and vitality of our community. We want to see them not just survive, but thrive, and it's important for the community to show their support.”

Read Full Story
Volume 15, Issue 1, Posted 11:02 AM, 01.01.2022

TeaSpot Tutoring offers STEM-themed workshops

Iteisha Bankston always loved science. Stereotypically, more boys than girls gravitate toward science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) subjects, but Bankston remained engaged and curious about STEM topics.

As an undergraduate, she majored in biology, then became a high school science teacher who made her classes hands-on and interactive in order to make the subject matter accessible, rather than intimidating.

“Some kids just like science but don’t want to become scientists,” Bankston said. “I wanted to show them that was OK—science was for everyone.”

Now Bankston is the co-owner of TeaSpot Tutoring (2065 Lee Road), a business she opened with her husband, Seneca Bankston, in November 2020. TeaSpot Tutoring provides academic and social-emotional learning support for students in kindergarten through eighth grade. It also hosts a young men’s mentoring workshop and other programming, such as a series of STEM-focused workshops that aim to bring science to life. TeaSpot also offers hands-on STEM-themed kits for students to work on at home.

Read Full Story
Volume 14, Issue 12, Posted 7:17 AM, 12.02.2021

S'Wonderful Gifts is closing

In early November, a business liquidator announced the news that, after six years, owner Bill Wort had decided to close his Cleveland Heights gift shop.

Wort opened S'Wonderful Gifts at 2254 Lee Road on Nov. 17, 2015. For 32 years prior to that, he had been a buyer for various museum shops.

In deciding to retire, Wort cited competition from online retailers as the main reason, COVID the second.

“What I will miss the most is my customers,” Wort said. “They’ve always been so supportive, and made the extra effort to support my shop and other local businesses. What I’m most proud of is when my customers voted the store “The Best Place For Unique Gifts In Cleveland Heights” [in the FutureHeights Best of the Heights awards].

Read Full Story
Volume 14, Issue 12, Posted 7:08 AM, 12.02.2021

GE holiday display to light up Noble beginning Dec. 3

Continuing a long-held holiday tradition, GE Lighting, a Savant company, will illuminate its Nela Park headquarters, at 1975 Noble Road, with a festive display beginning Friday, Dec. 3. This is the 97th year the company will have created its light show. This year’s theme, Holiday Season is in the Air, will feature nearly one million LED lights, and stretch along Noble Road for several blocks. The display will stay illuminated 24/7, through Jan. 3.

Earlier this year, the opportunity to turn on the Nela Holiday Lights was auctioned off to the highest bidder, to benefit the Greater Cleveland Food Bank’s Harvest for Hunger. For the first time ever, a special guest will step to the podium alongside GE Lighting President and CEO Bill Lacey, to flip the switch at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 3.

Read Full Story
Volume 14, Issue 12, Posted 1:04 PM, 11.30.2021

Pop-up holiday market comes to Coventry Village

Made Cleveland will open its Holiday Pop Up market on Friday Nov. 26, in the former City Buddha space, at 1807 Coventry Road.

The market will be open until Dec. 23, and will feature the work of more than 50 local creators, including home goods, greeting cards, jewelry, accessories, apparel, self-care products, and provisions. 

The large space enables Larchmere Fire Works, a partner with Made Cleveland, to offer live glass-blowing demonstrations, as in the photo above. 

Hours are noon to 7 p.m. For more information, visit madecleveland.com, or call 216-800-8420.

Read Full Story
Volume 14, Issue 12, Posted 1:41 PM, 11.23.2021

Lee Road gift shop to close after 7 years

Bill Wort, owner of S’Wonderful Gifts, has decided to close his Lee Road store.

Citing competition from online retailers as the main reason, COVID the second, Wort decided to retire after seven years of running the gift shop.

“What I will miss the most is my customers,” Wort said. “They’ve always been so supportive, and made the extra effort to support my shop and other local businesses. What I’m most proud of is when my customers voted the store “The Best Place For Unique Gifts In Cleveland Heights.”

Read Full Story
Volume 14, Issue 12, Posted 10:04 AM, 11.08.2021

2021 Heights Observer Holiday Gift Guide: The non-traditional gift

Lampwork bead making class, 16 years of age or older. ($35.00, Cleveland Rocks and Beads) 

Re-design an heirloom. Instead of buying new jewelry, create something new out of something old.  Re-imagine your grandmother's beads and we will help you make a new piece. ($15.00 and up, Cleveland Rocks and Beads)     

French macaron. ($2.00 each, Luna Bakery & Cafe)

Cheese board. Serves 6-8 people. Includes cheese, charcuterie, dried and fresh fruit, nuts, jam, mustard, and crackers. ($164.00, Marchant Manor Cheese Shop)

26" Vintage Gerstner oak tool chest with leather handle. ($795.00, Artisan Antiques & Jewelry)  

Mid-century modern locking chrome tantalus with glass decanters. Prevents unauthorized access to the contents while permitting them to remain beautifully displayed. ($175.00, Artisan Antiques & Jewelry)  

A spa day. Aveda dream spa signature package includes a 50-minute Swedish relaxation massage, a 50-minute Aveda customized facial, manicure and pedicure. ($240.00, Quintana's Barber and Dream Spa) 

Read Full Story
Volume 14, Issue 11, Posted 11:22 AM, 10.29.2021

2021 Heights Observer Holiday Gift Guide: Gifts more than $150.00

Angel wing amethyst geode. Make an unforgettable impression with the gift of a pair of five-foot amethyst geode cathedrals. ($5998.00, Cleveland Rocks and Beads)   

Agate slice lamp. Sooth any room with the warm organic glow of this natural sliced agate lamp. ($998.00, Cleveland Rocks and Beads) 

Barnwood learner mirror, 33.5” x 67.5”. Rustic reclaimed wood. ($160.00, Lavish Decors)

Vernon accent chair. ($160.00, Lavish Decors)

Hickory rocker. ($196.00, Eastwood Furniture)   

Barnwood console. ($825.00, Eastwood Furniture)

Sterling chain by Pam Pastoric. ($210.00 Heights Arts)

Fused glass wall art by Marjorie Faulk. ($175.00 Heights Arts)

“Drive By,” painting by Leslye Arian. ($400.00 Heights Arts)

“Easter Parade,” drawing by Maureen Sylak. ($775.00 Heights Arts)

Mariposa Serving Tray. ($150.00, Jubilee Gifts in the Heights)

"The Lord of the Rings," near-mint collector's edition c.1966. Contains the complete texts of "The Fellowship of the Ring," "The Two Towers," "The Return of the King," six appendices, and a large format fold-out map. ($250.00, Artisan Antiques & Jewelry)  

Large mid-century modern Frances Holmes Boothby sterling owl brooch/pin. ($595.00, Artisan Antiques & Jewelry)

Read Full Story
Volume 14, Issue 11, Posted 11:21 AM, 10.29.2021

2021 Heights Observer Holiday Gift Guide: Gifts from $50.00 to $150.00

Silver earrings with semiprecious stones. ($68.00, Cleveland Rocks and Beads) 

Bull canvas. ($50.00, Lavish Decors)

Designer shower sets. ($50.00/set, Lavish Decors)

Doll bunkbed. ($87.00, Eastwood Furniture) 

Redline rechargeable LED flashlight and power bank, mycro rechargeable headlamp and camp light, and rechargeable tactical flashlight combo. ($99.00, Heights Hardware)

Fabric sewn wall art by Benita Cullinan. ($120.00, Heights Arts)

Tea Time, teapot with succulents by Martha Cliffel. ($120.00, Heights Arts) 

Take and decorate gingerbread kit. ($50.00, Luna Bakery & Cafe)

Black Food by Terry Bryan. An indispensable and beautiful new book from one of our best-selling cookbook authors. ($40.00, Mac's Backs Books)  

Chef's Guide: A Modern Guide to Common and Unusual Vegetables with Recipes by Farmer Lee Jones. Everyone's favorite farm to table Lake Erie grower has published a comprehensive cookbook and guide. ($60.00, Mac's Bacls Books)  

Sweet and savory gift crate. Includes three Marchant Manor cheeses, local Cleveland Chocolate Company chocolate, roasted nuts, and local Ohio-made jar of jam. ($64.50, Marchant Manor Cheese Shop)

Bonnie glass heels, sizes 7-10. ($120.00, Kandydollkloset Boutique)

Faux fur scarf and microsuede gloves. ($68.00, Kandydollkloset Boutique)

Scouts bags, multiple sizes. ($50.00 to $100.00, Jubilee Gifts in the Heights)

Vintage Steiff pre-1964 Loopy Wolf hand Puppet. Genuine vintage German 10" Steiff Loopy Wolf mohair hand puppet with green glass eyes. ($90.00, Artisan Antiques & Jewelry)

Vintage bat pin/brooch. ($95.00, Artisan Antiques & Jewelry) 

Aveda hand and foot relief home and travel essentials gift set. ($56.00, Quintana's Barber and Dream Spa)

Read Full Story
Volume 14, Issue 11, Posted 11:18 AM, 10.29.2021

2021 Heights Observer Holiday Gift Guide: Gifts less than $50.00

Beadables. Children as young as four years old can make beautiful gifts in a few minutes with these easy-to-bead components. ($12.00 to $35.00, Cleveland Rocks and Beads)

Kotted mala class.  ($35.00, Cleveland Rocks and Beads)

Throw pillows. ($15.00 each, Lavish Decors)

Designer decor storage books. ($20.00 each, Lavish Decors)

The Most Perfect Thing in the Universe by Tricia Springstubb. If you have a middle-schooler on your list,make sure to give them this book about an eleven year old girl and her ornithologist mom. ($17.99, Mac's Backs Books)  

My Ticket to Ride by Janice Mitchell. Janice Mitchell ran away to London to meet the Beatles in 1964. When she was 16! An international manhunt to find this Cleveland teen ensued. It's a great story for anyone who lived during Beatlemania. ($16.95, Mac's Backs Books)   

True Raiders: The Untold Story of the 1909 Expedition to Find the Legendary Ark of the Covenant by Brad Ricca.  Who doesn't want to read the real story behind Raiders of the Lost Ark? ($29.99, Mac's Backs Books)   Wood bowl. ($49.00, Eastwood Furniture)   

Cutting board. ($41.00, Eastwood Furniture) 

Teak bud vase from spun wood by Tom Ream. ($35.00, Heights Arts)

Boiled wool chartreuse bag by Leslie Greenghal. ($40.00, Heights Arts) 

Take and decorate sugar cookie kit. ($25.00, Luna Bakery & Cafe)  

Travel and ceramic coffee mugs. ($10.00 and $25.00, Luna Bakery & Cafe)

Cheese gift box. Three of your favorite Marchant Manor Cheeses, together with a cheese spreader in a presentation gift box.  ($38.50, Marchant Manor Cheese Shop)

Reusable insulated lunch bag. ($28.00, Jubilee Gifts in the Heights)  

Aveda gift sets, such as our "Tea Time with Aveda." Aveda Tea box with Aveda logo etched glass mug. ($44.00, Quintana's Barber and Dream Spa)  

Read Full Story
Volume 14, Issue 11, Posted 11:13 AM, 10.29.2021

2021 Heights Observer Holiday Gift Guide: Stocking Stuffers ($10.00 or less)

Set of three mini-notebooks. ($5.99, Mac's Backs Books)
 
Eco-friendly reusable bags. ($9.99, Mac's Backs Books)
 
Acupressure rings. These rings are not worn but instead are rolled up and down fingers to hit the pressure points and release tension. ($1.00, Cleveland Rocks and Beads)

Heart rocks. ($9.00, Cleveland Rocks and Beads)

Joy mural at Lee & Silsby greeting card by Michael Lau. ($5.00, Heights Arts)

Slate coaster etched with Guardians logo by David Shafron. ($7.00, Heights Arts) 

Cheese-making supplies. (Approximately $10.00 per item, Marchant Manor Cheese Shop)

Shower blast sinus relief. ($3.80, Quintana's Barber and Dream Spa)

Read Full Story
Volume 14, Issue 11, Posted 11:11 AM, 10.29.2021

2021 Heights Observer Holiday Gift Guide

The Heights Observer publishes its annual Holiday Gift Guide each November to encourage residents to shop locally for the holidays.

Cleveland Heights and University Heights abound with independent businesses—boutiques, salons, restaurants and artist collaboratives—which enhance our local character and anchor our business districts. 

COVID took its toll on many of these businesses, shuttering some and forcing others to augment online sales. Purchasing directly from brick-and-mortar stores bolsters our local economy and supports our identity, which is locally minded, and artisan supporting.  

Read Full Story
Volume 14, Issue 11, Posted 11:20 AM, 10.29.2021

Coventry Village celebrates Halloween with special events Oct. 29

On Friday, Oct. 29, Coventry Village will celebrate Halloween with a variety of special evening events, to be held in conjunction with its regularly scheduled Final Fridays Art Walk + Market.

CovenTREAT Trick or Treat will feature a candy crawl at district businesses, from 5 to 7 p.m.

From 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Lake Erie Ink will host a Haunted Haikus and Mask Making event at its space inside the Coventry PEACE Campus building, at 2843 Washington Blvd. 

Read Full Story
Volume 14, Issue 11, Posted 12:35 PM, 10.26.2021

Scorpacciata takes over diner's ghost kitchen

Scorpacciata, owned and operated by Cleveland Heights native Peter Reuter, is bringing pizza to the north side of the Cedar Lee Business District. Operating as a “ghost kitchen,” in the same former diner where Rising Star Coffee is located, Scorpacciata offers carryout only, and takes orders by phone. Scorpacciata’s pizza is a hybrid of New York and Neapolitan styles. Reuter’s focus is creating innovative menus inspired by local and seasonal harvests. Patrons are welcome to dine on the patio just outside of the building, or take their meal down the street to enjoy at another Cedar Lee business, such as The Wine Spot or CLE Urban Winery.

Read Full Story
Volume 14, Issue 10, Posted 11:10 AM, 10.01.2021

Heights Observer seeks ideas for annual holiday gift guide

Each year, the Heights Observer issues asks local businesses to submit gift ideas for its annual Holiday Gift Guide, which the Heights Observer publishes in its November print issue. This year, suggestions are due by Oct. 15.

The guide is designed to help Cleveland Heights and University Heights residents discover the unique items independent brick-and-mortar retailers are offering this holiday season, and encourage them to “shop local first” to support the Heights economy.

Read Full Story
Volume 14, Issue 10, Posted 10:11 AM, 09.28.2021

Storefront Renovation Program provides business owner with upgrade

Cleveland Heights small-business owner Franklin Myles has roots here that stretch back long before he moved into his State Farm Insurance storefront, in the Mayfield Triangle area of the Noble neighborhood, in 2003. He grew up, and attended school, here, graduating from Cleveland Heights High School. Though Myles has since moved away, it still is important to him to play an active role in the community.

“I know Cleveland Heights like the back of my hand,” Myles said. “It’s always been a beautiful place to me. The thought of coming back home to my community and opening up a business and taking care of people I went to school with, and their parents and all of that, was very exciting to me.”

Read Full Story
Volume 14, Issue 9, Posted 8:21 AM, 09.03.2021

MetroHealth expansion underway; e-mail updates available

As the MetroHealth System begins construction on its Behavioral Health Care Facility at Severance Circle, hospital officials invite residents and businesses to sign up for e-mail project updates. 

“We are excited about expanding our work in Cleveland Heights with this $42-million addition to our Cleveland Heights campus,” said Stanley Miller, manager of community and government relations. “We are committed to being a good neighbor, and keeping you updated about this project and all our Cleveland Heights operations. We have benefitted from our conversations with the community so far, and want to continue this dialogue. We want this project to be a source of pride for everyone.”

MetroHealth’s new facility is expected to serve the mental-health and addiction-services needs of people throughout Cuyahoga County.

Read Full Story
Volume 14, Issue 8, Posted 11:00 AM, 07.20.2021

Rust Belt Riders offers food-scrap drop-off service in CH

Rust Belt Riders Neighborhood food-scrap drop-off program will be available in the city of Cleveland Heights beginning Monday, May 17. Bins will be located in the parking lot of the Coventry PEACE Campus, off of Euclid Heights Boulevard, and will be available 24/7/365 for the collection of household food scraps. 

Participation in the food-scrap recycling program requires participants to sign up online www.rustbeltrides.com. Members pay $10 per month and may bring as many or as few food scraps as they produce. 

Rust Belt Riders recommends using a five-gallon bucket lined with a BPI-certified compostable bag or a brown paper bag to collect the scrap, and encourages weekly dropoffs.

Read Full Story
Volume 14, Issue 6, Posted 9:27 AM, 05.17.2021

Best of the Heights 2021 award winners

This winter, Heights residents cast their votes for Best of the Heights 2021, and 23 local businesses were named winners and finalists in this year’s contest.

FutureHeights, a nonprofit community development corporation and publisher of the Heights Observer, hosts this annual awards program to recognize the locally owned, independent businesses that serve Cleveland Heights and University Heights, and contribute to our local economy.

As in prior years, FutureHeights created a list of 12 unique categories, showcasing the wide variety of establishments that call the Heights home, and asked residents to vote by writing in the names of their favorites in each category.

This year’s categories, which included Best Curbside Pickup and Best Socially Distanced Dining, recognized that the global pandemic has upended everyone’s lives and forced local entrepreneurs to innovate as they struggled to stay afloat, while keeping customers and employees safe.

Despite the pandemic, several new businesses opened in the Heights. The winner of this year’s Best New Bar or Restaurant was Doug Katz’s Chimi, while Zhug, Foodhisattva, and Voodoo Brewery were finalists in this category.

Read Full Story
Volume 14, Issue 4, Posted 10:37 AM, 04.01.2021

FutureHeights announces Best of the Heights raffle winners

To thank voters in the 2021 FutureHeights Best of the Heights Awards, and to support Heights local businesses, FutureHeights purchased $1,000 in gift certificates from a variety of local businesses and raffled them off. Each Best of the Heights voter received a chance to win one of four gift certificate packages worth $250. Additional chances to win were available for a $10 or $25 donation to FutureHeights. The four winners were: Destiny Burns, Sara Forsythe, Grace Harper and Lauren Marshall.

Read Full Story
Volume 14, Issue 4, Posted 6:31 AM, 04.27.2021

New Heights businesses open during pandemic

Each year, FutureHeights sponsors the Best of the Heights Awards in which residents vote for their favorite businesses in several categories, including Best New Business. This year, the pandemic changed the small-business landscape in many ways, and shuttered businesses, some permanently. Nonetheless, a few new businesses have opened in the Heights in the last 12 months.

“I’m happy to say that we had more businesses open on Coventry this past year than we had close,” said Mallory Phillips, executive director of the Coventry Village Special Improvement District.

Here is a list of new businesses the Heights Observer is aware of. If you know of a new business that is not on the list, send information about it to info@futureheights.org.

Read Full Story
Volume 14, Issue 3, Posted 12:16 PM, 02.08.2021

Nighttown sold: more changes afoot for Cedar Fairmount

With the $80 million Ascent at the Top of the Hill project rising in the Cedar Fairmount Business District, the announcement that Brendan Ring has sold Nighttown signals that more change is on the way.

On Jan. 5, a syndicate of real estate investors, headed by Rico Pietra and Yaron Kandelker, purchased all of Ring’s holdings in Cedar Fairmount: the building that houses CL Barber Salon, the former Zoss building, the former Fifth Third Bank, and the iconic Nighttown restaurant, which Ring has owned since 2001. A regional destination and community gathering place, generations of Heights residents have celebrated significant life events at the restaurant, and cherished the cozy Irish pub’s eclectic atmosphere. Ring expanded the restaurant over the years to include 435 seats in several rooms, two three-season patios, and musical offerings that led DownBeat Magazine to name it “one of the top 100 jazz clubs in the world.”

Read Full Story
Volume 14, Issue 2, Posted 3:04 PM, 01.25.2021

Look for the Heights Observer at Tommy's

Tommy Fello, owner of Tommy's restaurant (1824 Coventry Road), has been taking care of customers for nearly 50 years. He encourages readers to support independent local businesses now, more than ever. Tommy's menu offers something for everyone—especially those who love milkshakes. Currently, Tommy's is open for both dine-in and take-out orders. (Visit www.orderstart.com/tommys to place your take-out order.) While you're there, be sure to pick up a copy of the Heights Observer.

Read Full Story
Volume 14, Issue 2, Posted 11:50 AM, 01.28.2021

Pick up the Heights Observer at Heights Hardware

Heights Hardware has been a fixture on Coventry Road since 1911. Andy Gathy, the owner, describes the store as an “old fashioned” nut-and-bolts hardware store with everything one might need to complete any project. Gathy and employees Jef Lowell and Kaila Isom are happy to assist. Heights Hardward stocks COVID-protection supplies including KN95 masks, Purell hand sanitizer, and Lysol wipes, as well as snow shovels and ice melt—and copies of the Heights Observer. Heights Hardware (www.heightshardware.com) is located at 1792 Coventry Road.

Read Full Story
Volume 14, Issue 2, Posted 11:49 AM, 01.28.2021

MetroHealth plans expansion at Severance

MetroHealth has proposed an expansion of its Cleveland Heights medical center with the addition of a 110-bed behavioral health hospital. The new hospital is designed to be a short-term-stay facility, for patients in need of evaluation and stabilization for mental health and addiction.

Dr. Julia Bruner is leading the design and development of the new hospital, and will serve as president of the behavioral health initiative at MetroHealth’s Cleveland Heights medical center.

In a Dec. 11 presentation to the FutureHeights Planning and Development Committee, Joe Frolik, MetroHealth’s senior vice president for communications and community and government relations, and Bruner described plans for the new facility, which has a target opening date of October 2022.

Read Full Story
Volume 14, Issue 1, Posted 11:12 AM, 01.01.2021

Best of the Heights 2021 kicks off Jan. 1

Beginning Jan. 1, Heights residents can show their appreciation for locally owned, independent businesses by voting for their favorites in the FutureHeights 2021 Best of the Heights Awards contest.

New this year: each “vote” will be entered for a chance to win a prize package of gift certificates from Heights businesses.

“Our independent businesses are so important to the vitality of our community,” said Deanna Bremer Fisher, executive director of FutureHeights. “Their individual personalities and unique products and services are one of the things that makes the Heights such an awesome place to live! This year, more than ever, it is important to show our support so that they will still be here when we come through this pandemic.”

Read Full Story
Volume 14, Issue 1, Posted 8:23 PM, 12.21.2020

Top of the Hill rises in Cedar Fairmount

The Ascent at Top of the Hill, an $83 million mixed-use project, is rising at the top of Cedar Hill. The city of Cleveland Height's development partner Flaherty & Collins began construction in summer 2020 of the a structured parking garage that will have approximately 550 parking spaces. The new buildings that will wrap the garage are expected to include 261 market-rate luxury apartments, more than 11,000 square feet of first floor commercial/retail/restaurant space, and close to 25,000 square feet of green space. The construction schedule projects completion of the development in the first half of 2022.

Read Full Story
Volume 13, Issue 12, Posted 11:36 AM, 12.02.2020