Lionheart Coffee to Restore Former Starbucks Space in Playhouse Square

The hole left by the closing of Starbucks in Playhouse Square will soon be filled.

Lionheart Coffee, owned by Hangry Brands, is slated to open its second Downtown cafe, taking the space vacated by the national coffee powerhouse in the shadow of the iconic chandelier.

“For Hangry Brands to be a part of the Playhouse Square District, in such an iconic corner of Cleveland, is just such an honor,” states Julia Licastro, Vice President and Partner, Hangry Brands.

The new location joins the original Lionheart Coffee at 530 Euclid Ave. in the 5th Street Arcades.

In addition to classic and specialty coffee and tea drinks, Lionheart offers a small lineup of breakfast foods. That food menu will be expanded at the new location, which Hangry is dubbing Lionheart Reserve. That designation is meant to represent a “stepped-up coffee experience” to better complement Playhouse Square.

Hangry says that the plan is to return the physical space to its former glory, one that was concealed by bland renovations. That includes reopening the second floor.

“This was once one of the most unique and coolest coffee shops in the region, and it will be that again,” adds Licastro. “We’re also going to bring the design back to its original glory, which includes exposing the original ceiling, crown molding and architecture, as well as eliminating the added drop ceiling.”

Representatives from the neighborhood have expressed their pleasure in plugging a gap in the marketplace with a great local brand.

“We are thrilled to welcome a local champion in the form of Hangry Brands to the Playhouse Square District,” says Playhouse Square President Craig Hassall. “As a personal fan of Lionheart Coffee, I am so pleased to see this wonderful addition to our portfolio for residents and visitors alike.”

Lionheart Reserve is expected to open later this year. When it does open, it will join many other new retail options in the district, such as Encore, Ben & Jerry’s, Something Good Social Kitchen, the Brasserie and Friar’s Table.

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