For many downtown businesses, the pandemic has meant adapting to change and crossing over into a new reality. But, two upcoming events could unleash a groundswell of pent-up demand and hasten a return to normalcy, especially with the continued implementation and distribution of the COVID-19 vaccines.
The first, Downtown Restaurant Week, happens from Feb. 19 to 28. The second comes two months later with the coming of the 86th NFL Draft, which will be held downtown from April 29 to May 1.
“Downtown Restaurant Week is something we do every year to support our downtown eateries at what is often a slower time of year for them,” says Michael Deemer, executive vice president of business development for Downtown Cleveland Alliance (DCA). “This year, because of the pandemic, we are doubling down on promoting Downtown Restaurant Week because our local restaurants really need the support.
“We’re encouraging people from all around the region to come down and support their favorite spots and to try places they haven’t tried before, in places where they will feel very safe and comfortable.
Many restaurants are participating in Destination Cleveland’s Clean Committed Campaign and are very publicly committed to following all of the public health measures that are in place, Deemer says.
“But, we also recognize that these are trying times for individuals and their families,” Deemer adds. “There are other ways you can support restaurants, such as ordering takeout or delivery. We just want people to get out and support our restaurants.”
As in years past, this year’s edition of Downtown Restaurant Week will allow visitors to enjoy the best of Cleveland’s culinary scene, often with special menu items and discount pricing.
“We’d like to see Downtown Restaurant Week as the kickoff to a recovery that will continue to build throughout the summer,” Deemer says.
While at least 10 new eateries opened downtown in the past year (almost unheard of in other cities), many restaurants are still struggling because of the pandemic.
At Mallorca on West 9th Street, owner Laurie L. Torres admits that business has been tough, and it’s been a struggle to stay open. However, the restaurant is committed to the city, which helps support its staff.
“It has been really painful,” says Torres, who has dipped into college funds and personal savings to pay employees. “But, I am also very fortunate to be a part of this city. And, the city has been as supportive as any city can be in the middle of a pandemic.
“I am also very lucky because I have the most wonderful and beautiful staff on the planet, as well as a very understanding landlord,” Torres adds. “Many on our staff have been with us for 20 or 25 years and are like family.”
Keeping the same staff also helps with the optics of Mallorca and maintaining a familiar place where customers feel comfortable and safe.
“We even kept all of the same menu items,” Torres says. “We want a place where people have a sense of normalcy, seeing the same staff and the same menu — that was really important for us.”
So, if you visit, you can still enjoy specialties like lamb shank in brandy sauce or vegan stuffed peppers in avocado tomatillo sauce.
While fine dining destinations such as Mallorca are looking forward to promotions that include Downtown Restaurant Week, so are the many fast-casual destinations.
“We’re not fast food,” says Michael Grieshammer, general manager of REBoL, an organic, non-GMO cafe in Public Square that pairs its food with coffee, beer and cocktails. “But, we are great food fast.”
“Everything is very healthy, and we have a lot of variety and colors in each bowl we serve,” Grieshammer says. “And, we have a coffee program where we use only 100% GMO and toxin-free coffee. Each batch is lab tested to make sure there are no molds, toxins or pesticides whatsoever.”
Due to its downtown location, REBoL is still getting a lot of foot traffic, “but not as much as we did when we had all the lovely office buildings filled up. So, sales are down, but with the vaccines, proper social distancing and reopening of offices, we’re hoping we can get the line all of the way out of the door again.”
Naturally Grieshammer and all of the folks at REBoL are also looking forward to the upcoming NFL Draft.
“It should bring tens of thousands of people to town, so it should be great for restaurants all over Cleveland,” he says.
“We know that at the end of April, we will have one of the first major events in the country with the NFL Draft,” says Deemer. “While it may be on a different scale than we anticipated, it’s still going to be a major event that will help all of our restaurants and downtown businesses.
“After the draft comes Major League Baseball,” Deemer adds. “So, with the increased distribution of vaccines and with more events coming online, the NFL Draft is well positioned as a springboard to getting people back downtown again.”