Buildings and Food Hospitality Group has acquired yet another longtime Cleveland-area bar: Griffin Cider House and Gin Bar in Lakewood.
The bar, known for its homey wood interior and large, British-inspired collection of gins, has operated for eight years at 12401 Madison Avenue. Buildings and Food, led by Will Hollingsworth, is planning a new concept for the location, it announced in a press release. Details of that concept were not made available.
“We’re excited to become a part of the Birdtown community as it grows, and we think we have a concept that will fit really well into the fabric of the neighborhood," said Hollingsworth in the release. “More than anything though, my whole team and I are excited to be next-door neighbors to our dear friends and colleagues at LBM, who have always treated us with so much kindness and generosity of spirit.”
Hollingsworth's hospitality company has picked up and shaken up a number of established businesses over the past year or two. In 2023, he purchased the old-Cleveland classic Prosperity Social Club in Tremont. The company also revived the brand behind the shuttered Cleveland Heights wine bar La Cave du Vin — though that reopened in the former home Tremont's Spotted Owl, causing some controversy. Old 86, a dive bar concept in Gordon Square, opened last year, too.
The group built itself on the success of Good Company in Battery Park. That brand, focused on burgers and elevated casual fare, is set to open a second location in Akron's West Hill neighborhood, in the former home of Spotted Owl Akron. It also owns a clothing brand, To the Bar Co., and a coffee roastery, Peristyle Coffee.
“I’m somewhat emotional but also excited to announce that Griffin will be closing, having sold to Buildings and Food," said Richard Read, owner of Griffin Cider House & Gin Bar. "It has been a pleasure to serve the Cleveland community these 8 and a half years. Griffin came a long way through the hard work of not one but many people whom I got to call ‘team Griffin.’”
If you want one last gin fix, Read plans to stay open for another two weeks. His bar was named as one of Cleveland Magazine's 50 Best Bars in 2022.
“I plan to stay open until Jan. 31 and hope to make these final two weeks fun for all, but also as bountiful for my staff as I can," writes Read. "A portion of our final week of sales will be distributed to our staff, and I’ll also be taking some time to help get them connected with good future potential employers. We hope to have one heck of a finale, so expect a party to remember! And please, don’t forget to tip your bartender!”
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