Hangry Brands, the quickly expanding Cleveland-based hospitality group, is growing once again. Jason Beudert, the group’s CEO, has announced the acquisition of Danny’s on Professor. Danny’s opened a year and a half ago in the space below Crust Pizza that had been home to Proof Bar-BQ, which relocated to its new digs in Ohio City.
Danny Grim, the “Danny” behind the name, has been brought in as an operating partner.
Since opening, the lower-level hideaway has become popular with the service industry set thanks to its late-night eats, affordable prices and anything-goes vibe. Those are precisely the attributes that attracted Beudert, he says.
“We’re honored to keep the Danny’s tradition going in Tremont,” says Beudert. “We’re also pumped that Danny is now a partner with us. And we’re excited for Tremont to see what Danny and Hangry Brands can do together.”
Danny’s will be “doubling down” on its late-night food reputation, anchored by $5 smash burgers that will be served until 2 a.m. Other items on the concise menu include salads, snacks, wings and tenders.
Hangry has built its brand around design-forward, camera-ready spots like Geraci’s Slice Shop, STEAK in Tremont and Jolene’s Honky Tonk on East 4th Street. The team will be applying the same approach to Danny’s prior to its re-opening on Thursday, September 18.
“Patrons will be transported to Danny’s Breakroom, an employee-themed hangout where everything and everyone is Danny,” Beudert explains.
Guests can “clock in” at the punch clock, fill out “Hello, My Name Is” nametags, and drop a few comments — or complaints — in the Suggestion Box. Having trouble deciding on a beverage? Simply spin the Employee Satisfaction Shot Wheel and be surprised. The breakroom theme extends to include shareable espresso martinis served in glass coffee pots and paired with Styrofoam cups. Margaritas are presented in mini Thermos bottles. And what breakroom would be complete without vending machine snacks and warm Krispy Kreme donuts, here accompanied by an assortment of dips.
For fun, there is darts, pinball, video games and great tunes.
Founder Danny Grim is thrilled with the development.
“Danny’s is an important part of the hospitality in the neighborhood,” he says. “I’m pumped to incorporate some fun Hangry Brands magic into this spot.”
Danny’s had been closed on Sundays and Mondays – traditionally service industry-heavy days – but going forward those days off will be swapped for Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Beudert and partners Chelsea Rice, Terry Francona, Julia Licastro and Monica Perez are currently building out a second STEAK concept in Chagrin Falls, which is on pace for a spring opening.
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