An old classic is turning a new leaf. For nearly 40 years, Yours Truly has been a go-to local chain for Northeast Ohio diners interested in grabbing breakfast, brunch and American fare in a diner-style setting. Now, after closing its Shaker Square location, the company is working to convert eight of its remaining restaurants into a new kitchen and bar concept. “The future of our concept needs to have a full bar, it needs to have provisions for doing private parties,” says Yours Truly co-owner Lawrence Shibley. Here are three things to know about the future of the iconic institution.
New Digs: Each remodeled restaurant will follow in the steps of its Playhouse Square location, taking a step back from traditional Victorian-influenced decor by taking a more industrial approach with open ceilings and soft upholstery. But it’s the inclusion of a full indoor-outdoor bar we’re looking forward to most. “There’s a very extensive bar setup and where possible, the bar would have an equivalent portion in a year-round patio which can double as a party room,” says Shibley.
Main Menu: Fret not — the famous Notso Fries aren’t going anywhere. Although the menu will stay largely the same, there will continue to be seasonal tweaks to longtime favorites and newly featured dishes such as a citrus raspberry arugula salad. “The core menu has been around forever,” says Shibley. “On a regular basis, we offer a feature sheet where we sometimes test things.”
Family Motives: Inspired by their parent’s hospitality, Shibley and his siblings Art, Darlene and Jeffery have made a concerted effort to support its former Shaker Square staff. Although the location was closed due to insufficient space needed to meet remodeling plans, all 30 of its employees were given the opportunity to transfer to other locations. “We’ve been in business just short of 40 years and we’ve never laid off an employee,” says Shibley. “They are the lifeblood of what we do."
