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A trio of new eateries in Downtown Cleveland’s theater district was announced today by Playhouse Square officials, along with two others already reported by NEOtrans in recent weeks. But one of the largest “Beyond The Stage” projects, redevelopment of the Greyhound bus station, is still in the works and was teased in the same announcement.
The newest addition is Something Good Social Kitchen, co-founded by Random Acts of Kindness Everywhere creator Ricky Smith, is now open in the kiosk on Playhouse Square Plaza, located at the southeast corner of Euclid Avenue and Huron Road.
Something Good Social Kitchen’s menu will feature burgers, hot dogs and salads. The kiosk, which is managed by the Playhouse Square Foundation but is set on city-owned land, last hosted Dynomite Burgers until it closed in 2017. But the kiosk has had short-term uses since then for specific events on the plaza.
Playhouse Square Foundation and its district development corporation announced the addition as part of their latest “Beyond The Stage” efforts to develop the theater district into more than just five restored, historic theaters and the productions they host downtown. The nonprofit corporation is one of the largest property owners in the central business district.
“As the stewards of our downtown district, Playhouse Square is working Beyond the Stage on initiatives designed to create a must-visit destination for local residents and visitors from out of town, complementing the efforts of downtown and regional partners to elevate Cleveland’s profile for business, living and tourism,” said a Playhouse Square spokesperson in a written statement.
Additionally, Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shop in the Hanna Building, 1422 Euclid, and Encore lounge in The Lumen, 1580 Euclid, were formally announced today as well. NEOtrans had the scoop on both of those additions last month, although neither still has a firm opening date as of yet.
This will be Ben & Jerry’s fourth Scoop Shop retail location in Ohio and its second in Greater Cleveland to dish out its ice cream, sundaes and cookies. Its only other Cleveland-area location is 20650 John Carroll Blvd. in suburban University Heights and is open from Noon to 9 p.m. daily. Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shops are independently owned and operated.
Encore’s space, fronting on the theater district’s Euclid Avenue sidewalk, has been vacant since the Lumen opened in 2020. The Lumen is the tallest residential building in Ohio at 34 floors and 396 feet. The new lounge will be next to the First National Bank branch, which opened in an 804-square-foot space in late 2022.
“Encore will serve experiential cocktails in an intimate, upscale lounge,” the Playhouse Square spokesperson said. “Official opening dates for each venue will be announced in the near future.”
These eateries will add to the theaters’ robust performance schedule. Craig Hassall, Playhouse Square president & CEO, said that while the district’s restored historic theaters remain at the core of its work, Playhouse Square continues to expand Beyond the Stage to enhance the experience of theatergoers and provide a welcoming environment for residents and visitors.
“With the addition of these new venues, we’ve now welcomed a total of seven new dining establishments over the past year, creating an even greater animated environment for both visitors and downtown workers, residents and visitors,” Hassall said.
Beyond the Stage initiatives completed since September 2023 include new marquees and upgraded digital display network, Bulkley Building façade restoration, development and opening of The Brasserie, The Bulkley Bar and The Bulkley Residences, renovation of the Crowne Plaza Hotel and its restaurant now known as Brel’s, and welcoming The Friars’ Table and Gochujang restaurants to the district.
“It is a brilliant time to be at the Playhouse Square District — whether you are coming to see a show on one of our stages, living in the district, or working at one of the many businesses in our neighborhood,” Hassall said.
He also noted the acquisition of the Greyhound Bus Terminal Building, 1465 Chester Ave., and the former Cleveland Institute of Electronics, 1776 E. 17th St., as part of a northward expansion of the theater district. But the curtain hasn’t risen on that production yet.
“Behind the scenes, our vision for The Greyhound and other possibilities is taking shape,” Hassall said. “It will be a while before we are ready to share our full plans, but we promise it will be worth the wait.”
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