John Skrtic has been with the Cleveland Public Library for over 30 years. He now serves as the chief of special projects and collections, which makes him responsible for overseeing the 11 million items in the Library Collection. He holds a master's of library and information science from Kent State University and a master's of public administration from Cleveland State University. Skrtic grew up on East 41st Street in Downtown Cleveland and has lived in the city his entire life. He is father of two children and spends his free time archiving the people and places of Cleveland.
Assad's Bakery
Opened in 1989 by Mike and Fred Assad, the mission of the ever-popular Assad's Bakery, located at 12719 Lorain Avenue, Cleveland, is to supply the region’s diverse community with the highest quality pita bread. Assad’s is also a well-stocked Middle Eastern grocery store with fresh spices, nuts, legumes, grains, olive oils, and cheeses — not to mention the best falafel around. Pictured here are owner Mike Assad and his son Omar, who is a student at St. Edward High School. instagram.com/assadsbakery
Erika Durham of Cleveland Bagel Co.
Erika Durham was one of the first employees hired at Cleveland Bagel Co. more than a decade ago. She is now an operating partner at Cleveland Bagel Cafe, a new concept eatery that opened at 16300 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, in June 2024. The cafe features an extensive menu of tasty options, such as turkey club sandwiches, vegan sausage, and freshly baked muffins, cookies, and scones. It also includes a coffee program featuring espressos, cappuccinos, and lattes. clebagelco.com
Related: Skrtic's Pics: I'm From Cleveland, Joy Machines Bike Shop, Edgewater Cafe
Steve Presser
It was “big fun” talking to entrepreneur and community volunteer Steve Presser at the Main Cleveland Public Library recently. Steve is well known throughout Northeast Ohio as the founder of Big Fun, the iconic vintage toy store that opened in 1991 in Coventry Village, in Cleveland Heights. For nearly three decades, Big Fun was the destination for vintage toys, nostalgic memorabilia, gag gifts, and quirky collectibles for children, teens, and adults. Until it closed in 2018, Big Fun was regularly featured in news stories as a not-to-be-missed destination in Cleveland, including in The New York Times and USA Today. Today, Presser continues to support local causes and is often seen participating in community events.
John "Lil’ John" Rinaldi
I loved meeting one of my Cleveland heroes: John Rinaldi, better known as "Lil' John," the well-known co-host of the Emmy Award-winning Big Chuck & Lil' John Show. Featuring a horror film shown in front of a live audience, the late-night program was interspersed with well known parody skits, such as "Ben Crazy," "The Certain Ethnic," and "The Kielbasa Kid." Lil’ John joined the show as a co-host in 1979 after 10 years of being a regular performer on WJW TV 8's Hoolihan & Big Chuck Show, the predecessor to "The Big Chuck & Lil' John Show." Away from the TV cameras, John Rinaldi operated Rinaldi Jewelry at 2028 East Ninth St. in Downtown Cleveland. Lil' John has also participated in countless local charity events for more than five decades and remains a beloved local icon.
Skateboard Family
It was a pleasure to speak with Clevelanders Vashon Davis IV and his son, William Davis III, at Crooked River Skatepark at 1785 Merwin Ave. in Cleveland’s Flats. The Davis family has roots in the Kinsman neighborhood and previously lived in California. No matter where they lived, the Davises always found time to indulge in their passion for skateboarding. They enjoyed talking with me about their experiences and about their life on Bartlett Avenue in Cleveland.
Related: Skrtic's Pics: Ian Herrington, Robert Banks, Travis Peebles, Mike Kaplowitz and Lou Ortez
Shaker's Fish Market
Known for offering some of the best quality fresh fish in the area, Shaker's Fish Market was opened in 2021 by wife-and-husband team Diana and Hany Shaker, who both previously operated the exotic fruit stand Christano's at the West Side Market. Pictured here are Diana Shaker and manager Norma Harb. Shaker's Fish Market is located at 7539 Pearl Road in Middleburg Heights. facebook.com/shakerfishmarket
Chef Michael Symon
It was my pleasure to photograph Michael Symon as his restaurant Mabel’s BBQ on East Fourth Street in Downtown Cleveland opened for business on a recent Tuesday afternoon. Celebrity chef, restaurateur, television personality, and author, Symon is best known for his appearances on Food Network shows, including Iron Chef America, The Chew, BBQ Brawl and Symon’s Dinners Cooking Out. In addition to Symon’s Cleveland restaurants, he also operates Mabel's BBQ Las Vegas, Bar Symon in Washington and Pittsburgh, and Angeline in Atlantic City. Born in Cleveland in 1969, Symon grew up in North Olmsted and attended St. Edward High School. After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, he returned to Cleveland to begin his culinary career. Symon’s cooking reflects his Midwestern roots and focuses on comfort food, barbecue, and Greek and Italian flavors. In 2009, he won the prestigious James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef in the Great Lakes region. mabelsbbq.com
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