Superior Restaurant
Superior Restaurant, a Cleveland staple since 1981, is best known for its legendary corned beef sandwiches, a local favorite many consider the city’s best. Located at 3000 Superior Avenue, this family-owned spot also serves a full menu of breakfast classics, burgers, wraps, soups, and salads, with the convenience of call-ahead ordering. Decades of quality food and friendly service have made it a go-to for both regulars and newcomers.The dedicated team behind its success includes Jamie Blevins, co-owner Colette Abdallah, Mark Childers, and MVP John Jersan. Colette and her brother Mitch, owners of The Coffee Pot in Lakewood from 1971 to 1981, bring a deep-rooted passion for hospitality, keeping Superior Restaurant a true neighborhood gem.
Stefan Johnson
Best known as the "Cleveland Snack Daddy," Stefan Johnson is a multifaceted talent hailing from Cleveland. As a voice and screen actor, he has lent his distinctive baritone voice to numerous projects, including commercials for McDonald's and Doritos, as well as for animated series like Netflix's "Scott Pilgrim Takes Off." Beyond his acting career, Stefan has garnered a substantial following on social media platforms, with over 8.3 million followers on TikTok, where he shares engaging content ranging from food reviews to comedic sketches. His authentic and entertaining approach has earned him recognition in publications such as Cleveland Magazine, which named him one of the "Most Interesting People of 2024." Stefan's journey from Cleveland's Hough neighborhood to becoming a celebrated voice in entertainment exemplifies his dedication and passion for his craft.
Ramesh "Sonny" Sharma
Ramesh "Sonny" Sharma is the co-owner of India Garden, a renowned Indian restaurant located at 18405 Detroit Avenue in Lakewood. The restaurant has been a staple in the community for 18 years. A proud Lakewood resident, Sonny previously owned a restaurant in Pittsburgh before selling that business and opening India Garden. Alongside his brother, Sanjeev Sharma, Sonny has been instrumental in establishing India Garden as a go-to destination for authentic Indian cuisine. He is known for his friendly demeanor and dedication to providing exceptional dining experiences. I thanked him for all of the wonderful years of meals enjoyed here and for widening my kids’ palettes when they were young, setting them up as fans of Indian food for life.
Patrick "Pat" Campbell
Patrick "Pat" Campbell is the co-owner of P.J. McIntyre's Irish Pub, located in Cleveland's Kamm's Corner Entertainment District. A first-generation Irish-American with roots in County Mayo, Ireland, Pat lived in Dublin for two years as a professional Irish dancer. In 2007, he and his wife established P.J. McIntyre's, aiming to create an authentic Irish pub experience reminiscent of his heritage. Beyond managing the pub, Pat is dedicated to promoting Irish culture in the community, such as by teaching Irish dance to local youth. His efforts have made P.J. McIntyre's a beloved gathering spot for those seeking genuine Irish hospitality in Cleveland.
Lillian Kuri
Lillian Kuri is a visionary leader known for her deep commitment to urban revitalization, arts and culture, and community development. As the President & CEO of the Cleveland Foundation, she plays a pivotal role in shaping the city's philanthropic landscape, focusing on equitable economic growth, sustainability, and innovation. With a background in architecture and urban planning, Kuri has been instrumental in transformative projects, including the development of the Cleveland Foundation’s MidTown Innovation District and other initiatives that foster community engagement and social impact. Her leadership reflects a forward-thinking approach, bridging the gap between public and private sectors to create a more inclusive and vibrant Cleveland.
Otis Moss and Edwina Moss
Otis Moss, Jr., and Edwina Moss are pillars of the Cleveland community, known for their longstanding leadership in civil rights, education, and social justice. A pastor and theologian, Rev. Moss played a crucial role in the Civil Rights Movement, serving as a close advisor to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and, in 1971, as co-pastor of the co-pastor Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta with Martin Luther King, Sr. As the longtime pastor of Olivet Institutional Baptist Church, Rev. Moss became a guiding force in Cleveland, advocating for racial equality, voter rights, and economic empowerment. His wife, Edwina Moss, was equally influential, sustaining his mission while also championing causes related to education, youth mentorship, and community development. Together, they have built a legacy of service, inspiring generations to pursue justice, faith, and activism. Their contributions to Cleveland and beyond continue to inform civil rights activism.
Karen R. Long
Karen R. Long is a distinguished journalist and literary advocate from Cleveland, whose career has been defined by a deep commitment to storytelling, intellectual discourse, and championing diverse voices in literature. She spent 33 years as a reporter, book editor, and columnist for The Plain Dealer, where she covered a wide range of topics with insight and depth. Following her tenure at the newspaper, she became manager emerita of the Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards, where she has played a key role in elevating authors and fostering meaningful dialogue on social justice through literature. As one of the nation’s most prestigious literary prizes, Anisfield-Wolf has brought recognition to works that address issues of racism and diversity since its founding in 1935 by Cleveland poet and philanthropist Edith Anisfield Wolf. Long’s impact on Cleveland’s literary and journalistic landscapes remains profound, as she continues to advocate for the power of books to challenge, inspire, and educate.
Dr. George Vourlojianis
Dr. George Vourlojianis is a distinguished historian specializing in United States military history. He earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees from John Carroll University and obtained his Ph.D. in History from Kent State University. Dr. Vourlojianis has authored two books on Ohio's military history, including The Cleveland Grays: An Urban Military Company, 1837-1919, which examines the evolution of this historic militia unit. He has been recognized with four distinguished teaching awards and was designated a U.S. Military Academy Fellow in 2000. In 2021, he was inducted into John Carroll University's ROTC Hall of Fame. Beyond his academic pursuits, Dr. Vourlojianis is an active member of the Cleveland Grays, contributing to the preservation of military heritage in the Greater Cleveland area. This photo was taken inside the Grays Armory.
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