Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Portage County / February 19, 2025

🥩 Steakhouse surprise

Portage County • February 19, 2025

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Good morning, Portage County. Remember when finding a great steak meant white tablecloths and crystal stemware? Those days are fading faster than a rare filet turns medium, as Cleveland's culinary scene proves with The Schvitz Social Club emerging as an unlikely contender for the city's finest cuts. This delicious plot twist is just the latest evidence that Northeast Ohio's most memorable meals often come with a side of surprise.

Speaking of unexpected transformations, Shaker Heights is cooking up something even bigger than a perfect ribeye. The Van Aken District's ambitious $62M Arcadia project is set to turn a former car dealership into a vibrant mixed-use hub, while over in Chagrin Falls, Two & Company cafe is brewing up second chances with its innovative job training program. From steakhouse surprises to community transformations, our region continues to serve up compelling stories.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

Brewing Locally Image

🏗️ Shaker Heights' Van Aken District kicks off $62M mixed-use development. The Arcadia project, set to break ground in March 2025, will transform a former car dealership into a vibrant five-story complex. The 250,000-square-foot building will feature 141 rental units, including affordable housing options and townhome-style apartments. Ground-floor retail and second-floor office space will face Warrensville Center Road, with RDL Architects as the primary tenant. The development follows the success of nearby Raye Apartments, furthering the area's transformation into a dense, transit-oriented downtown district.

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☕️ Small coffee shop makes big moves to change lives in Ohio. Two & Company, a non-profit cafe in Chagrin Falls, is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a dramatic expansion from its Bainbridge roots. The larger space not only serves food and beverages but doubles as a job-training center where employees learn restaurant and culinary skills. Soon, the organization will extend its mission into hospitality training with the opening of a small inn next door in a historic 1850s house.

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🥩 Cleveland's best steaks are hiding in unexpected places. The Schvitz Social Club has emerged as a top contender in Cleveland.com's reader poll for the city's finest steaks. This revelation follows a growing trend of exceptional cuisine being found in unconventional locations across America. From Texas BBQ at gas stations to ramen in bowling alleys, the culinary landscape is evolving beyond traditional restaurants. The poll highlights how Cleveland's dining scene embraces this nationwide shift toward finding remarkable food in surprising spots.

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🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Charming home with backyard potential: This charming four-bedroom, two-bathroom home in Garrettsville is listed at $210,000 and features hardwood floors, a spacious living room, a private master suite, and a large backyard with potential for your landscaping dreams. Don't miss the quaint front porch and functional detached garage with loft space.
Real estate listing image Prime industrial land near college: A unique opportunity awaits with nearly 30 acres of prime Light Industrial land in Hiram, listed at $360,000. This parcel promises excellent potential for various commercial developments, conveniently located near Hiram College.
Real estate listing image Spacious home near Kent State: This spacious 4-level home near Kent State University features 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, upgraded amenities, and a screened 3-season room overlooking a beautiful backyard. List price is $298,000.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

☕ Feb. 19 - Lattes with Leaders: Start your morning with inspiration at Lattes with Leaders! Connect with fellow alumni over coffee at Bean and the Baker in Ravenna on February 19 at 7:30am.
🏠 Feb. 19 - Open House Party: Looking for your dream home? Stop by this charming Ravenna property for an open house exploration at 241 Myrtle St, where your next chapter could begin. Join us February 19th from 4-6PM.
🤝 Feb. 20 - Ravenna AA Night: Find support and community at Ravenna Thursday Nite's AA meeting, where neighbors gather to share their journey to recovery. Join us at 263 S Prospect St this February 20th.
🧩 Feb. 20 - Lake House Trivia Night: Put your knowledge to the test at Lake House Kitchen + Bar's weekly trivia night! Gather your smartest friends and join the fun at this Kent hotspot on February 20th.
🎸 Feb. 21 - Beatles Cover Night: Get your Beatles fix as Up 'Til brings pitch-perfect harmonies to Water Street Tavern's Beatlefest! Catch all your favorite Fab Four tunes on February 21 in downtown Kent.
🎤 Feb. 21 - Josee McGee Live: Join local talent Josee McGee for an intimate evening of live music at Laziza, Kent's cozy Mediterranean spot on Erie Street. Catch the performance on February 21st.
✍️ Feb. 22 - Winter Writers Festival: Calling all wordsmiths! Warm up your creativity at the Winter Writing Festival in downtown Ravenna, featuring workshops, author panels, book sales, and an open mic night. February 22 at Main Street Ravenna.
✍️ Feb. 22 - Winter Writing Festival: Calling all wordsmiths! Award-winning author Julie Hatcher headlines this year's Winter Writing Festival at Reed Memorial Library in Ravenna. Join fellow writers on February 22 for an inspiring creative celebration.

🙏 In Remembrance

Peter Joseph Meduri Sr.

Peter J. Meduri Sr., 96, of Kent, Ohio, passed away on February 15, 2025. Born in Ravenna and a high school graduate, he served in the Korean War before co-owning a wholesale produce business with his brother for 40 years. A devoted husband to Doris Cercolani for 67 years, he was an avid sports fan and passionate coach for his sons' teams. Pete is survived by his wife, their children, a grandson, and many extended family members. His life was marked by love for family, faith, and friendships, and he will be greatly missed.

Peter Joseph Meduri Sr.

DANNY DEAKINS

Danny Deakins, 71, of Garrettsville, OH, passed away on February 15, 2025. A graduate of Cardinal High School, he owned several businesses, including a BP gas station and a hardware store, and retired as a school bus driver in 2024. Danny was dedicated to music, playing in multiple bands and enjoying various sports, particularly as a Cleveland Browns fan. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and mother, among many friends and relatives. A visitation will be held on February 21, and donations in his memory can be made to the James A. Garfield Athletic Boosters.

DANNY DEAKINS
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