CLEVELAND — As hot vaxxed summer heats up – the Flats East Bank is reclaiming its Cleveland title as the place to be.
“We’re just really looking forward to partying, honestly,” said Angela Nagel, director of events and marketing at the Flats East Bank.
The restaurants and bars, some of which closed during the pandemic, are back open. People are out again – and on the river. And there are plenty of new highlights to explore, such as Goodnight John Boy, the disco club making the 70s chic again.
“You can go there and see the light up floors, you go there in your bell bottoms, come dress to the 70s theme and have a good time every weekend,” said Nagel.
And Anjeo Tequila Joint – a lounge known for its small plates, DJs and of course, tequilas – just opened in March.
“We're happy to really kind of be a part of this, this area down here in this neighborhood,” said General Manager Sierra Thomas. She also built the cocktail menu. Her favorite? “That one's tough, but I would have to say, I really love our blackberry basil margarita.” Anejo is launching a new weekend brunch on July 17.
“I will say that COVID really created a unity amongst the restaurants, because we all kind of were going through the same struggle. People were having a really hard time staffing their businesses are just, you know, kind of transitioning to like now we're doing a ton of takeout orders or whatever the case may be,” said Thomas. “And I feel like all of the restaurant owners kind of, you know, shared, um, those same stories and it kind of really pulled everyone together.”
“There’s still some coming back to do. All of our tenants are trying to be sure they have enough employees. Employment is a huge thing right now. Everybody is trying to bring in as many people as possible,” said Nagel.
In fact, Monday, July 5, there’s a hiring event looking for new help. Dante’s Inferno, Thirsty Dog and Beerhead are hiring for a variety of positions. Bring your resume for on the spot interviews between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. You can find more information by clicking here.
“If you know anybody that's looking for a job, we'd love to have you,” said Nagel.
There’s more to come soon in the Flats. In the fall, new tenants are moving in including ESPN Cleveland radio, Cocky's Bagels and a wine bar.
Construction on a third phase is expected to wrap up by the end of August.
“It includes Smoky's BBQ, you're going to have an Asian-fusion restaurant in there, a country bar, an LGBTQ bar in there, it's going to be so many fun things,” said Nagel. “And that, really, I want to say, is just the start.”
Every Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., the Flats East Bank is holding a farmer’s market for residents and workers.
July 10th, the Parrot Head Run steps off at Margaritaville.
And in late August, the Flats Festival of the Arts is back with more than 100 different artists featured. You can find out more about upcoming events by clicking here.
*Editor's Note: The video in the player above is from a previous report.