WOODMERE, Ohio — Corky and Lenny's Restaurant and Deli — a Northeast Ohio staple — has closed its doors.
3News spotted a sign on the front door Tuesday morning that said the location is closed until further notice "due to staff concerns."
But despite that sign, a man who says he's a manager at the restaurant tells us the closure is for good.
“Today is a very sad day for Cleveland. Corky and Lenny's has decided to close permanently," Adam Siegel said. "We appreciate all the love from the community, the Jewish community, lots of out-of-towners that have come in and supported us for over 65 years. Unfortunately, we just don't have the help that we used to have."
According to Siegel, their team learned the news about the closure this morning from their boss and current owner Kenny Kurland, the son of Corky Kurland, one of the original owners.
"We're all very sad today."
While Corky and Lenny's first opened in 1956 in Cedar Center, Siegel says the current location has been in operation since 1973.
"It's sad to see it end like this, for sure," he admitted.
Amanda Kurland, Kenny Kurland's wife, tells 3News that since COVID, her husband has been "threatening to close the door any day" and Tuesday was that day.
"I think that Kenny, my husband, just hit a breaking point," Kurland said. "At 4 a.m. he woke me up and said, 'This is it, this is the day.' I didn't take him seriously until he called the employees that were here ... to say, 'Put the sign on the door. We're done.'"
Although Amanda believes this was the right decision for their family, she wishes the closure was planned out and that they had some time to give people notice.
"We still have so many customers who want us to be open, [we have] a great reputation, and I think that there's definitely a future for Corky and Lenny's," she added. "It's just not right now, and it's not this iteration. It can't be this big. It needs to be something smaller."
Employees will be paid through the end of the year, according to Kurland, who also serves as office manager for Corky and Lenny's.
"I want to be sure to let everyone know how incredibly grateful we are, the family, for over 67 years of business," she shared with WKYC.
Woodmere Mayor Benjamin Holbert III reacted to the news with the following statement:
"It is with a heavy heart that we learn of the somber news about Corky and Lenny's, an institution that holds a special place in the history of our beloved village. In recent discussions with the ownership, it became apparent that this iconic establishment is facing challenging times. Today marks a poignant moment for all of us who cherish the memories and warmth that Corky and Lenny's have generously offered over the years.
"In these trying times, the hospitality industry, a sector so integral to our community's fabric, has borne the brunt of the far-reaching effects of the ongoing pandemic. The struggle to attract and retain staff has become an immense hurdle, and Corky and Lenny's, despite its rich legacy, has not been immune to these difficulties. It is our sincere hope that this setback is merely a temporary chapter in their story, and soon, we can once again revel in the familiar embrace of their hospitality and delicious menu.
"To Amanda and Kenny Kurland, the owners, and the entire staff who have poured their hearts into making Corky and Lenny's a home away from home, our thoughts and well-wishes are with you. Your dedication hast not gone unnoticed, and we stand united in offering our support as you navigate through these challenging times. May brighter days be on the horizon for Corky and Lenny's, a cherished establishment that has become synonymous with the spirit of Woodmere."
WKYC later spoke to Holbert in person, and he told us Corky and Lenny's is the third family-owned business to close in the last few months. Others to shut their doors include Paladar and Mitchell's Fish Market.
"These restaurants are iconic for the village of Woodmere, and for us to lose them, at this point, my job — my task — is to try to see what we can do to fill a void," Holbert said. "Although this is somewhat of a gut punch, we're going to be resilient, we're going to bounce back, we're going to support our businesses."
Despite the closing of some indelible businesses, Holbert did express excitement for the recent opening of Heritage Steak and Whiskey. In addition, sources tell us the future of Corky and Lenny's could involve takeout or catering down the road.
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