CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio — For the past 30 years, Stone Oven has been a beloved fixture in Cleveland Heights. Founders Tatyana Rehn and John Emerman introduced many a Clevelander to the joys of "real bread" — that is, naturally leavened artisan-style breads that one would find overseas.
But Stone Oven is so much more than a bread bakery; it’s the local coffee shop, everyday lunch spot, afternoon pastry pick-me-up place, and light supper supplier.
After three decades of running the store, Rehn and Emerman were looking to retire, but they didn't want to close up shop. Instead, they quietly began soliciting potential buyers, people who would carry the torch for another 30 years or so.
As luck would have it, they found those buyers on their very own block.
Cleveland Heights residents Nick Kalafatis and Chris Compton first learned of the offer at their neighborhood block party. They were intrigued, and after much discussion, the pair signed on the dotted line to become the new owners.
In this case, the old saying about "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" applies. The new owners have no plans — or desire — to make wholesale changes, they say.
"I mean, for the most part we're just trying to keep things as they are," Kalafatis said. "Folks are very protective of what we have here, and we want to keep it that way."
They did extend the hours on weeknights so that customers can swing by for a light supper or grab a snack on their way to a film at the Cedar Lee. Customers can expect to find a few new food items on the menu, including some Kalafatis family recipes.