🏀 Wait... the Cavs got who?

Good morning, Cleveland! This is The 216 Scoop: We love a good IPA as much as anyone, but craft beer might be entering its “drink some water and rethink life” era 🍺💧🤔

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It’s a bitter pint to swallow.

In the last eight weeks, the trail of shuttered breweries continues to grow:  Midnight Owl, Voodoo, Bookhouse, Hoppy Dude.

Add Working Class Brewery to the list.

“Economic factors, shifts in market trends, as well as personal reasons have led us to this decision but ultimately the decrease in taproom revenue,” said Richard Skains.

A common story...

What began as a boom in the 2010s has become a challenging landscape marked by economic pressures and shifting consumer habits.

In 2025, Ohio saw more breweries close than open – with a dozen in Northeast Ohio.

“We’re seeing a thinning of the herd,” says Sam McNulty, of Market Garden. “The market has changed and we’re diversifying our offerings to include hard seltzers and non-alcoholic options.”

The latter addresses a sobering trend for the industry: Only 54% of Americans drink alcohol – the lowest since 1939. It’s fallen from 59% in 2023 to 50% today among young adults.

This month, Great Lakes Brewing will debut a line of THC-infused drinks inspired by classic sodas called The Float Shoppe.

“The industry needs to reinvent itself,” says Melt founder Matt Fish, who now works for Brew Kettle.  “Craft beer and spirits are taking a beating. It became a speculative bubble with a lot of money thrown around. No more.”

GM Koby Altman ripped up the roster of an underperforming 2018 Cavs team by trading six players away at the deadline.

His trade of Darius Garland, 26, for James Harden, 36, might seem just as radical. Except that this team’s timeline is now, not the future – and the Cavs are banking on a more durable player who can propel the team in the playoffs.

It’s a win-now move intended to shake up an underperforming team whose bloated payroll doesn’t allow patience.

The rationale:

They did it their way. And did it first.

Cleveland has spawned countless trailblazers that broke racial barriers – including athletes that became cultural icons:

Jesse Owens: The East Tech grad took four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, smashing Hitler's myth of "Aryan Supremacy."

Marion Motley and Bill Willis: Their signing with the Browns in 1946 to broke the racial barrier in become in pro football – and they proceeded to lead a football dynasty.

Cheryl White: In 1971, at age 17, she became the first licensed Black female jockey in America, debuting at Thistledown Racetrack.

Larry Doby: The Negro Leagues star joined the Indians in 1947, to become the first Black player in the American League. He helped the Tribe win the 1948 World Series.

Don King: He revolutionized boxing promotion by turning fights into global spectacles – from "The Rumble in the Jungle" (Ali-Foreman) and "Thrilla in Manila" (Ali-Frazier).

Satchel Paige: The first Negro Leagues star to pitch in a World Series, for the Tribe, in 1948. That year, Paige and Doby became the first Black players on a MLB champion.

Frank Robinson: He became the first black manager in MLB history, with the Indians, in 1975. He was also a player-manager and hit a home run in his first at-bat.  

Swing Island: No, partner? No problem. The 1940s-era-style swing party is a social dance. 7 tonight at Forest City. Info.

Suffs: The Tony-winning musical pays tribute to unsung suffragists – aka suffs – who took to the streets to protest inequity. Tonight through Feb. 22 in Connor Palace. Info.

Lara Beitz: She’s a raw, witty bulldozer of a comic who powers through chaos. She fans a plenty, including Joe Rogana and Marc Maron. 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Hilarities. Info.

👉 View Listing on Zillow

More than a bar, the Red Chimney was the pride of Slavic Village -- and a filming location in the ‘Superman.’

Then came the terrible news, quickly and suddenly.

A devastating fire caused $300,000 in damage and shuttered the restaurant.

Six months later, it’s set to reopen in the home of Pappou’s in Parma.

“We’re closing on Friday and Red Chimney will open in April, after a remodeling,” says Nancy Pappou, whose husband George opened the restaurant more than 40 years ago.

Pappou’s, a Parma institution, ended its sit-down service and has operated as a carry-out since 2024.

The Red Chimney opened in 1970 and retained its original look all these years. The Skantzos family sought to reopen on Fleet Avenue before deciding to take the Pappou’s spot over.

The Cramps performing at a legendary July 4, 1978, beach party behind the Hanna mansion in Bratenahl. The psychobilly pioneers played with Pere Ubu for about 100 guests.

Ooh and don’t forget! Tag @The216Scoop on Facebook & @scoopcle on Instagram to get your photos in the Scoop!

34 °F 🌡️ 22 °F | 🌨️➡️🌧️ (Wintry Mix to Rain/Snow) | 80% | 💨 ↑ ≈ 18 mph (≈ 16 knots)

26 °F 🌡️ 15 °F | 🌨️ (Windy / Lake Effect Snow) | 60% | 💨 ↑ ≈ 22 mph (≈ 19 knots)

20 °F 🌡️ 12 °F | 🌥️ (Frigid / Mostly Cloudy) | 20% | 💨 ↑ ≈ 12 mph (≈ 10 knots)

_{Please note that weather conditions can change rapidly. For the most up-to-date information, consider checking a reliable local weather service.}

Away vs. Clippers, 10:30 PM February 4 (Wednesday)

Away vs. Kings, 10:00 PM February 7 (Saturday)

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