🎨 Waterloo’s comeback story is here

Good morning, Cleveland! This is The 216 Scoop: Being a Browns fan requires patience, optimism, and occasionally pretending last Sunday didn’t happen. But this time… there might be something here 🏈🤞🏟️

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John Petkovic & Jude Perez

No big developers or deep pockets. This revival was sparked by Cleveland mavericks driven by ideas and passion.

Welcome to Waterloo Road in Collinwood.

When Cindy Barber and Mark Leddy opened the Beachland Ballroom in 2000, they brought music to a street lined with empty storefronts.

“Banks thought we were crazy when we went to get a loan to open a club,” says Barber. “They thought the business was risky and the neighborhood was bad.”

The Beachland hit the ground running – hosting locals, legends and up-and-comers, from White Stripes to Black Keys, Oh Sees, the Cramps and Ian Hunter.

Twenty-six  years later, the street is alive with shops, restaurants, bars and galleries.

Noon to 7 p.m. Saturday, the action spills onto the street with Waterloo Arts Fest. The 23^rd annual block party boasts bands, performers, DJs, food and arts vendors. Info.

It’s also a chance to explore places that spawned a revival:

Oddsmakers have Cleveland winning 5.5 games. But everyone’s undefeated heading into the season.

Expectations are low for the 2026 edition of the Browns – who open the season Sunday against the Jaguars, 1 p.m.

Fans don’t want Deshaun Watson in a Cleveland uniform, let alone on the field.

But there are reasons for optimism.

Last year’s draft class was stellar, headlined by Carson Schwesinger, Quinshon Judkins, Mason Graham and Harold Fannin Jr.

This year’s solidifies the wide receiver room (KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston) and offensive line (Spencer Fano, Austin Barber).

Regardless of the record, there’s hope for the future.

Five bars to catch a game:

Oil prices smashed through $100 a barrel. The PPI inflation gauge hit 5.4% yesterday. US long-term borrowing costs are their highest since June 2007.

And today’s 8:30 a.m. of the Consumer Price Index could determine the Federal Reserve’s decision on interest rates when it meets on Wednesday.

Cleveland Federal Reserve president Beth Hammack has been warning that inflation is out of control  -- and something needs to be done about: Raise interest rates.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent used a casino metaphor this week when he boasted, “I am the house now... Bet against me if you want."

The ‘house’ needs a renovation: His attempts to bring rates down by buying U.S. Treasury bills have backfired.

Hammack, the leading inflation hawk in the country, has been right on inflation.

She’s pointed to rising fuel prices and $1 trillion in corporate debt spending as drivers of inflation.

Watch today’s CPI for clues.

FRIDAY

Cleveland Oktoberfest: The second weekend of the Bavarian bash pulls up to Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds with dirndls, lederhosen, racing wiener dogs and that giant glockenspiel. 5 p.m. Info.

Cleveland Armenian Festival: Folk bands, dancers and crafts hit St. Gregory of Narek. And, yes, food – Armenian cuisine is delicious. 4-8 p.m. (Also noon-8 p.m. Saturday.) Info.

SATURDAY

Studio A Rama: Since 1981, WRUW 91.1 FM has hosted local and regional bands. An all-day hang and it’s free. 1 p.m. Info

Architects of Ale: Riverside Cemetery is the resting place of Cleveland brewing legends and this walking tour takes you to them. 4 p.m. Info.

SUNDAY

Elvis Costello & the Imposters: The British writer of more than 600 songs hits the Agora. He’ll focus on tunes from his 1977 debut “My Aim Is True” through 1986’s “Blood & Chocolate.” 7 p.m. Info.

Nataly Aukar: The Lebanese comedian and actor in Netflix romantic comedy ‘The Life List’ is a rising star in stand-up. She hits Hilarities at 7 p.m. Info.

💰 Price: $299,000

📏 Size: 1,456 sq. ft.

🏡 Built: 1924

🛏 4 Beds | 🛁 2 Baths

👉 View Listing on Zillow

Food detectives are casing the town – operating incognito in the city’s eateries, savoring and shunning meals, taking notes.

They’ll reveal their verdicts in April when the Michelin Guide announces its stars.

That’s when the prestigious restaurant and hotel reference book hosts its inaugural American Great Lakes Ceremony in Detroit.

Started in 1900, the iconic tire company launched the guide as a roadside companion to inspire auto travel in France.

With growth came prestige, and the awarding of stars to Europe’s finest eateries.

The guide embraced accessibility in 1957, by recognizing “good meals at moderate prices.”

The approach accelerated at warp speed this decade with the death of fine dining.

Cleveland  – with its small places and authentic food – should benefit.

“The world is pivoting toward value, fun, a great experience,” says Doug Katz, the Beard-nominated chef and owner of Zhug, Amba and Kiln.  “That’s what Cleveland represents as a city.”

Rookie Jim Brown rushed for a then-NFL record 237 yards in a 45-31 win over the Los Angeles Rams at Cleveland Stadium, 1957.

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76 °F 🌡️ 64 °F | ☀️ (Mostly Sunny) | 7% | 💨 ↑ ≈ 10 mph ENE (≈ 9 knots)

81 °F 🌡️ 70 °F | ☀️ (Mostly Sunny) | 24% | 💨 ↑ ≈ 9 mph S (≈ 8 knots)

77 °F 🌡️ 62 °F | ⛅ (Partly Cloudy) | 19% | 💨 ↑ ≈ 11 mph WNW (≈ 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. Twins, 8:10 PM September 11 (Friday)

Away vs. Twins, 4:10 PM September 12 (Saturday)

Away vs. Twins, 2:10 PM September 13 (Sunday)

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