📚 Why Lorain Ave Feels Different Lately

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John Petkovic & Jude Perez

Yes, it’s about books. Dave Ferrante was looking for more space for Visible Voice, the shop that had been a mainstay in Tremont since 2007.

But he also wanted to revive Lorain Avenue – long a dead zone in Ohio City.

His dream came into focus when he opened Visible Voice on the street last month – and it takes another step forward when Hausfrau Record Shop moves into a space above it on Jan. 3.

“I’ve been trying to incorporate a record store between Guitar Riot and the bookstore for almost three years,” says Ferrante, referring to the music store next door, in one of two other buildings he rehabbed on the street.

“A record store, specifically one as good as Hausfrau, doubles down on our commitment to create art and commerce,” he adds. “It allows us both to introduce our customer bases to even more diversified cool offerings.”

It also allows both to produce events in the performance space in the 6,000-square-foot complex, which includes a café, bar and restaurant.

Opened in 2012, Hausfrau is one of the area’s most savvy (and smallest) record stores.

“I needed to expand to add some more records, CDs and a T-shirt rack,” says owner Steve Peffer. “Dave showed me the space, and I could instantly see my shop in there.”

Ferrante has also lured Proof BBQ and Free Hearts yoga into the neighborhood, which is also home to the just-opened Soho Chicken + Whiskey and will soon welcome.  Noble Beast’s Biergarten.

“You have residential, retail and restaurants all coming here,” says Ferrante. “It’s a year or two away, but this area is taking off, and I want to be part of the resurgence.”

Global Flavors Surge, Hi-Lo Concepts Thrive, and Neighborhood Revivals Outshine Closings Amid Economic Challenges

The year opened with a big blow to the dining scene: The closing of Melt Bar and Grilled.

It was the end of a giant. It also marked a changing of the palette.

Comfort food was taking on a new character.

It ranged from Hi-Lo concepts to smash burgers to the growth of ethnic restaurants that redefined comfort food for Clevelanders.

There were about 80 openings in 2025.  More impressive is the variety of cuisines that came to Cleveland in 2025.

Of course, there were also closings – which point to challenges amid a tricky economy and a shifting food landscape.

But by the end of the year, Cleveland showed growth – thanks to mix of innovative concepts and cultural fusions.

We explore how 2025 was a transformative year, and how restaurants and bars brought neighborhoods and entertainment districts to life.

Tremont said goodbye to an old friend when Lava Lounge closed in June after a 26-year run.

It will say hello to another old friend when Edison’s Pizza Kitchen opens in the Lava space this weekend.

For 15 years, the pizza spot located next to Edison’s Pub was the go-to place for a slice. It closed in 2023 and went on selling slices in Lucky’s Market and Dave’s Market.

“We’re opening… very softly,” said Owners Donna Grigonis and Evan Bailey. “Think whispered hours. A warm-up menu. Lots of training. We want to do this right for Tremont.”

“A Christmas Story” Marathon: The 1983 flick flopped so bad when it came out in 1983 that it was pulled from theaters two weeks before Christmas Day. Five years later, stations hosted movie marathons. By 1997, TNT and TBS launched annual 24-hour marathons – and it became a Christmas phenomenon. The marathon returns 8 tonight on both networks.

Wild Winter Lights: The lights are staying on a little longer. Wild Winter Lights at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is extended through Jan. 4. The popular holiday attraction features more than 1.5 million lights in areas such as Enchanted Forest, Candy Lane and Polar Pathway, a 50-foot Christmas tree, costumed characters and carousel rides. Info.

👉 View Listing on Zillow

Who needs a Times Square ball drop when you have a massive pierogi?

Parma is starting its bicentennial celebration on New Year’s Eve with a bold, doughy stroke: a pierogi drop.

It starts at 8 p.m. next Wednesday near Sloppy Bob’s, a Parma bar-restaurant that’s pretty neat, despite its name.

The event will ring in 2026 with pierogis from State Meats, a bicentennial brew from Schnitz Ale Brewery and food trucks.

State Road will be closed off for the NYE bash. Info.

During its heyday, Euclid Avenue was home to six department stores. It was considered one of the country’s most vibrant retail districts – and the place to shop during the holidays. Follow our Instagram for dozens of photos capturing the shopping sprees at the May Company, Higbee’s, William Taylor, Sterling-Lindner-Davis, Halle’s and Bond Company.

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

42 °F 🌡️ 32 °F | ☁️ (overcast) | 65% | 💨 ↑ ≈ 7 mph (≈ 6 knots)

40 °F 🌡️ 34 °F | 🌦️ (sprinkles / overcast) | 83% | 💨 ↑ ≈ 4 mph (≈ 3 knots)

59 °F 🌡️ 32 °F | ☔ (rain showers / overcast) | 70–99% | 💨 ↑ ≈ 17–20 mph (≈ 15–17 knots)

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

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Away vs. New York Knicks, 12:00 PM December 25 (Thursday)

Away vs. Houston Rockets, 7:00 PM December 27 (Saturday)

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