Bar 145, a popular gastropub with locations in Toledo, Kent and soon Columbus, will open its fourth location in the former Grind space on W. 25th Street south of Lorain in Ohio City. The tagline "burgers, bands and bourbon" sums up the pub's concept.

Owner Jeremy Fitzgerald has signed a letter of intent with owner MRN Ltd. and intends to execute a lease and start construction this summer. Bar 145, specializing in chef-driven, foodie fare accented by regular live music, could open sometime early next year.

"Ohio City is so into the food end, but there's not much on the entertainment end," says Fitzgerald. "We make everything from scratch and knew the food concept was perfect. We knew that this would add another dimension to Ohio City."

The 4,100-square-foot venue will feature a full stage with lighting and a professional sound system. The bands will be local as well as regional.

Bar 145 also will have a 2,000-square-foot rooftop patio facing the downtown skyline and another 1,000-square-foot patio on the main level along the side of the building.

Live bands will be featured Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, but Fitzgerald promises five days of entertainment that will include jazz nights and acoustic talent.

Bar 145's menu promises to be in keeping with the neighborhood's local food ethos. "We don't even have a freezer in the restaurant," Fitzgerald says. "All our sauces are from scratch and the mac and cheese and truffle fries are all made to order."

Source: Jeremy Fitzgerald
Writer: Lee Chilcote