Local Food Economy

Culinary Crisis: The Fairmount's Jake Orosz breathes easy after Friday’s patio reopening
The Fiarmount owner Jake Ororsz has used the restaurant shutdown order to hone his takeout operations and tweak the food and drink menus in anticipation of reopening. Now, Orosz says he's ready to take on any battle in the war on the coronavirus.
It’s business as usual for most West Side Market vendors, as rent relief eases pain
West Side Market vendors share their stories of weathering the coronavirus and fighting to stay open as business is slowly picking up.
Little Africa Collaborative brings food and nutrition education to Cleveland’s food deserts
The Little Africa Food Collaborative has the mission to feed and educate the residents in Cleveland's food deserts. With recent grant money, the group is closer to opening co-op grocery stores in neighborhoods like Hough-Fairfax and Central-Kinsman.
Culinary Crisis: Luna Bakery’s Bridget Thibeault searches for bright spots during a pandemic
Bridget Thibeault, owner of Luna Bakery and Cafe, shares her story of building her business over the past 10 years and the anxieties of making it through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Culinary Crisis: Chef Karen Small’s Flying Fig opens for business as she ponders the future
Flying Fig owner and executive chef Karen Small feels the pain local restaurants have gone through with the COVID-19 shutdown, but is trying to learn some long-term lessons on the journey back to success.
Bottoms up! Couple starts nonprofit cocktail delivery business to aid frontline workers
Dave Ocker and Kyah Fernandez lost their restaurant jobs after COVID-19 hit. But saw it as an opportunity to start a nonprofit cocktail delivery company that benefits first responders on the frontline.
Culinary Crisis: Chef Doug Katz is cautiously optimistic that restaurants will rebound
Chef Doug Katz sees hope in Cleveland's restaurants surviving COVID-19 with new innovations in dining out. 
#EatForCLE: Social movement highlights the plight of local eateries, encourages support
The effects of COVID-19 are hitting the local restaurant industry hard. Two firms teamed up to spread the word and share the stories of seven chef/owners.
Picnic Hill closes during coronavirus but finds alternative ways to serve the community
Mere weeks after opening Picnic Hill Market Cafe in Shaker Heights, the owners are shifting gears due to the coronavirus.
Connected in CLE: A comprehensive list of local resources and help for COVID-19#COVID-19
When the going gets tough, Clevelanders band together. As our city navigates uncharted waters during the COVID-19 crisis and pandemic, many organizations and individuals are working hard to make sure no Clevelander gets left behind. 
24 Hours in #CLE: Emcee extraordinaire Christopher Axelrod, aka Peacock, loves to show off his city
Peacock is proud to show us his favorite places in Cleveland. Christopher Axelrod leads the way on a perfect day in his hometown.
Food from the heart: Popular Falafel Café owner prepares for grand reopening
Falafel Cafe is returning this month to University Circle, serving up Middle Eastern favorites made from scratch.
Projects bridging Cleveland’s digital divide get a boost from Accelerate civic pitch competition
Two technology-driven projects that were pitched last year at the Cleveland Leadership Center’s Accelerate: Citizens Make Change civic pitch competition are well on their way to fruition.
Bullet holes by the Burning River: Great Lakes Brewing unveils a modern remodel in historic location
Great Lakes Brewing Company has completed its most extensive renovations since the Ohio City landmark opened in 1988.
Seasoned entrepreneurs roll out 3 new taste sensations to please every craving at Clifton Corners
The dining options on Clifton Boulevard in Cleveland near the Lakewood border are about to get a lot more interesting.
Stop in and get a virtual hug at Larchmere’s UnBAR Café
Larchmere has a new health-conscious hybrid coffee and entertainment spot. UnBAR Cafe recently opened, serving up a peaceful atmosphere instead of alcohol.
Sneak peek: Six Shooter Coffee to open new coffee shop and Tex-Mex restaurant on Waterloo
Not only is Six Shooter Coffee moving to a new location in Collinwood, owner Peter Brown plans to use the larger space to incorporate a Tex-Mex restaurant into the operation.
Juice it up: Fawaky Burst opens its doors in Cleveland Heights
The cafe lifestyle is the focus of the second location of Fawaky Burst Smoothie and Juice Cafe, now serving breakfast in Cleveland Heights.
New dining options round out Fairmount Circle
Picnic Hill Market Cafe is the first of several new dining options coming to Fairmount Circle, near the campus of John Carroll University.
Filmmaker connects Cleveland to environmental success stories
Brad Masi uses the art of filmmaking to show how local actions in Northeast Ohio can address environmental issues such as transportation, urban agriculture and climate change.