The Winking Lizard Tavern - Dead or Alive?

[Jim O'Bryan]

Jim, you brought up an interesting point, and if Matthew has been getting rebuffed in his attempts to move his law practice to Lakewood, that's something we should hear about sooner rather than later.

Mike

Really? No one cares about much in this town, why care about that? We don't care what
things cost, we don't care what they take from us, we don't care what they don't deliver
on, we don't care to hear the truth, we don't care to look ahead, and we certainly aren't
looking to hold people accountable. We don't care that for 10 years residents have been
paying to keep Downtown "Alive" when we were promised a Downtown that would keep
our taxes down, give schools more not less, and make life better not worse for the residents.

Errrr I mean want to see some puppy pictures?

.

[Betsy Voinovich]

Well I don't have any photos of any puppies right now...

But I think we might need to spend some money on a study to figure out whether Lakewood needs its own blimp.



Betsy Voinovich

[Michael Loje]

Betsy,
You're thinking about the MetLife blimp with Snoopy (a puppy) on the side.

Jim,
We'll have some pictures soon.

[marklingm]

But I think we might need to spend some money on a study to figure out whether Lakewood needs its own blimp.

Betsy,

While I'm sure that City Hall is already preparing to spend our tax dollars on a "blimp study," we already have a blimp ...





Matt

[Jim O'Bryan]

But I think we might need to spend some money on a study to figure out whether Lakewood needs its own blimp.

Betsy,

While I'm sure that City Hall is already preparing to spend our tax dollars on a "blimp study," we already have a blimp ...





Matt

Matt

Let's not forget the LakewoodAlive Blimp too.

Actually this is funny as all get out. I forgot about this image until last night.

.

[Will Brown]

Matt Markling is one of the top Education Lawyers in the State. His law practice is still located in Bath, Ohio, even though he has repeatedly tried to bring it to Lakewood with no success.

Thanks, Jim. My attempts to work with City Hall to move my law practice to Lakewood will make a great article in The Lakewood Observer. That experience convinced me that there is no "plan" in City Hall to bring outside businesses to Lakewood. I wasn't even asking for a tax abatement! Again, that is a subject for another day ...

It seems that it is asking a lot for Matt who uncovered the rumor, tracked down the "current sale" and then follow it up. This project is very much a community conversation, a person jumps in and stands in as long as they care, can afford, or have interest in.

While I could look at the Markling post and ask why didn't he do more, the fact is he did a lot of the "heavy lifting" already, and has shared that base of information and perhaps others can pick up the load and report what they know. While nation hyper-local projects have hundreds of millions to spend on reporting, we rely more on the good neighbor policy, and a friendlier more laid back way to do things.

Let me take a shot at addressing Thealexa's post, Jim.

I have admittedly been "speculative" throughout this post in the hope that City Hall would jump in with some "facts."

Rather than be speculative and raise a question with no answers, might it not be more useful to go and get answers to some of these questions yourself and then post on the Deck with ALL of the correct information?

How would you suggest one both raise a question and an answer in dealing with a private entity's sale of real property, Thealexa?

How about this:

Word in the street is that The Winking Lizard Tavern in Lakewood is for sale. Does anyone know whether this is true?

I spoke to the staff at The Winking Lizard Tavern and they do not know whether the building is for sale. Does anyone know whether this is true?

I think that the property upon which The Winking Lizard sits is owned by "Lakewood Lizard LLC" and not an outside investor as the listing may suggest. Does anyone know whether this is true?

I think that The Winking Lizard is moving because it is its own tenant/landlord and an absolute NNN lease is good for the Lakewood Lizard LLC, which may happen to also beThe Winking Lizard. Does anyone know whether this is true?

I think that the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge No. 1350 never should have sold the property to begin with and I was a member at the time. Does anyone agree?

I think that "Detroit Avenue Chow Line" exists and even has a Facebook page. Does anyone know whether this is true?

My family and I have great memories of this wonderful, Lakewood historic landmark ... from the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge No. 1350 to The Winking Lizard Tavern. Does anyone share similar great memories?

I hope that The Winking Lizard Tavern stays in Lakewood. Does anyone share this hope?

If the decision has not already been made to move The Winking Lizard Tavern out of Lakewood, then I hope we all go and support The Winking Lizard Tavern. Does anyone share this hope?

I hope that The Winking Lizard Tavern will not be added to the growing list of Lakewood businesses closing their doors. Does anyone share this hope?

I hope that people will not come on the Deck and complain about why The Winking Lizard Tavern is no longer in Lakewood, if there is ample time to support the business now. Does anyone share this hope?

I hope that City Hall is doing something to keep The Winking Lizard Tavern in Lakewood that is not a tax abatement. Does anyone share this hope?

I do not know what is happening with The Winking Lizard Tavern based upon the above posts. Does anyone?

I do not know what City Hall is doing relating to The Winking Lizard Tavern based upon the above posts. Does anyone?

Does anyone have any "facts" to share on this subject?

I "speculate" that City Hall knows what is going on with the property upon which The Winking Lizard Tavern sits given the "fact" that City Hall is very fast to jump on the Deck to correct mere "speculation" but remains silent here. That is my opinion. Not a question, Thealexa.

I believe the building is for sale, Winking Lizard is negotiating, and the owner listed it to make his play in the negotiations. I find it hard to believe that Winking Lizard would put $1 million into a building they do not own, or have 100 year lease on. But stranger things have happened.

Yes, stranger things have happened.

Matt

Frankly, one wonders how the administration can prevent a competent attorney from opening an office in Lakewood.

[marklingm]

Matt Markling is one of the top Education Lawyers in the State. His law practice is still located in Bath, Ohio, even though he has repeatedly tried to bring it to Lakewood with no success.

Thanks, Jim. My attempts to work with City Hall to move my law practice to Lakewood will make a great article in The Lakewood Observer. That experience convinced me that there is no "plan" in City Hall to bring outside businesses to Lakewood. I wasn't even asking for a tax abatement! Again, that is a subject for another day ...

***

Frankly, one wonders how the administration can prevent a competent attorney from opening an office in Lakewood.

Will,

City Hall did not prevent me from opening an office in Lakewood. Rather, City Hall simply made it clear to me that it did not want me to open an office in Lakewood. So, I simply decided to not relocate.

Jim raised my experience in this thread, not me.

I simply responded that my experience convinced me that there is no "plan" in City Hall to bring outside businesses to Lakewood. Accordingly, I doubt there is any plan to try to keep The Winking Lizard Tavern in Lakewood.

I have no problem sharing my experience in trying to bring jobs to Lakewood, but not in this thread. Again, that is a subject for another day ...

Matt

[Ahmie Yeung]

Uhh.... Will, for the benefit of us occassional lurkers, could you PLEASE edit down your quotes before delivering your one-line reply? Thanks.

For the record, I'm curious about the topic (and Matt's law practice and lots of other stuff) tho I've only been in Winking Lizard once that I can remember, and the lack of repeat visit is about the same reason as why I don't pop up at Degans either - handicap access sucketh. So I'll throw it out there... lots of folks with mobility impairments in the Detroit-and-north part of town, especially east side with the condos. Could we please maybe have a few more ramps around here? And patch up the sidewalks so that those of us who are on wheels without pedals don't need to use the bike lane to keep from getting thrown out of our seats? I love this town for lots of reasons, but I've not been able to partake of many of the community assets unless I can park my van nearby and get my scooter in, especially since in the last year my right knee keeps dislocating and my pelvis is so out of whack. Some other folks in town have much lower likelihood of rehabilitation than I do, and I think they'd also enjoy being able to go into more locally owned places... perhaps there could be a grant to help fund minor renovations to keep the distinctive look but make entrances wheelchair accessible and patch up sidewalks a bit?

[Missy Limkemann]

Puppy Pictures???? Oh I got puppy pictures!!!!!! LOTS OF THEM!!!! *giggles*

[Justine Cooper]

In reference to the wheelchair accessibility, I remember hearing that the owner of Revelations, in her older location, was forced to put in a wheelchair ramp in the old house that was converted to a business on Detroit, and that is a beauty salon. I am curious to know if anyone on here does know how that regulation works in Lakewood?

In reference to Will's question regarding Markling's law firm not being welcomed here in Lakewood, I can only say that 1) If the "competent" reference was meant to be facetious, then I can assure you his practice is well-renowned and beyond competent. My husband's employer used his practice via Mr. Markling's partner in Kent before we even knew of the association. They represent school districts around the state. The question that SHOULD be asked, is if it is true that the practice was not ENCOURAGED to come to Lakewood, then why in the world not????? The clients and associates from around the state that would travel to Lakewood and support our local shops and restaurants would be incredible! This is THE type of business our city should be courting! I feel like I am in the Twighlite Zone reading this thread.

and 2) The worst thing that ever happened to the school board, as good as it is, was Matt Markling stepping down. He had the best interests of the schools and kids at heart, with no agenda, no political bs, which is probably why he wasn't welcomed otherwise. Tragic for Lakewood. I hate all politics because the good of the people get lost in it all.

3) Waiting for the puppy pics Missy-how many puppies do you have left?

[Ahmie Yeung]

Handicap accessibility modifications generally kick in when a certain level of remodeling/site improvements get made. I am actually under the impression that this issue is a factor in why the not-reconstructed schools haven't had some more minor improvements made over the last 20 years or so, because if they were to have certain repairs/upgrades they would lose their "grandfathered in" status under the Americans with Disabilities Act and have to become fully compliant. I'm not talking about anything so drastic when it comes to the storefronts here, for the record. Just talking about turning those little 3" step-ups to get into the stores into little mini-ramps instead, and kindly requesting that if there is a public toilet that there be a handrail there even if you can't get a wheelchair into the stall, so that folks who are a bit unsteady on their feet don't rip the toilet paper holder off the wall as they go to catch themselves. Some businesses realistically really can't do anything to make themselves more wheelchair accessible, it's the nature of the existing architecture and space constraints. There are exceptions to the laws based upon how much of a burden the remodeling would place on the business owner, from what I recall, but I haven't looked at it in years. It was something I discussed with my students when I taught American Sign Language as a foreign lanugage, because the Deaf community was a big part in getting the Americans with Disabilities Act passed and their efforts made improvements in our society for people with normal hearing, and I wanted my students to know that & see the Deaf segment of society as NOT just some group of people to be pitied.

[Ryan Salo]

I vote dead. I have noticed the last couple visits that the service has really dropped. For instance, today we went as a family and it took literally 5 minutes for them to bring water. Then when the food was brought they didn't have my 5 year olds kids meal. We told the person bringing the food one was missing and he said he had to look into it. A few minutes later the server came and said, and I quote "I don't know what happened but it will only be a minute". 8 minutes later the food came. She offered a free dessert for my daughter but we were in a hurry and said we couldn't. When the bill came the kids meal was on it. We mentioned we were surprised it was there and the response was, we offered you a dessert... She then went and got it removed but was very defensive and rude. We sat for at least 10 more minutes while my daughter ate and we didn't see the server or a manager again.

It was a very disappointing visit. Thankfully there are a lot of better establishments to chose from next time.

[Ryan Salo]

I vote dead. I have noticed the last couple visits that the service has really dropped. For instance, today we went as a family and it took literally 5 minutes for them to bring water. Then when the food was brought they didn't have my 5 year olds kids meal. We told the person bringing the food one was missing and he said he had to look into it. A few minutes later the server came and said, and I quote "I don't know what happened but it will only be a minute". 8 minutes later the food came. She offered a free dessert for my daughter but we were in a hurry and said we couldn't. When the bill came the kids meal was on it. We mentioned we were surprised it was there and the response was, we offered you a dessert... She then went and got it removed but was very defensive and rude. We sat for at least 10 more minutes while my daughter ate and we didn't see the server or a manager again.

It was a very disappointing visit. Thankfully there are a lot of better establishments to chose from next time.

[marklingm]

The Rocky River Lizardville will close on December 31st and move into the basement of the Lakewood Winking Lizard, a space currently occupied by a six-lane bowling alley that sits unused 80 percent of the time. A smaller Winking Lizard will open in its place, with a reduced food menu, improved whiskey selection, and a craft beer program that emphasizes handles over bottles. Lane expects that both locations will be up and running by the end of January.

http://www.clevescene.com/scene-and-heard/archives/2013/12/06/rocky-river-lizardville-is-closing-moving-retooling

The Winking Lizard bowling alley sits unused 80 percent of the time because the Winking Lizard never lets anyone use it.

The "non-use" economic model never made sense to me.

[Mike Coleman]

"How much is it to rent out the bowling alley? I was thinking about it for my son's birthday party."