The Observation Deck

Jennifer Desilets wrote:Since everyone posting seems to think Lakewood needs a Hot Sauce Williams, maybe we should contact the owners and ask them to open up shop. If I weren't up to my eyeballs in Dog Park petitions I'd suggest we start one . Seriously, I wonder if meeting with the owners might tempt them to open in Lakewood - it worked for India Garden. Jim? Thoughts?

While it worked for India Garden, all I can say there are two Observer working with the Williams family on this.

If you go back and read my posts I talk of taking two owners around looking for spaces.

One was HSW.

I cannot go into anything else. I know that Craig had been through Kluck's a couple times, and that is why I wondered.

They have looked at many places. Actually I get calls often about businesses wanting to move here. I love walking or driving the city with them. sometimes it works, somethimes it doesn't.

The one that kills me that got away, or maybe not is B & B Appliance. They were looking for some time at where Pride of Cleveland ended up. B & B love Lakewood after searching client lists and seeing how many came from Lakewood! That would have been very nice indeed. They are still looking but need to own.

One of the key points in the Visionary Alignment for Lakewood is drafting in good neighbors, and good businesses.

I just got off the phone with a mover and shaker in Lakewood. We both agreed, that the citizens can do far more to help this city than city hall. The citizens can make it fun. Go to LEAF Night, Bike Lakewood, MAMA, DADA, Lakewood Is art meetings and get inspired.

CD

I hope HSW lands here but if not, I can make it to Carnegie store and back with hotter ribs and chicken than most places in town.


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Boy, I must really be sheltered or don't get around much because I've never heard of many of the places discussed on this forum including Kluck's. I have no idea what or where that place is (or used to be, at this point!)

The Klucks restaraunt is on W. 117th between Detroit and Clifton, right by Wendy's. It's been there forever. The place had wonderful seafood and the best red gravy swiss steak you could ever have.

Hot Sauce Williams is on the east side. Can't exactly remember where, maybe E. Cleveland. Barbecue ribs, fried chicken and macaroni and cheese like no other. Wish they were coming here. Their food is awesome.

Dee

Kluck Bros. was (originally) a German tavern, midway btween the tracks and CLifton, on the east side of W.117. I am told that my Grandfather did the original incorporation. They featured some really good German food, saurbraten, spaetzles, sweet and sour cabbage, schnitzel...that sort of thing. It was decorated with trophy fish, Marlins, sailfish in a wood paneled, dark but friendly room. Much of the original waitstaff had been there for years, and much like the N.Y. Spaghetti house, they could remember your order with pad or paper.

It was sold, probably in the late 70's to a Greek restauranteur who kept much of the original ambiance, expanding a bar, as well as the menu. They were what they were, and never really kept up with changes in tastes and new food ideas. I hadn't been there a number of years, so I don't know what or why they decided to close, but I would suspect that their old clientele had either died off or moved to Fla. But, it was a great place to go for a cold stein of imported german beer, and a plate of Knockwurst and kraut.

Jeff

there's a Hot Sauce Williams around 30th and Carnegie, near The Lancer Restaurant and Hotel. I think the building that HSW is in used to be a former fast-food restaurant (it's got very familiar architecture ... could have been a Country Kitchen-sort of place).

A question for you Jim ... I know you work hard marketing the city (you're a one-man chamber of commerce) ... do retailers and restaurants have difficulty with the available storefronts in Lakewood, lack of parking, etc.? Is that why they do or don't choose to be here?

I just wonder, because I recently got back from a vacation on the east coast, and we visited some friends in Brookline, Massachusetts, which is part of the greater Boston area ... we were in the Coolidge Corner neighborhood, and the main street there, Harvard, was absolutely lined with the exact same kind of storefronts you see on Madison ... and they were all filled, by mostly mom-and-pop ethnic restaurants (in just a few blocks there were all sorts of Thai, Korean, Russian, Jewish, BBQ, Vegan, Chinese, and Italian restaurants ... it was amazing!), small bookstores, some clothing boutiques, etc. Parking in the neighborhood was pretty much nonexistant, though it was served by the T line, which helped. But it was amazing to see the vitality and diversity, and no one seemed to be suffering by having that kind of retail storefront without little to no parking, which I've often heard is a complaint here.

Is this true? Are we seeing people looking at Lakewood, only to leave because they're not getting a separate building with a lot of parking?

Just curious,

Chris

The one by Lancer's is the closest, and a short run I-90 to 77 South, get off on Woodland, head east cut down when you can before 70th street. Go back down Carnegie, get on by the Stadium and back before it is cold.

Sack of fries and sauce to stave off too much nibbling!

The B & B deal was scuttled for now because they wanted to own the place, and Mickey did not want to sell.

Most have various reasons, but I have never heard parking. I do know of a couple people that wanted stand alone, but rare cases.

Lakewood is becoming known for cool.


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To the best of my recollection the Hot Sauce Williams on E. 79 and Carnegie was originally a Sister's Chicken and Biscuits (if you are lifetime westsider you may not even remember that chain)

[quote="Jim O'Bryan"

While it worked for India Garden, all I can say there are two Observer working with the Williams family on this.

The one that kills me that got away, or maybe not is B & B Appliance. They were looking for some time at where Pride of Cleveland ended up. B & B love Lakewood after searching client lists and seeing how many came from Lakewood! That would have been very nice indeed. They are still looking but need to own.

One of the key points in the Visionary Alignment for Lakewood is drafting in good neighbors, and good businesses.

I just got off the phone with a mover and shaker in Lakewood. We both agreed, that the citizens can do far more to help this city than city hall. The citizens can make it fun. Go to LEAF Night, Bike Lakewood, MAMA, DADA, Lakewood Is art meetings and get inspired.
/quote]

When my sister comes in from Chicago she is amazed at how people complain if they have to walk a block or two to shop or eat. Coming from a place that is colder and windier in the winter, they are used to public transportation and walking. People should still find a way to patronize these businesses even if they have to walk a little. The alternative is to have to drive to other suburbs and support their city over ours.

As far as the groups Jim mentioned, these groups have formed from all volunteers out of a need. I am sorry for who I offend, but walking into struggling businesses who work other jobs to support their business (always a benefit to the community) and asking for a donation (like the Chamber does) is NOT helping the businesses and thus the community! I have walked into many to invite them to join in together with no fees to keep Madison Avenue vibrant. Many have joined and keep joining, but I speak with each business owner and all feel alone in their venture. Many have had to deal with difficult times getting signs approved, feeling worked against instead of being worked with and appreciated for choosing Lakewood for their business.
Many have expressed resentment and shock over being left out of Lakewood events that focus only on Detroit. And many feel extreme disappointment over being asked to donate to the Chamber instead of being supported by the Chamber. I am sorry, but they all feel, as do I, that the head of Chamber should live in Lakewood, live and BREATHE Lakewood to understand Lakewood's needs and work better with the businesses that are the lifeblood of the city.

For those that want new businesses here, the best way to attract them is to support the existing businesses and show them we will support them. Show them we can thrive here.

I saw the new ad for Souper Market saying "We are here. Where are you Lakewood?". It is up to all of us to do our part to keep and attract businesses.

All I know is Hot Sauce Williams have some SERIOUS GOOD BBQ ...

Mark "Mojo" Crnolatas

I saw the new ad for Souper Market saying "We are here. Where are you Lakewood?".

I go there a couple times a week. If you haven't tried their wonderful soups, you really don't know what you're missing.

This is exactly the kind of place we should lining up at. Quality product, good price, right in the center of town. Sure, it's mostly carry out, but, much like La Pita, good food is good food, regardless. I wonder, how many people go to Marc's then drive to Mickey Dee's or Burger Whop to pick up lunch? If you're at the Marc's plaza for any reason, you really need to take the short walk down to Detroit and give your taste buds a treat.

Jeff

Any one ever hear of Webb Ribs? They use to have stand (orange camper) by the Shell station at 30th and Carnegie and back in the 90's. Excellent Ribs!

Jeff Endress wrote:

I saw the new ad for Souper Market saying "We are here. Where are you Lakewood?".

I go there a couple times a week. If you haven't tried their wonderful soups, you really don't know what you're missing.

This is exactly the kind of place we should lining up at. Quality product, good price, right in the center of town. Sure, it's mostly carry out, but, much like La Pita, good food is good food, regardless. I wonder, how many people go to Marc's then drive to Mickey Dee's or Burger Whop to pick up lunch? If you're at the Marc's plaza for any reason, you really need to take the short walk down to Detroit and give your taste buds a treat.

Jeff

I agree. Nothing better than a good home-made soup with thick bread to dip in!! Worth every calorie and better for you than fast food anyway!! I will say that I prefer carry-out but would frequent them more if they served later in the day. I am more a dinner person than a lunch person.

And for the inquiry above, yes I do think the parking hurts businesses, even though I wish it didn't! I think if someone started a Lakewood only business that delivers all Lakewood business food for a minimal fee, it could help, and someone could make lots of tips..............(no money sign emoticon)

I have always operated under the assumption that Kluck's was a fried-chicken joint. Now, as they are closing, I find out that there was spaetzle less than 10 minutes away!

I love spaetzle. I still mourn the closing of Kiefer's.

I have always prided myself for getting out and walking Lakewood. I guess I didn't walk far enough.

Jeff Endress wrote: I go there a couple times a week. If you haven't tried their wonderful soups, you really don't know what you're missing.

They also have fantastic stocks!