The Observation Deck

I go to the RR Heinen's quite a bit, and rarely have issues with it being crowded. I highly doubt they'd open another one so close, especially since the RR location is being remodeled.

I agree that the store itself isn't that crowded, but the parking lot can be a nightmare at times. I guess I'm just spoiled because I used to live on the same block as the Heinens and got used to walking up there whenever I needed anything. I live 2 blocks from the center of downtown lakewood and am often disappointed with the grocery selection withing walking distance. Until the snow falls, I'll continue to bike to Heinens - now if only they would put in an actual bike rack somewhere...

Lakewood used to have 2 full sized grocery stores (Giant Eagle and Tops). I'm sure the 50,000+ residents could still support two.

Stan Austin wrote:Mark Mraz asked--

Tell me what you think?

I would sell my soul--- rob a bank--- do whatever it took to finance what you just described!

(As the lawyers say, that's just an opening proffer)

Stan

Thanks Stan!

The whole place smelled like homemade bread and freshly grated Romano and Locatelli cheese(which we also did instore).

My favorite was Sunday morning. We opened right when church would let out and the fresh bread would come out of the oven and people would grab loaf after loaf...some people would even make it to the register 20 feet away, they had to rip a hunk off and have a warm taste...

We also had homemade garlic bread which was a huge seller...havent lived in Youngstown for 2 years but always get cravings...

I agree that Tommy's would be ideal here and probably do very well. I disagree that we have enough restaurants because variety is the spice of life and I constantly crave different foods. I would love to see any healthy version of a restaurant. I loved the idea of the local Co-op having their own food.

I also disagree that all chains are bad. I love Chipotle because their meat comes from animals raised anti-biotic and hormone and cage free. That makes a huge difference. I also love Panera because they have some great healthy alternatives. I recently joined BJ's and stocked up on chicken because they offer it at a decent price in tenders ready to cook also hormone/anti-biotics and cage free. I would welcome a Trader Joe's or Whole Food but I hear there is a Whole Food coming to RR?

I still love alternatives like Two Dads with homecooked foods and miss La Pita!

What is the name of the Italian store in Youngstown? My husband is from there and probably knows it. There was a place like that (not quite as good) in Philadelphia that I frequented. I would be a regular in a place like that and would also welcome a German or Polish homestyle family style restaurant for the not-so-healthy meals. I don't want microwaved food when I go out for sure and would frequent any restaurant with healthier alternatives like whole grain pastas and bread.

Cornersburg Italian Specialties on Canfield Rd.

I don't personally want it, but I am surprised there isn't any sushi in Lakewood (now that Sakura is gone).

I like the BBQ and late night suggestions.

And, I want a gelato place again. I heard something was going in somewhat close to here, but can't remember the details. Anyone know?

The new supermarket being built at Westgate is called Healthy Fare Supermarket. They sound like an alternative to Whole Foods/Trader Joe's. I googled them and saw positive feedback for product and responsible corporate choices.

Hi,
Mr. Mraz, sounds like you are just the guy to bring us Cornersburg Italian Specialties on Detroit Rd. That description makes my mouth water and it sounds like a unique restaurant that Lakewood is missing.

Donald Farris wrote:Hi,
Mr. Mraz, sounds like you are just the guy to bring us Cornersburg Italian Specialties on Detroit Rd. That description makes my mouth water and it sounds like a unique restaurant that Lakewood is missing.

Honestly, if I had the money to invest in a storefront, Iwould in a heartbeat. Its an amazing business. It is a comforting place and full of comfort type foods. Another reason we were so popular I think was because we actually knew most of our customers by name. We had an amazing staff, which is still there to date....everyone was full of smiles and we actually talked to our customers, we just didnt serve them.

Im going home this weekend to see my mom for her birthday so maybe I will take some pics and post them...

For gelato: A place called the Sweet Spot has just opened across from the Beck Center.

Hi,
Starting a Business is like having kids, if you wait till you can afford it then you will never do it.

Diane Brinich wrote:The new supermarket being built at Westgate is called Healthy Fare Supermarket. They sound like an alternative to Whole Foods/Trader Joe's. I googled them and saw positive feedback for product and responsible corporate choices.

Close. Earth Fare.
Sun Post article
The chain's website

I know I sound like a spambot, but if you sign up for their email list, you get coupons for freebies. See this blog for examples of recent offers.
I'm just excited to have this great store coming in a little closer than Trader Joe's.

Brian, you're right, I just saw the sign again today. I hope it is 'healthy" Earth Fare!

Don't shoot me for mentioning a new pizza place that opened in Kamm's Corner called BOGO. This place is an example of why another pizza place or any restaurant can always be welcomed here. This is a take out gourment pizza but you buy one and get one for every pizza so two large pizzas are $18. They have bangkok pizza with peanut chili sauce, basil, rr peppers, shrimp, etc; napa valley pizza, latina, greek, chicago stuffed, morocco, french quarter, etc. I woul love for them to have opened in Lakewood because it is amzing pizza and I mostly like take out. Keeping an open mind is good even if we think we have enough of one thing because some restaurant food can be as different as night and day.

Justine Cooper wrote:Don't shoot me for mentioning a new pizza place that opened in Kamm's Corner called BOGO. This place is an example of why another pizza place or any restaurant can always be welcomed here. This is a take out gourment pizza but you buy one and get one for every pizza so two large pizzas are $18. They have bangkok pizza with peanut chili sauce, basil, rr peppers, shrimp, etc; napa valley pizza, latina, greek, chicago stuffed, morocco, french quarter, etc. I woul love for them to have opened in Lakewood because it is amzing pizza and I mostly like take out. Keeping an open mind is good even if we think we have enough of one thing because some restaurant food can be as different as night and day.

Speaking of pizza, anyone tried the new place on Madison and Robinwood? I think it's called Rosaria's? Seems like there's a different pizza place there every month or so. I didn't even get a chance to try the previous two.

I read the menu in the window this morning. Besides pizzas they have a good selection of sandwiches at reasonable prices. I might try one just to see if it seems more "home made" than those Factory subs that are being offered at the Bailey Building outlets.