north olmsted
Down to Business
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Get excited about some of the city’s newest endeavors, from dining and entertainment destinations to a new senior living community. By Linda Feagler
estaurants, hotels and specialty stores abound in North Olmsted, attracting customers who live in and out of the city. John Sobolewski, executive director of the North Olmsted Chamber of Commerce, credits the bonds that businesses large and small have formed to make the community stronger. “North Olmsted is a melting pot in a sense that you have nationally renowned companies and independent mom-andpop stores that support each other,” says Sobolewski. Chamber members also to support initiatives that include awarding scholarships to North Olmsted High School seniors — a practice that’s been in place for 40 years. Additionally, the chamber is a member of the Power of MORE, a consortium of nine chambers, as well as Oberlin Business Partnership. Together,
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they serve 21 communities. “There’s strength in numbers,” Sobolewski says, “which makes it a win-win for everyone.” Here, check out some of the city’s newest businesses.
Cilantro Taqueria When Rey Galindo, co-owner of Cilantro Taqueria, was looking for a place to open his fourth Greater Cleveland location, North Olmsted was the hands-down choice. It’s scheduled to open this fall. “North Olmsted is perfect for our newest restaurant,” he says. “We chose the former Starbucks site because there’s a lot of heavy traffic on Lorain Road and Brookpark Road, along with car dealerships that see a lot of business. We also appreciate the fact that the city is open to being the site of a variety of restaurants.” Tacos, tortas, burritos and bowls are the most requested items, along with the
eatery’s signature quesabirrias filled with beef brisket and served with consomme. “I was raised on the West Side, and it was time to bring special Mexican food here,” he says.
Cleveland Bakery Collective In 2015, Nikki and Jay Odongray started making delectable dumplings out of their home in Olmsted Township. In 2017, they launched Pierogi Pantry, a pop-up business that travels to locations throughout the region. This fall, they’ll open Cleveland Bakery Collective, which will feature their culinary talents, as well as those of other local bakers and craft food makers. “We’d been thinking about opening a retail store, and when Becker’s Donuts closed, we knew the spot would be ideal to give us a brick-and-mortar presence,” Nikki Odongray says. “To honor the building’s beloved legacy, doughnuts will definitely be on the menu.”
