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- ☕ Blitz, Birthdays, and Book Club
☕ Blitz, Birthdays, and Book Club
Plus Westsiders have one less place to feed their sweet tooth
Happy Friday, Buzz Nation!
Jodie and I spent the last week bouncing between Oglebay and Columbus with the family, taking in the rolling hills, the Amish country, and the culinary offerings of every gas station between here and there.
That bologna sandwich still isn't sitting right. (Jodie warned me. Jodie is always right.)
Today on the Buzz:
Did Hangry bite off more than they could chew?
Colossal Cup Cakes closes their last location
Cleveland wasn't founded, it was manifested
Have a great weekend, and thanks for your support. We're going to go lie down.
—The Briggses
Before we get into today’s Buzz, let’s hear from Worts & Wards, a great community partner
Together With Worts & Wards
Looking for something different to do this month? 📍 W. 25th
Aura Photograph did a pop-up in the space last month. Check the events calendar for more!
Worts & Wards hosts weekly and monthly events that invite you to slow down, learn something new, and spend time with your community in a welcoming space.
From yoga, meditation, tarot readings, and sound baths to herbal workshops, crafting nights, and seasonal gatherings, there's always something happening in the shop.
Whether you're exploring a new interest, returning to a favorite practice, or simply looking for a meaningful way to spend an evening, our events are designed to be beginner-friendly and open to everyone.
At Worts & Wards, we believe learning and wellness should be accessible, and our workshops and gatherings reflect that.
Every event is an opportunity to discover something new, connect with others, and leave feeling inspired. However you choose to join us, we'd love to welcome you into the shop and help you discover your next favorite event.
Visit Worts & Wards online or wander in at 2525 Market Ave., Cleveland
*Sponsored Content. To keep TWB fun and no-cost to you, we partner with local businesses
Community Blend
Edison’s Pub no longer Hangry 📍 Tremont
The longtime owner of Edison's Pub closed the Tremont staple and took it back from Hangry Brands, less than a year after giving it up. His reason, per Cleveland Scene: he had a security agreement, and the payments stopped coming.
Hangry's statement said deal terms stay between the parties, and that the move fits a "strategic growth plan" focused on Gateway and Playhouse Square.
Some context. Hangry has opened or bought nine businesses since 2022 like STEAK, Jolene's, Geraci's, Society, Danny's. with seven more announced. The concepts are built to share on Instagram. STEAK serves a drink in a miniature bathtub.
Then last month, CEO Jason Beudert told Cleveland Magazine, "The age of the chef is done."
Larder Delicatessen spent the last few weeks lifting up local chefs, spotlighting Vincent Morelli at Cents and Kiwi at Thai Thai right here in Lakewood.
Three weeks after declaring branding beats cooking, Hangry lost a 40-year-old bar over missed payments.
LaGrange isn't just short a bar, either. He told the Scene he's locked out of the POS system, the social accounts, and the Google listing. The website's dead. He's rebuilding a Tremont icon and the community seems to be behind him.
Nine businesses in four years, seven more on the way. That's a bold bet in an industry that eats bold bets, and all of Cleveland is watching.
Business & Real Estate News
Downtown's getting a hotel you can live in
Empty office floors are good for exactly three things: storing Distillata water jugs, being spooky after hours, and, as Erieview just figured out, apartments with a doorman.
The W Cleveland, a $218M project inside the old Erieview Tower and Galleria on E. 9th, will open in 2027 with 200 hotel rooms and 227 apartments under the same roof. Every other W property pairs hotel rooms with condos you buy. This one is all rentals.
What renters get:
24-hour concierge, doorman, and bellman
Shared spa, fitness center, rooftop bar, and ballroom
Upgraded Marriott Bonvoy status
W Hotels events
Marriott hasn't said a word about what any of this will cost. Which, if you've ever stayed at a W, probably tells you enough.
Why it matters: Branded apartments usually show up in Miami or Manhattan. Cleveland getting one first is either a vote of confidence in downtown or a very expensive experiment. Erieview has sat mostly empty for years, so 427 units of anything is an upgrade.
Jodie's already asked whether the doorman would help carry groceries. Fair question.
If it works here, expect more cities to follow.
Adoptable Dogs
Meet Blitz! 📍City Dogs
Taken by City Dog Volunteer & Day 1 Buzzer: Caitlin Somerville
How could you resist that smile? Meet our boy Blitz. He recently tested positive for heartworm and is looking for someone willing to give him a safe, comfortable home while he goes through treatment and recovery. The good news? Heartworm is treatable, and once he's through it, he'll be ready for the happy, healthy life he deserves.
City Dogs is still overflowing after the influx we mentioned on Tuesday, so if you've been thinking about adding a dog to your family, now is the time. Even if Blitz isn't the right fit, there are plenty of wonderful dogs waiting to meet you.
Stop by City Dogs this weekend and help give a deserving pup a fresh start. ❤️
Business & Restaurant News
Colossal Cupcakes is closing its last location this Sunday 📍 North Olmsted
Photo credit: [Google]
The North Olmsted shop at 4615 Great Northern Boulevard shuts down July 26, following two downtown locations that already closed. The bakery's goodbye on Facebook was short: enjoy your very last Colossal Cupcakes this week. Almost 15 sweet years.
Ownership didn't say what happened. Colossal isn’t alone… Sprinkles, one of the biggest cupcake chains in the country, closed everything nationwide last December.
Zoom out: Restaurant closures across the board are being blamed on a few overlapping things. Industry researchers point to franchisee debt and interest rates as the single biggest factor, followed by customers cutting back, which means smaller orders, fewer visits, or skipping the category entirely. Labor costs, food inflation, and swipe fees squeeze what's left.
There's also a shift in where people are buying. Instead of trading down to cheaper fast food when money gets tight, shoppers appear to be picking up prepared meals at Trader Joe's or Aldi instead. Even drive-thru traffic, long the engine of fast food, has lost share.
It's a treat, not dinner, and treats are usually the first thing to go.
What’s Happenin’, Westsiders?
Friday, July 24
Ohio City Food Truck Festival — Novak Park, Ohio City | Fri. 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Runs Saturday: 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM)
Two days of food trucks, local makers, live entertainment, and enough options to make choosing lunch surprisingly stressful. Truck Yeah
Red Wagon Music Festival — Red Wagon Farm, Columbia Station | (Runs Saturday: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM)
Live bands, food trucks, craft beer, and laid-back farm vibes make this an easy excuse to spend the day outdoors.
The Afterglow Collective — Forever Golden, Lakewood | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Golden-hour Pilates, a self-serve mocktail bar, patches, overnight oats, and a laid-back social hour. Sounds like a pretty ideal Friday night to us. Catch the Glow
Kevin Nealon — Hilarities 4th Street Theatre, Downtown | 6:30 PM & 9:15 PM (Saturday 6 PM & 8:45 PM, Sunday 7:00 PM)
The longtime SNL favorite and Weeds star brings his signature dry wit to Cleveland for four shows across the weekend. Get ready to laugh
Zeds Dead — Jacobs Pavilion, Flats | 7:00 PM
Bass drops, lasers, and waterfront views. Zeds Dead headlines Jacobs Pavilion with a stacked electronic lineup.
Saturday, July 25
CLE Gals Book Club x Cleveland Health & Social Club — Lakewood Park | 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Start your morning with Pilates, then stick around for a semi-blind book swap where you'll leave with a surprise read and maybe a new friend. Swap a Book
Pilates x Plants — Urban Planting Cleveland | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Stretch, breathe, and surround yourself with greenery before taking home a new plant. Plant therapy counts, right? Get Growing
Once Upon a Flower — Worts & Wards | 2:30 - 3:30 PM
Children ages 6-12 are invited to enjoy a magical afternoon filled with storytelling, creativity, and mindfulness. We'll read a charming flower tale, create beautiful flower crowns to take home, enjoy gentle movement and a calming guided meditation, and celebrate the beauty of nature together. Feel the Magic
Tacos & Tequila Festival — ForeFront Field, Avon | 3:00 PM
Tacos, margaritas, lucha libre wrestling, exotic cars, and live performances from Shaggy, Bow Wow, Chamillionaire, Xzibit, Trina, and more. That's one packed Saturday. Taco Responsibly
Tequila Fest Cleveland — Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, Middleburg Heights | 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM
More than 50 tequilas to sample, plus tacos, margaritas, food trucks, live music, and vendors. Pace yourself. Raise a Glass
Something Good: Cleveland South Asian Festival — Something Good, Playhouse Square | 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Spend the evening exploring South Asian food, vendors, music, and cultural experiences in the heart of Playhouse Square. Celebrate Culture
Sunday, July 26
Sprinkle Embroidery Cakes + Confetti Bracelets — Tapster, Lakewood | 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Two Pinterest-worthy crafts, one afternoon. Decorate an embroidery-inspired sprinkle cake, make your own colorful confetti bracelets, and leave with two handmade creations. Get Creative
Vintage Marketplace — Grand Pacific Junction, Olmsted Falls | 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Spend the afternoon browsing vintage finds, handmade goods, local artists, live music, and plenty of unique treasures.
Red, White & Blue Cake Decorating Workshop — Wyne Tasting & Cocktail Bar | 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Decorate a patriotic pull-apart cupcake cake that looks like an ice cream cone while sipping wine and picking up a few cake decorating tricks along the way. Patriotic Piping
Conditions |
|---|
Sunrise: 6:14 AM |
Sunset: 8:54 PM |
Moon Phase: Waxing Gibbous 79% 🌔 |
🎷 Live Entertainment
Friday
Lunch by the Lake: Carlo Michel | Rock Hall, Cleveland 12 PM
Tall Grass (w/ Plum Shed, Breathe in Stereo) | Mahall's, Lakewood 6:30 PM
Justo & The Havana Nights | The Local, Strongsville 6:30 PM
Nom De Plume | Front St Social, Berea 7 PM
Chad Baker | Welcome to the Farm, Flats 7 PM
Abby Normal | Whiskey Island, Cleveland 7 PM
Mind Magic Live with Mentalist Joshua Seth | Hanna Theatre, Playhouse 7 PM
Jesters Revenge & Elmerz Gunz – "Eastside Invasion" | The Local, Strongsville 7 PM
The Lion King | KeyBank State Theatre, Playhouse 7:30 PM
Love in the Club | House of Blues, Cleveland 8 PM
Foundation Room Presents Women of CLE | House of Blues, Cleveland 8 PM
Springsteen Tribute by Swamps of Jersey (Born in the C.L.E.) | Music Box SC, Flats 8 PM
Nous (Smith, Brown, Plank) | The Bop Stop, Cleveland 8 PM
The Music of Alice In Chains & More by Alice Sin Ohio | Music Box CH, Flats 8 PM
Rikoshay | Tony K's, Berea 8 PM
Live and Local ft Erin Nicole Neal & The Chill Factors | House of Blues, Cleveland 9 PM
Princemas in July Dance Party | Mahall's, Lakewood 10 PM
Zeds Dead Official After Party (ft. Zeds Dead) | Globe Iron, Cleveland 10 PM
2000's Summer Throwback Party | The Winchester, Lakewood 10 PM
Joe Barron | Welcome to the Farm, Flats 10:30 PM
Saturday
Mahall's Renaissance Market | Mahall's, Lakewood 11 AM
Lunch by the Lake: Natalie McMahon | Rock Hall, Cleveland 12 PM
Cat's on Holiday | Whiskey Island, Cleveland 1 PM
Latin Jazz Intensive Live Recording Concert ft. Bobby Sanabria | The Bop Stop, Cleveland 1 PM
The Lion King | KeyBank State Theatre, Playhouse 1:30 & 7:30 PM
Mike Dillon Band Featuring Brian Hass | The Winchester, Lakewood 4:30 PM
Dead Bundy (w/ High Tolerance, Saturdazed) | Mahall's, Lakewood 5:30 PM
Dave Hinrich | Welcome to the Farm, Flats 7 PM
Eclipse | Whiskey Island, Cleveland 7 PM
Bardcore & Bangers Dance Party | Mahall's, Lakewood 7 PM
Beach Bunny | House of Blues, Cleveland 7 PM
RUSH Tribute by Sawyer | Music Box CH, Flats 7:30 PM
Santana Tribute by Evil Ways Band | Music Box SC, Flats 7:30 PM
Maxophone Quintet | The Bop Stop, Cleveland 8 PM
Tripside | The Local, Strongsville 8 PM
Backtraxx | Tony K's, Berea 8 PM
Dark Wave Dance Cave | The Winchester, Lakewood 9 PM
Foundation Room Presents DJ Pikachieu & Friends | House of Blues, Cleveland 9 PM
Live and Local ft Dan Pyne | House of Blues, Cleveland 9 PM
Dark Fantasy Emo Night | Mahall's, Lakewood 10:30 PM
Joe Barron | Welcome to the Farm, Flats 10:30 PM
Sunday
Lunch by the Lake: Conor Michael Smith | Rock Hall, Cleveland 12 PM
Elton John Tribute Brunch with Tommy Lee Thompson | Music Box SC, Flats 12 PM
Tribute to Bad Company & More by Rodgers & Co. | Music Box CH, Flats 12 PM
The Lion King | KeyBank State Theatre, Playhouse 1 & 6:30 PM
Trailer Park Ninjas | Whiskey Island, Cleveland 2 PM
Chad Baker | Welcome to the Farm, Flats 3 PM
Reggae Sundays: Lazo & Exodus | Music Box SC, Flats 4 PM
Mud Whale / Swiss Army Wife / Palette Knife | Mahall's, Lakewood 6 PM
Tim Mirth Quartet | The Bop Stop, Cleveland 7 PM
Tantric – 25th Anniversary Tour | The Winchester, Lakewood 7:30 PM
Weather
Friday
79🌡️ 64 |☁️| 2% | 💨 E 9 mph 🌊 1 foot or less
Saturday
79 🌡️ 66 |☀️☁️ | 24% | 💨 NW 8 mph 🌊 1 foot or less
Sunday
82 🌡️ 69 | ☀️ ☁️ | 24% | 💨 W 10 mph 🌊 1 foot or less
Monday
84 🌡️ 70 | ☀️⛈️ | 47% | 💨 SW 12 mph 🌊 1 to 2 feet
That’s it for this Friday Buzz, Westsiders.
—The Briggses