“One of the main reasons we went there was because all of the things we don’t have here [in University Heights],” explains Greg Spoth, who runs the business with his wife Marti Geraci-Spoth and three of their five children. “Despite being very busy, we have very little parking, never had a party room, there’s no place to sit with a drink while waiting for a pizza or table, here we have no patio, there we have a beautiful patio. I’m pretty excited about it.”
When it opens in May, the interior will have a completely different look and feel from both XO and the original Geraci’s. Following some “pretty extensive remodeling,” the space should conjure the mood and spirit of a Tuscan cottage. There will be seating for 40 in the bar, another 75 in a pair of dining rooms, and an additional 50 on the front-side patio. A private dining room will be able to accommodate groups up to 50.
As for the food, Spoth says, “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.” Diners can look forward to an identical menu, with identical pricing, although the chefs likely will enjoy some liberty to offer weekend specials. And as for that nettlesome cash-only policy, in play since the Eisenhower administration, that will be scrapped in favor of a more progressive financial system. Spoth even confessed that the old spot might soon bow to public pressure and accept credit cards.
After six decades in business, a restaurant builds up a deep well of goodwill, and the family is banking on that resource to propel them to success at the new location.
“Another big reason we’re going out that way is that a lot of our clientele has moved out that way – to Pepper, Solon, Moreland Hills, Orange,” notes Spoth. “They still come down here once a month, but we’re hoping up there we might be able to get them once a week.”
For those keeping track, Geraci’s will be the latest in a long line of restaurants that have occupied that spot, some with very short life spans. Ones that come to mind include Flo and Eddie’s, Il Davide, Gaylin’s Tavern and Marbella, not to mention XO and its successor. Admittedly, the history concerned the owners, but in the end, they felt that theirs was a name, brand and concept that transcended a “cursed” location.
“The one worry was the stigma of the building not being a good location for restaurants over the years, but I think between our reputation and our food, we’ll overcome that,” Spoth asserts. “When you think about it, there are a lot of families with kids out there and there’s no family friendly Italian restaurants you can go to without breaking the bank. We’ve always been super kid friendly.”
This article appears in Jan 17-23, 2018.
“a more progressive financial system”
PLEASE tell me they will finally accept Bitcoin
Sooo miss Geracis since moving to Florida.
Gina
Uh huh.
Remember when Corky & Lenny’s opened “a Second East-Side Location”?
I believe that location also housed Picasso’s before Marbella.
Was originally The Commons in the late 70’s then Eddies with Isabel Chessler of that Place on Bellflower fame, Then Flo and Eddies, I sold all of them their equipment and supplies way back then, and hope to do the same with Geraci. Good people.
And at one time, Steffon’s too.
I grew up in University Heights. Geracis was one of our all time favorites as kids.
I babysat for some of the family very often.
I live in LA since I was 18 years old. I came back to Cleveland in September for my
40th high school reunion and made it to Geracis, cant wait to get back for more!!!!!!!
what was the address of the original before they moved to the Warrensville location?
I hope they are also a little nicer. They have a reputation for being mean to customers and sometimes even telling customers never to come back if they dont like the food. Never happened to me, but it did to some friends. Not sure I would go because if that.
Stephen..the old location was on Cedar just before Green.
Stephen….the old location was on Cedar just before Green….I believe there is a Papa Johns there now.
I grew up down the stree from the Geraci’s!!! Rubyvale in University Hts! Went to school with Fran. Can’t wait to try the new restaurant!
Brenda Woodworth O’Toole
Be nice if they joined the 21st century and took credit cards!
The original spot was just about where Al & Fran Cleaners is now. Friday nights, after a Heights High home basketball game, we would stuff ourselves into Geraci’s (it was always packed after a game) and stuff our tummies with the best pizza around. Who cares if they don’t take credit; bring cash and enjoy the food; that’s what’s important. Only two other places in the city (one in Lakewood) compare to Geraci’s. Good for the family!
Please consider adding a third location sometime in downtown Willoughby! In the meantime, our best to the success of this new location.
XO was not the best, hopefully Geraci’s continues to succeed
My kids send me half baked pizzas via federal express to help me get my fix between visits back to Cleveland. I love the idea! and I am a founding customer.
Where can I find a good Italian beef sandwich, dripping wet with juice?
Does anybody in Cleveland make them and sell them?
Geraci’s is my favorite. We go every 3 mos or so and get the pizza! Good luck Marti and Greg! Can’t wait to come when it opens!
I am speaking for my husband, “Pauly 4-times,” who went to Geraci’s 4 TIMES in 3 days while visiting Cleveland. That says it all.
The first location was on Cedar near Green Rd.
The staff has changed over the nears. No more getting angry at the customers and telling them not to come back.
The food has always been good and a lot of their business are repeat customers.
Wow!! Need to come back to visit from FL. We had a business upstairs,lunch or dinner three times a week for 5 years!!
GRIZZ65, Check out Ferrara’s, 5750 Mayfield Rd. They have great Italian beef sandwiches, and they’ll dip them if you ask. All their sandwiches are wonderful, actually. Cash only, though, and it’s best to go early, as the sandwiches tend to sell out. Hope this helps!