First Look: Hecks Beachwood, Opening in Early February

Back in the late-`70s and early-`80s, Hecks operated taverns on both sides of the Cuyahoga River. In addition to the original Ohio City location, which celebrated its 50th birthday last year, the iconic Cleveland brand had a restaurant at Eton mall in Woodmere.

Now, after nearly 40 years, Hecks will reopen a location on the east side. Owner Fadi Daoud has been working since this past summer to transform the former Blu (and Moxie) space into a warm and woodsy American restaurant.

“I think there was need for a Hecks on the east side,” says Daoud. “I’ve been approached by a lot by malls and strips and commercialized areas, but I never felt like it was a good fit. This place has been a destination for more than 20 years.”

Daoud, who took over ownership of Hecks in 2005, added a location in Avon. In 2015, he expanded the Ohio City property while improving the existing space. The Beachwood restaurant features an all-new bar and dining room with seating for 40 and 150, respectively. Diners can expect a menu that is nearly identical to the other shops.

The stars of the show are the burgers, half-pound patties made from grass-fed Ohio beef. In addition to a dozen different iterations – and a house-made veggie burger – the menu offers a great mix of eclectic but approachable dishes. To start, there are lamb meatballs, chicken potstickers and mushroom flatbread. Scratch-made soups and bountiful salads give way to entrees starring beef, seafood and pasta.

A separate brunch menu comes into service on the weekends.

When it opens in early February, Hecks will offer a welcome non-chain lunch option for workers in the area.

The property also includes the adjoining Red/Cut 151 space. For now, that area will be used for private events, but down the road Daoud intends to open a second location of his Italian concept Antica (35568 Detroit Rd., 440-517-0096), which he launched a year and a half ago in Avon.