Back in December we broke the news that Cinci-Based Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse was planning to open in the old National City Bank lobby, originally home to the Cleveland Trust Co.

Today we are breaking the news that the deal officially is dead.

“No, it’s not happening,” says Frank Sinito, CEO of Cleveland-based The Millennia Companies, the owner of the building. “All I can say is it wasn’t on me.”

Work already had commenced on the column-lined lobby space of the Garfield Building, one of Cleveland’s most spectacular interiors. Much of the 11-story structure, built in the 1890s, is being converted into apartments.

All is not lost, says Sinito.

“There is definitely a plan [for the space] and we’re excited about it, it’s just a little premature to talk about it,” he says. “We’re going to do something really fantastic.”

Meanwhile, just today it was announced that Jeff Ruby’s would open a location in Columbus. Go figure. 

Multiple attempts to reach Ruby and his representatives have been fruitless. 

This article appears in May 4-10, 2016.

For 25 years, Douglas Trattner has worked as a full-time freelance writer, editor and author. His work as co-author on Michael Symon's cookbooks have earned him four New York Times Best-Selling Author honors, while his longstanding role as Scene dining editor has garnered awards of its own.

3 replies on “Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse Deal is Dead, Says Landlord”

  1. Too bad, I was looking forward to going to a great new restaurant in this elegant lobby. Hope the lobby will have something open to the general public . This is a great location , near public Square and E 4 th st.

  3. When the “It’s not on me” business card is tossed onto the table — it typically means: “It’s on me”.

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