Izzy Schachner is one of the few local food truck operators to effectively translate his mobile success into a bustling brick-and-mortar restaurant. StrEat Burger Bistro (16300 Detroit Ave., 216-226-0056, streatburger.com) opened last August in Lakewood and has been doing great business, according to its owner. But factors outside his control are forcing him to pack it in and ponder his next move.

The landlord of his storefront is Trinity Lutheran Church of Lakewood, which is situated next door. When Schachner approached them with his plans to improve the kitchen, expand into an adjacent space, and build a bar, he was informed that they had agreed to sell the property to a developer. He could remain open until early February, they informed him.

“People love us. People continue to love us and enjoy what we’re doing,” he says. “And Lakewood has been a great city to do this in. It’s kind of an unfortunate perfect storm of a situation.”

Schachner still has a thriving food truck and catering business, often working on set with local and visiting film crews. And he hasn’t yet thrown in the towel on another StrEat Burger Bistro, saying that “there’s a very good possibility that there will be another one.”

But most of all, he’s looking out for his loyal customer base, who might have in their possession gift cards or Living Social coupons.

“We want to make sure our customers have time to use them before we close,” he says.

The last night for StrEat Burger Bistro will be Saturday, February 7.

This article appears in Dec 31, 2014 – Jan 6, 2015.

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.

6 replies on “Lakewood’s StrEat Burger Bistro to Close in February”

  2. maybe his thought was that someone will buy it to move it and invest in a new space with the current clientele/equipment. building a restaurant is expensive and has to be done right. not many food service spaces for rent in Lakewood, or the surrounding area. To make a plain storefront food service ready would take, off the bat about $40k at least: architect fees, building permits, plumbing and elec contractor fees, supplies cost, etc it all adds up. Then there is moving his current equipment and leasehold improvements. I am guessing the landlord is not reimbursing him for the improvements made to that space so he can open elsewhere. Lots of reasons.

  4. Nah, take over the ‘Stache that used to be Gepetto’s / Johnny Malloy’s. I can’t think of a theme/name that’s any crappier, really. Place seems dead most of the time anyway.

  5. Hands down, best burgers in town. Excited to follow their next adventure. I predict I’ll be eating lots of burgers this month.

  6. Really going to miss this place. Not surprised Trinity Lutheran is selling the building. From what I here that church has been in trouble financially for a while.

Comments are closed.