“Today, on the day of this announcement, we are celebrating 38 years,” says Larry Shibley, Chairman of the Board of Yours Truly Restaurants. “I’m guessing that we’re the oldest ongoing local chain.”
Shop number one opened in Beachwood on this day in 1981. Since then, Yours Truly has expanded its reach across the suburban Northeast Ohio landscape, with outposts in Chagrin Falls, Hudson, Mayfield, Medina, Mentor, Shaker Square and Valley View. Two years ago, the company opened its first urban location in the historic Halle Building (1228 Euclid Ave.) downtown.
“This is lucky number 10,” Shibley says, referring to the new Solon restaurant, which will open sometime this year. “We’ve been interested in Solon for a long time, maybe since as early as the `80s. I’ve looked at this plaza multiple times.”
The location is the former Donatos Pizza (6141 Kruse Dr.), a 5,000-square-foot building that will undergo significant renovations to create the same look and feel as new shops like downtown and renovated ones such as Chagrin Falls.
“These new locations, like downtown and Chagrin Falls, are what we have dubbed “the YTR Kitchen & Bar” concepts,” adds Shibley. “This one will be along those lines, but with many enhancements and tweaks.”
The larger footprint will accommodate approximately 150 seats. There will be a large indoor-outdoor bar attached to an all-seasons patio. A designated vehicle pick-up window will make take-out a breeze. Down the road, there are plans to install a kiosk at which customers can place an order and wait for it to be prepared. Also, a “bag and dine” system will allow guests to order in advance so that when they arrive, they can grab their food, sit down, and enjoy it immediately.
Shibley says that it’s too soon to deliver any precise completion dates.
“It’s a big project,” he admits.
Meanwhile, following a significant expansion and renovation project in Chagrin Falls, that restaurant continues to exceed expectations.
“It’s doing phenomenal,” reports Shibley. “It’s now the lead store of the company, probably a 45-percent increase.”
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