Sterle's Country House to Close After More than 60 Years

Update:

“Sterle’s is not closing,” explains chef Natasha Pogrebinsky. “We are rebranding and focusing more on large groups and private events. Just because we are not going to be open for public dinners, it’s not like the restaurant is going to be torn down.”

The chef stresses that the intent was never to shock and sadden the community with the sudden news. The shift away from public dining to private dining just made sense, she says.

“We grew more into an event space,” she adds. “This way we can keep the restaurant alive, keep the food and traditions alive, just in a different capacity. This Cleveland treasure is being cared for.”

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Original story:

It's the end of the line for another Cleveland landmark. After more than six decades, Sterle's Country House will close, according to owner Rick Semersky.

Semersky took over the business, formerly Sterle's Slovenian Country House, in 2012. He has since worked tirelessly to make the restaurant relevant to today’s younger dining clientele by tweaking the menu and concept. Apparently, those efforts have not been enough to buoy the operation.

Semersky added the casual Cafe 55 to the complex a couple of years ago and last year debuted Goldhorn Brewery. Hub 55, a multi-dimensional entrepreneurial endeavor at the same site, will continue.

Going forward, Sterle’s will be used solely for private events.

Here’s the official statement:

“Dear friends, family, and community! We want to thank you for the many decades of support. You have been a part of our family and hearts as much as we have been a part of yours. Although we will be discontinuing our dinner programs, we are happy to announce a new era for Sterle's. Due to massive popular demand, we will be re-branding as a full-time events and catering venue. We are excited to host your next party, celebrations, or event, family or business, we accommodate all requests. Our Executive Chef Natasha Pogrebinsky will continue to host regular Chef's Dinners, for all you dieheart fans of Sterle's food, stay tuned for more info on that. In the mean time, come see us at Cafe55 and Goldhorn Brewery, just next door, where Chef Pogrebinsky and the dedicated Hub55 Team are cooking up fresh, and delicious meals everyday. This is not goodbye, rather a new and exciting beginning!”