When the popular Detroit-Shoreway eatery and nightspot Reddstone closed for remodeling early this month, chef Jeff James and partner/manager Tommy Kneeland were enthusiastic about what was to come: “a brand-new menu and a brand-new look” that would help bring in even more business.
But rather than reopening last week, one of their biggest attractions — live entertainment — was shut down by the city. Reddstone had regularly featured DJs, live music, and stand-up comedy shows. “It’s a draw. On your off days, it’s nice to have a party with music to bring people in,” says Kneeland. “Right now, with the competition in the restaurant business, one of my talents has become finding new musicians.”
Back in 2010, noise complaints from Battery Park neighbors prompted the city to tell Reddstone it couldn’t have live music on the patio. So they moved it all inside. Kneeland says there have been no additional complaints, but when city inspectors stopped by to approve the new construction, they informed Reddstone that it was not zoned for live entertainment of any kind.
“We are just going to follow the rules,” Kneeland says, adding that they will seek a variance from the city.
For now, when the restaurant opens its remodeled doors, hopefully at the beginning of April, there will be a brand-new menu and a very quiet microphone.
This article appears in Mar 21-27, 2012.
C’mon Cle…
A variance pleasse? They obviously are working with you so do the same…
Thanks in advance…
Really?
If you live in the city you need to learn to tune out the noise. Otherwise move to the dead silent suburbs.
Hmmmmmmm…who was there first? Red Stone or Battery Park? I believe it was Red Stone…and before that Snickers. Both had entertainment. People don’t check out the neighborhood before they buy?
That is one way to chase good businesses OUT of the neighborhood. Seems to me that Reddstone may have an upper-echelon Cleveland city official living nearby that wants it quiet. If so, the variance will never pass. This is so unfair for Reddstone.
of all the stuff going on in the city of cleveland a successful business being curbed is mind blowing.