John Q’s Steakhouse Closing

John Q’s, the legendary downtown Cleveland steakhouse, is closing its doors on June 15th. Located in the 55 Building on Rockwell Ave. across from Public Square, this establishment has been serving award-winning steaks for almost 22 years.

“This is purely a business decision. I have looked at it a hundred different ways. I’ve agonized over it, and decided this is the time” says owner Rick Cassara. But Cassara’s top concern is his staff. “My restaurant survived because of my 40 staff members, and they are my primary concern. I’ve reached out to my fellow restauranteurs and Cleveland Independents so they can grab up my qualified staff. A lot, but not enough have secured jobs,” says Cassara.

Over the span of 21 years, Cassara’s John Q’s has hosted everyone from Stephen King to the Jim Rome Show broadcasting live during the MLB All-Star Game. But Cassara understands the value of the many local patrons: “We have served over a million people over the years many of them local and those are the ones we need to thank.”

The future tenant is in the works, and Cassara is confident it will be a good fit. What is certain is that after the doors are closed Cassara is “going to take two weeks on a beach with my family and then take time to make the decision of what to do next.”

But before he puts his sunscreen on, Cassara will properly close his restaurant down and has one parting message — “This has been a great period in my life, and I want to thank everyone for making us who we are. And hire my employees!”

This article appears in May 22-28, 2013.