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When Bar Symon closed this past fall, former employees spread across the Cleveland dining landscape like so many fennel seeds. At least two landed at the newly opened Plank Road Tavern (16719 Detroit Ave., 216-221-5900, www.facebook.com/plankroadtavern).

Located in the old Panini’s at the Riviera spot in Lakewood, Plank Road gets its moniker from the old name for Detroit Avenue, which at one time was indeed built of wooden planks. Following a complete makeover that included new pine flooring, wall-mounted fireplace and state-of-the-art tap system, Plank Road opened for business on December 2.

“We’re still flying under the radar,” says manager Matt Raynor. “We don’t even have our sign up yet.”

This article appears in Jan 26 – Feb 1, 2011.

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.