I’ve said this a number of times and still believe it’s true, that the Merriman Valley is the single largest economic developement opportunity we have in Ward 8. There’s so much potential for Eco-Tourism with the Ohio & Erie Towpath Trail, the Cuyahoga River and as the Gateway to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. And considering that between Merriman Road, North Portage Path and Portage Trail Extension bring 15-20,000 cars daily, it’s a fantastic place for retail, restaurants and entertainment .
In last month’s newsletter I mentioned two new businesses ( Time Traveler Records has opened), and this month there’s two more. One is open now, and hopefully the other will be open by early September.
First up is Slate Social, a new restaurant that opened on July 17th at 1282 Weathervane Lane in the space that formerly was The Basement-right across from Weathervane Playhouse. Slate Social’s co-owners Bryan Stalnaker and Liberty Commons’ owner Sanjiv Lal have completely renovated the restaurant, offering both inside and patio seating along with a VIP area with soft seating and a fireplace. There’s two bars with signature cocktails and mocktails, the menu has salads, sandwiches and higher end dinner fare. There’s breakfast dishes available all day, appetizers and the kitchen is open until 1:00am. Slate Social is family friendly with a children’s menu and is open for lunch and dinner from 11 am- 2am, Monday to Sunday.
If you’ve driven by the old R Shea’s/ Rabbit Hole brewery at 1662 Merriman Rd., you might have noticed some work going on there. Coming in September it will open as High Dive, by Nick Jones owns The Barrelhouse in Wallhaven but this is a bit of a different concept. High Dive will feature a restaurant/bar on first floor, and combination Dive Bar (hence HighDive) with darts and pool upstairs. I never realized there was a second floor here until I drove by. I’m looking forward to what Nick has on tap for the Valley for his second venture .
