As the stewards of our downtown district, Playhouse Square is working “Beyond the Stage” on initiatives designed to create a must-visit destination for local residents and visitors from out of town, complementing the efforts of downtown and regional partners to elevate Cleveland’s profile for business, living and tourism. With a robust performance schedule and majestically restored historic theaters at the core of our work, Playhouse Square continues to expand Beyond the Stage to enhance the experience of theatergoers and provide a welcoming environment for residents and visitors.
The Playhouse Square District is continuing to elevate experiences for guests as it expands with three new dining establishments -- Something Good Social Kitchen, Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shop and Encore. Something Good Social Kitchen, co-founded by Random Acts of Kindness Everywhere creator Ricky Smith, is set to open in the kiosk on Playhouse Square Plaza with a menu featuring burgers and salads. Nationally recognized Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shop will serve ice cream in the Hanna Building (1422 Euclid Ave.), while Encore will serve experiential cocktails in an intimate, upscale lounge located on the ground floor of The Lumen (1580 Euclid Ave). Official opening dates for each venue will be announced in the near future.
“It is a brilliant time to be at the Playhouse Square District -- whether you are coming to see a show on one of our stages, living in the district or working at one of the many businesses in our neighborhood,” said, Craig Hassall, Playhouse Square President & CEO. “With the addition of these new venues, we’ve now welcomed a total of seven new dining establishments over the past year, creating an even greater animated environment for both visitors and downtown works, residents and visitors.”
Beyond the Stage initiatives completed since September 2023:
- New marquees and upgraded digital display network
- Bulkley Building façade restoration
- Acquisition of The Greyhound Bus Terminal Building
- Acquisition of 1776 E 17th St. (Cleveland Institute of Electronics)
- The Brasserie, The Bulkley Bar and The Bulkley Residences
- Renovation of the Crowne Plaza Hotel and its restaurant, now known as Brel’s
- Welcoming The Friars’ Table and Gochujang to the district
Hassall continued, “Behind the scenes, our vision for The Greyhound and other possibilities is taking shape. It will be a while before we are ready to share our full plans, but we promise it will be worth the wait.”
For more information on the Playhouse Square District, please visit playhousesquare.org/district.