The new restaurant concept will open in the former J. Pistone space at 3245 Warrensville Center Road in Shaker Heights.
Business partners Jay Laitson and Izzy Schackner have signed the paperwork to take over the location after some minor negotiations with lawyers and the landlord, but they won't be taking over the amenities and will instead be launching a new concept called 56 Social, Laitson told the Cleveland Jewish News.
“When I heard that (owner) J. Pistone was retiring, I thought this was a great opportunity, a great location for 56 (Social),” said Laitson, a congregant at Park Synagogue on Pepper Pike.
Laitson and Schackner, who live in Cleveland Heights, signed the paperwork to take over the space about a month ago, Laitson said, but the co-owners can't begin renovations until the building is handed over to them on Aug. 1.
Once they acquire the building, Laitson and Schackner plan to renovate it and give it a “fresh” Mediterranean look, Laitson, a Gates Mills resident, said. The building's renovations will also include adding a new bar and updating the logo, he said. J. Pistone, a family restaurant and gourmet market, has been at the location for 23 years.
“We intend to make this building our own, just like we do with all our stores,” Laitson said. “Realistically, the renovation will take several months.”
Laitson said he hopes to open 56 Social this October once renovations to the building are complete.
Laitson and Schackner are co-owners of 56 Kitchen, which opened 25 years ago, and Laitson said they plan to revive the restaurant's original concept for the new location. 56 Social will be a “fast casual” restaurant, where food is prepared quickly and served to customers, he said.
Laitson said the two concepts are similar but not the same.
The new 56 Social's menu will include 56 Kitchen's popular salads and plated meals that guests can order, as well as prepared foods for carryout and takeout service, he said. Drinks will be a selection of wines and beers that can be sold at the newly added bar.
56 Kitchen will continue to offer catering services, but 56 Social will also offer similar services, with options including trays, custom picnic-style and takeaway catering.
In taking over the location, Laitson said he is aware of the history and reputation the J. Pistone name has in the community and hopes to work with Schackner to honour the name.
“We are taking over a location and restaurant with a fantastic reputation,” Laitson said, “and we hope and strive to maintain that reputation. We are honored to follow in the footsteps of Joan and John Pistone.”
Laitson and Schackner co-own 56 Kitchen in Solon and Mayfield Heights, El in Solon and Verdigo, also in Solon, which they operate with their Imperial Wok business partners Michael Dubois and Adam Kemelher.
