The new restaurant concept will open in the current J. Pistone store space at 3245 Warrensville Center Road in Shaker Heights, which is scheduled to close on June 30.
After some minor negotiations with lawyers and the landlord, business partners Jay Laitson and Izzy Schackner signed the paperwork to take over the location but not the amenities and open a new concept, 56 Social, in the space, 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 Gates Mills resident and 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 take ownership of the building, Laitson and Schackner plan to renovate it to give it a “fresh” Mediterranean look, Laitson said. The building's renovations will 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 in October of this year after renovations are complete.
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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.
Each 56 Kitchen location will continue to offer catering services, and 56 Social will offer a similar service with tray, specialty picnic-style and takeaway catering options.
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're taking over a location and restaurant with a great reputation,” Laitson said. “We hope and strive to maintain that reputation. … We're honored to follow in the footsteps of Joan and John Pistone.”
Laitson and Schackner co-own 56 Kitchen in Solon and Mayfield Heights, El Restaurant & Lounge in Solon and Verdigo, also in Solon, with business partners Michael Dubois and Adam Kemelher, co-owners of Imperial Wok in Solon.
