Ohio City has long been known for its thriving local business scene, but the arrival of a Chipotle restaurant on West 25th Street is raising concerns among small business owners and residents. The fast-casual chain is set to take over the space currently occupied by Soho Chicken and Whiskey, located less than a block from the long-standing Ohio City Burrito.
Hearing From the Locals
“It’s disappointing,” said Sean Doyle, operations manager for Ohio City Burrito, which has served the neighborhood for nearly 16 years. “You know, we don’t want to see this turn into another Legacy Village or, you know, a Crocker Park area where it’s just nothing but big box stores.”
While Doyle acknowledges the competition, he and other local entrepreneurs worry about the broader implications of national chains moving in.
“To me, it’s just greedy,” said Maya Iwais, manager of Pizza Whirl. “You’re a big corporation, your food, your restaurant is found all over the place, and you decide to open up in the area where it’s local businesses, family businesses, just trying to make a name for themselves.”
The decision to welcome a corporate chain into Ohio City has left some questioning the direction of neighborhood development.
“I think we were all a little disappointed that Ohio City Inc. didn’t keep the small mom-and-pop motif that it had going on here,” Doyle said. “So now it’s really up to the residents to keep it and support the local businesses.”
Attempts to reach Ohio City Inc. for comment were unsuccessful, as the organization stated it was not yet ready to make a statement. Chipotle also did not respond to inquiries regarding the move.
For many who work in the neighborhood, the change feels like a shift away from the close-knit, community-driven atmosphere that has defined Ohio City.
“I know we can’t do anything to stop them, but I think it should stay the way it is,” said Nathaniel Bodman, who works at Pizza Whirl. He described the neighborhood as a place where people look out for one another. “Like, if somebody’s down on their luck, they’ll be like, ‘Hey, we got this. We have whatever you need,'” he said. “Or, if we need some cheese or something, maybe somebody will be able to help if all the stores are closed.”
Despite the concern, not all residents are worried about the change. Anton Keebler, a longtime patron of Ohio City Burrito, said he remains committed to supporting local businesses. “Even when Chipotle opens up, I’m still going to be coming here,” he said. “Well, I mean, it’s delicious, it’s cheap, it’s affordable, it’s local.”
Potential Silver Lining
Others see Chipotle’s arrival as a sign of growth for the neighborhood. “I think Ohio City is growing. [I] think it’s thriving. People are moving into the area. It’s a neighborhood of Cleveland that is improving, and that’s exciting,” said John Wheelan of Westlake. “I’m excited that, personally, they’re bringing in a Chipotle. I think it will do great business and be good for the people in this neighborhood.”
As for the current occupants of the Chipotle-bound space, the owners of Soho Chicken and Whiskey have confirmed they will continue operating until the transition takes place. While they plan to remain in Ohio City, their next location has yet to be determined.