CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Food and drink, drink and food. Going out, eating out.
Cleveland's revival is awash with stories of bars and breweries, chefs and eateries.
In the coming months, a number of new places are set to open – coming on the heels of a number of places that have just opened.
"We're seeing the culture of Cleveland changing for the better," says Donnie Burton, owner of Rumor Cleveland, a dance club in the Warehouse District. "I see an explosion of growth over the next three to four years."
Next month, Burton and his business partners will open the Bank in the May Co. building. The place includes a restaurant, multiple bars and a dance club.
Excitement that better days are ahead fuels the 15 openings highlighted in this story. But with so many new spots popping up comes a sobering question: Does this signal Cleveland's revival or a speculative bubble in a city still mired in population decline?
"Cleveland is getting drink and food crazed," says Bac Nguyen, owner of Bac in Tremont, who is soon to open Ninja City in University Circle. "We're seeing all kinds of people trying to get into the business, and I hope the bubble won't burst."
He chose University Circle for Ninja City because he counted on a mass of people in an area that has yet to hit saturation – and a belief that a different concept (a pub with Asian street food) would set Ninja City apart from the competition.
Similar beliefs underscore the decisions to open many of these places. Ultimately, the decision is yours as to whether they will thrive and survive. So here you go.