Executive Director, Stepping Down and Leaving HFLA of Northeast Ohio

HFLA of Northeast Ohio celebrates 16 years of service and announces Acting Director

Published 10/7/2022

Michal Marcus

After one and a half decades of service HFLA of Northeast Ohio announces Executive Director, Michal Marcus, will be stepping down from her role and leaving the organization. Marcus has worked at HFLA of Northeast Ohio since 2006. HFLA of Northeast Ohio has been providing interest free loans to those that do not have access to traditional financing for 118 years. Carrie Miller will transition to the role of Acting Executive Director effective immediately. Miller had previously served as Assistant Director for the organization for nearly two years and as a board member for the organization six years prior to that. 

Under Michal’s leadership, HFLA’s interest free loan programs have grown more than fivefold. Her advocacy has been instrumental in reforming payday lending in Ohio. Michal has built an organization that is sustainable and that can continue to provide support to the members of our NEO community,” said Board President Eric Kaston. “We are pleased for her as she pursues new opportunities.”

He added, “I am excited to work with Carrie Miller in her new role as Acting Director. Carrie has been a valuable member of our executive team. She has demonstrated strong leadership across the board, and I look forward to continuing the close working partnership between our HFLA Director and Board. Together, we are committed to helping to make NEO a more equitable community.”

Acting Director, Carrie Miller

Marcus has been recognized for her significant contributions to the community through her work at HFLA of Northeast Ohio. Miller is looking forward to continuing to bring this important work to the Northeast Ohio community. She previously served as Director of Neighborhood Services at Ohio City Incorporated, Training Manager at Foundation Center (now Candid), and as Program Director at The City Club of Cleveland for five and a half years. Originally from the area, she has worked in the nonprofit sector for nearly twenty years. 

HFLA of Northeast Ohio’s mission is to provide interest-free loans to promote the economic self-sufficiency  and growth of Northeast Ohioans who are unable to access safe and fair lending resources and provide three  loan types, Standard, Business, and Education, with other loan types responding to specific community needs. Over 60% of our interest-free loans go to women in Northeast Ohio, with 70% to low-to -moderate income individuals and families.

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Power of Change Honoree | Michal Marcus

Michal Marcus of HFLA of Northeast Ohio Recognized Among The Ohio Society of CPAs’ Inaugural Class of Power of Change Honorees

Added September 9, 2022

Marcus among 12 honored for their advocacy, leadership and impact surrounding women’s initiatives

COLUMBUS, OH – At its recent Women, Wealth and Wellness Conference, The Ohio Society of CPAs (OSCPA) honored Michal Marcus, Executive Director of HFLA of Northeast Ohio, for exhibiting extraordinary leadership, community involvement, mentorship and innovation in women’s initiatives. In its inaugural year, the Power of Change recognition program seeks to honor individuals who are advocates for women’s initiatives in the workplace and business community, serve as mentors or role models, make a significant impact on their communities or break barriers for other women. A committee of OSCPA members and staff selected the honorees from a pool of nominees put forward by their colleagues and co-workers.

“The research shows there is a phenomenon taking place in which women are leading their organizations in things like compassion, inclusion and equity. But too often they are leading from the middle or back of their organizations and not from their rightful places at the front,” said OSCPA President & CEO Scott Wiley, CAE. “At OSCPA, we are invested in seeing women succeed, and we know the future of business depends on prioritizing the issues and topics women are emphasizing. The Power of Change honor offers well-deserved recognition to exceptional leaders who make significant contributions every day to their organizations and communities. We’re honored to applaud this incredible class of honorees who are breaking down barriers to success, recognition and impact at both the individual and organizational levels.”

Marcus was recognized along with other 2022 Power of Change honorees from across Ohio including: Kelli Bernstein, CPA (Meaden & Moore), Betty Collins, CPA (Brady Ware & Company), Mary Kim Elkins, CPA, J.D. (Eaton Corporation), Dani Gisondo, CPA (Marcum LLP), Ebonie Jackson, CPA (Lucas County Children Services), Lori Kaiser, CPA, CGMA (Kaiser Consulting), Michal Marcus (HFLA of Northeast Ohio), Donna Sciarappa, CPA (RSM US LLP), Rachel Wojtkun, CPA (Grant Thornton LLP), Jennifer Yaross, CPA (Nationwide), Annie Yoder, CPA, CFF, CFE (Rea & Associates) and Kim Zavislak, CPA (KPMG LLP).

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Meet the Banker: Credit Building Workshop | June 2022

Watch the recording!

Are you interested in improving your credit? Do you know your credit score but can’t seem to make it budge? Do you want to learn how to use your credit score to get better rates on loans or other credit products?

If you answered “yes” to any of those questions, join HFLA of Northeast Ohio for a free, virtual workshop on credit building with our community partners at Citizens Bank. HFLA will bring two credit specialists from Citizens who will walk us through the basics to understanding your credit score all the way through to the complexities around leveraging your credit when applying for future loans or purchasing a car.

What you’ll get: time with an expert, an applied activity, and an opportunity to voice your concerns and questions about personal credit and credit building in a safe environment.

We know how important your credit is and we are here to bring you the resources you need to reach your financial goals. We hope you are able to take advantage of this awesome program that will keep you on track to success!

When:
Thursday, June 30, 2022 || 6:00 p.m.

Where:
Virtual, via Zoom, you will receive the link after registering

Meet our Credit Expert!

Kiesha Wilson is a Vice President and Multiple-Site Branch Manager at Citizens. With 25 years in the financial services industry, Kiesha has vast working experience in personal banking, credit cards and home mortgage.

Kiesha loves helping people meet their financial goals by increasing their financial education, confidence and knowledge of financials services that can assist them.

Kiesha is a proud mom of two children, ages 21 and 19.  She enjoys riding her new Peloton and is a diehard Cleveland sports fan.


Meet the Banker: Credit Building Workshop | November 2021

Are you interested in improving your credit? Do you know your credit score but can’t seem to make it budge? Do you want to learn how to use your credit score to get better rates on loans or other credit products?

If you answered “yes” to any of those questions, join HFLA of Northeast Ohio for a free, virtual workshop on credit building with our community partners at Citizens Bank. HFLA will bring two credit specialists from Citizens who will walk us through the basics to understanding your credit score all the way through to the complexities around leveraging your credit when applying for future loans or purchasing a car.

What you’ll get: time with an expert, an applied activity, and an opportunity to voice your concerns and questions about personal credit and credit building in a safe environment.

We know how important your credit is and we are here to bring you the resources you need to reach your financial goals. We hope you are able to take advantage of this awesome program that will keep you on track to success!

When:
Thursday, November 18, 2021 || 6:30 p.m.

Where:
Virtual, via Zoom, you will receive the link after registering

Did you miss us live? Find the full recording and slides for the presentation below. 

Meet the Banker Resources

Meet our Credit Experts!

Brandon Beachler has over 17 years of experience in banking, with a strong focus on consumer and business credit. He currently serves as a VP, Business Relationship Manager for Business Banking clients at Citizens.

He enjoys learning about his business clients in order to provide near and long-term solutions. 

 Outside of work, Brandon spends time with his wife, two kids, two dogs (Trixie & Cuya) and goldfish (Nemo). He enjoys anything outside, playing basketball, running, biking and playing music.

Kiesha Wilson is a Vice President and Multiple-Site Branch Manager at Citizens. With 25 years in the financial services industry, Kiesha has vast working experience in personal banking, credit cards and home mortgage.

Kiesha loves helping people meet their financial goals by increasing their financial education, confidence and knowledge of financials services that can assist them.

Kiesha is a proud mom of two children, ages 21 and 19.  She enjoys riding her new Peloton and is a diehard Cleveland sports fan.


Advocacy for Federal Action in Coronavirus Relief

The following is the open letter that HFLA of Northeast Ohio has sent to Ohio representatives and senators to address our community’s need for cash payments to alleviate the economic burden of the COVID-19 Pandemic. 


November 18, 2020

Dear Honorable Representatives and Senators of Ohio:

Representative Fudge

Representative Kaptur

Representative Gonzalez

Representative Ryan

Representative Joyce

Representative Gibbs

Representative Johnson

Representative Jordan

Senator Brown

Senator Portman

COVID-19 has put many of our fellow Americans on the brink of financial ruin. As we have throughout our 116-year history, HFLA of Northeast Ohio has responded to this crisis by issuing interest free loans to individuals without access to conventional financing, regardless of their identity. Due to this emergency our loan volume has increased by 20%, but our inquiries have increased by nearly 400%. People are pleading for help. The calls we receive range from individuals whose unemployment benefits are not nearly enough to make ends meet; parents who are forced to stay home from work while their children are learning remotely; family members who must stay outside the home to quarantine; workers who only received partial income while they were out sick…and many others we are unable to help because they need more than we can offer and lack the ability to repay a loan. Unlike Congress, who holds legislative power, our funds are limited, and we count on our dollars being repaid before we can lend them again.

Therefore, we urge the issuer of U.S. Dollars, the Federal government, to begin making generous cash payments to all Americans in need. This should be done urgently, and on a recurring basis as long as this pandemic and its aftershocks persist. Any style of relief is better than nothing, but all other forms to date have been too slow and convoluted and allowed many faultless people to fall through the cracks.

We will continue to do everything we can, but as a legislator in Washington D.C., we hope you realize the uniqueness of your position at this historic moment and use it to deliver what only you can-direct cash payments.

Sincerely,

Michal Marcus, Executive Director 

Laura Kleinman, HFLA Board President

HFLA Staff: Hillary Butler, Katy Fuerst, Brady Gasser, Leslie Wright

Board of Directors: Lisa Arlyn Lowe, Karil Bialostosky, Jonathan Brown, David Edelman, Lorie Gelb, Eric Kaston, Scott Lewis, Irwin Lowenstein, Carrie Miller, Stuart Ostro, Jason Powers, Brian Rosenfelt, Debra Shaw, Dara Weinerman-Steinberg, Christine Weiss, Carol Willen


Join us and the Ohio CDC Association, on November 19, 2020 for Call-In Day to demand the Senate immediately pass a coronavirus relief bill that includes essential housing and homelessness resources and protections that have already cleared the U.S. House.

What you can say when you call:

  • Nearly 250,000 Ohio Households are behind on rent.
  • 86,000 Ohio households are concerned they will be evicted in the next 2 months.
  • CARES Act funding for emergency rental assistance expires December 31st.
  • The Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s eviction moratorium expires December 31st.
  • Ohio and the nation face a major eviction crisis in 2021 if Congress doesn’t pass a relief bill with significant funding for housing assistance immediately.
  • Please join Senator Brown in supporting $100 billion for emergency rental assistance and $11.5 billion for homeless programs in the next coronavirus relief bill.
For more information about Coronavirus relief negotiations and National Call-In Day, see this recent update from our friends, the National Low Income Housing Coalition.

Information retrieved from the Ohio CDC Association. 


Hear Our Stories: 2020 Loan Recipients

Hear Our Stories: 2020 Loan Recipients

Each year we highlight a group of HFLA loan recipients who embody the our mission through their personal story and character. This year, we have highlighted a group of extraordinary women, who through strength, resiliency, and resourcefulness, overcame obstacles and moved closer to achieving their dreams. HFLA is proud to have been a part of their journeys as a resource that provided the support they needed at a pivotal point in each of their lives.

The Carmens

HFLA helped three generations of Latina women on Cleveland’s near west side regain control of their finances. 

After Carmen Vazquez’s husband passed away, her family struggled to adjust to their new financial situation. She, her daughter, and her mother began living together and supporting each other financially.  However, when critical repairs needed to be done to their home, Carmen’s family did not have enough saved to cover the expenses, and they were unable to obtain a bank loan for the repairs. 

HFLA first met Carmen during open office hours at one of our partner organizations, Metro West CDO. Jose Colon of Community Financial Centers was working with her as her financial coach. He suggested that Carmen apply for a small, interest-free loan from HFLA to help consolidate some high-interest credit card debt that accrued after her husband’s passing, which would help her qualify for a home equity loan later on. Carmen and her mother applied for the loan, and her daughter stepped in to guarantee the loan for them.

HFLA’s interest-free loan allowed Carmen to move the credit card debt onto a short term, interest-free repayment schedule. She continued working with her financial coach and developed a very disciplined budget with new strategies to help her stay on top of her finances. Carmen no longer has high-interest credit card debt holding her back from accessing the funds she needs to repair her home and will soon re-apply for a conventional home equity loan through her bank.

Patti McSuley

HFLA helped a breast cancer survivor make a safe space for women battling cancer to feel beautiful.

Patti McSuley had been working as a cosmetologist for only a few years when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008. Medical bills quickly piled up from her treatment and, like many Americans, Patti filed bankruptcy due to the insurmountable debt. After the experience, Patti began Compassionate Wigs, a wig salon for women going through chemotherapy or hair loss. 

At its start, Patti’s business was a room within a larger salon. She realized that her business would quickly outgrow this space due to the amount of wig inventory needed to serve her clients. As she began to look for a new location for her business to grow within, she also began searching for funding sources. Patti received a small grant from the Youngstown Business Incubator and a low-interest loan from the Mahoning Valley Economic Development Corporation to secure her space and make the necessary renovations.

Unfortunately this funding would not become available for Patti for a few months and she needed capital immediately to make the salon operable and obtain needed inventory. Because of Patti’s previous bankruptcy, she was ineligible for a traditional small business loan. It was at this point that Patti was referred to HFLA by the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation as a way to increase her stock of wigs, wig cleaner, and other specialty products that she needed for her new storefront business.

Today, Patti is the proud owner of Salon 224 in Boardman. She provides traditional salon services and operates Compassionate Wigs out of the salon in a private room large enough for women to come in with their own support team as they work with Patti to choose and style their wig. HFLA’s loan helped Patti achieve her dream of making each woman look and feel her best during cancer treatment,

Chika Morkah

HFLA was able to help an international student achieve her educational goals. 

Chika Morka is an international student from Nigeria who came to the U.S in the Spring of 2016 to further her studies at Cleveland State University. After her arrival, changes in laws made it impossible for her to receive money from her home in Nigeria, stranding her one semester away from graduation with no way to pay her tuition. Chika was introduced to HFLA by a classmate who had received an HFLA education loan previously. This education loan allowed Chika to not only pay for her tuition and register for her last semester for her at CSU, but allowed her to remain in the U.S. on her student Visa. Without this funding, Chika would not have been registered for classes and would have been forced to return home as she would have been out of compliance with her Visa.

Chika finished her Master’s of both Psychology and Diversity & Inclusion Management in Spring 2020, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Global Leadership and Change.

I was ecstatic when I received my education loan. I was worried that I wouldn’t qualify because I am an international student, but I was relieved and grateful. It was a life-changing moment for me. I have been spreading the news in my own little way to tell people about the positive impact an organization like HFLA is having in the Northeast Ohio community.” – Chika

DeLane Anthony-Loggins

HFLA helped a small business stay on track during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

DeLane Anthony-Loggins is an MBA graduate, licensed esthetician and the small business owner of The Wax Bar originally located in Woodmere Village.  She opened The Wax Bar and Beauty by LA at 25 years old. Through hard work, she has built her business to nearly 3,000 clients over 6 years.

In March when the COVID-19 pandemic hit and the state of Ohio mandated closures of “non-essential” businesses, including salons and spas, DeLane was forced to close. It could not have come at a worse time–she was in the middle of planning her salon’s expansion and relocation.  DeLane began the process of expanding her salon several years ago. The abrupt and indefinite closure of her business left her at a crossroads: should she move forward with her expansion plans or put her dream on hold? DeLane initially decided to put the move on hold.  Fortunately, a few weeks later, the landlord of the storefront where DeLane wanted to relocate the business sent her information on HFLA’s interest-free loan. 

DeLane’s Small Business Emergency Loan allowed her to order PPE and supplies to prepare herself and her business for reopening. This interest-free loan also allowed her to move forward with her plans to move and expand her business. “There’s always a silver-lining, even when you least expect it.  HFLA during the pandemic was my silver-lining.” – DeLane


News 5 Cleveland: Local non-profit helps people of color overcome financial roadblocks

Posted at 5:34 PM, Oct 20, 2020
and last updated 6:28 PM, Oct 20, 2020

CLEVELAND — A local non-profit is looking to break down the barriers that keep people of color from accessing capital.

When Angela Sharpley set out to secure the funding she needed to expand her business, she initially found some resistance.

“I was told that there was no help for me out here,” said Angela Sharpley, small business owner.

It was the message she heard from a lender right out of the gate.

“They never got to my credit, so that’s the only thing they had to go off of was who I was,” said Sharpley.

When intentionally placed roadblocks prevent people of color like Sharpley from accessing the cash they need, HFLA of Northeast Ohio steps in to help bridge that divide.

“Our mission is to help people that don’t have access to fair financial tools,” said Michal Marcus with HFLA of Northeast Ohio.

For more than a century, the non-profit has been providing interest-free loans to those who might otherwise go without just because of who they are.

“How race and racism play out with regards to access to capital and investment absolutely needs to be at the forefront,” said Mark Joseph, CWRU professor of community development.

Along with intentional decisions based on appearance, Joseph said there is implicit bias at play.

“We have something in our perception or mindset that would lead us to believe that someone who is African-American, a person of color, is less creditworthy,” said Joseph.

Along with racism, not knowing where​ to find resources often keeps access to funding out of reach. Joseph said that includes “understanding where you can go for loans, for investment, or capital.”

It’s a similar issue Sharpley said she faced when starting out.

“You don’t have a road map to know where to go,” said Sharpley.

When people do finally find that direction, Sharpley hopes they have an equal chance to get the cash they need to invest in their community.

“I would like for the playing field to be made fair,” said Sharpley.

On Wednesday night, HFLA will tackle these and other topics during a virtual event called “Fostering Economic Equity: Fixing the Racial Imbalance in Consumer Finance.

“More corporations, banks, and larger financial institutions need to step up with fair financial tools,” said Marcus.

The online conversation begins at 5:30 p.m.

It is free and open to anyone in the community.

You can register at Interestfree.org.


Watch the full event and panel discussion, Fostering Economic Equity: Fixing the Racial Imbalance in Consumer Finance, on our website here: www.interestfree.org/events/fostering-economic-equity/


What can HFLA of Northeast Ohio do to foster financial equity?

Dear Supporters,

It feels like such a long time ago that the stay at home order was declared, schools were closed, businesses shuttered, and we saw our own normal operations swiftly shift to high-demand, touch-free, and remote procedures. Our state has moved forward since these mandates and Ohioans are trying to create some sense of normalcy within this chaotic period in our American history. Despite the national pandemic, protests continue to fight for change and equitable practices within our country and government systems, leaving HFLA of Northeast Ohio to confront a very important question:

What do we do to fight for change and equitable practices within the region we serve?

As staff and board members, we have an idea where to start, but we want to hear the input of our supporters, our clients, and our entire Northeastern Ohio community.

HFLA’s interest-free financing options are available to those who are unable to access conventional forms of financing. This inability to access bank or credit union loans is often due to systemic barriers that prevent those circling poverty from achieving financial security. Some of the most underserved populations in our country in terms of access to finance and capital are African Americans and Latinx communities.

Within our Northeast Ohio region, HFLA’s loan disbursement includes 52% to Black/African Americans individuals and 9% to Latinx borrowers. HFLA has smaller percentages of loans going to other demographic groups, including 3% to borrowers of Middle Eastern descent, 2% to Asian/Pacific Islander, and 2% to two or more races. Our business loan portfolio is made up of 62% business owners/entrepreneurs of color and 42% of all business loans are made to BIPOC (black, indigenous, and people of color) women (data retrieved August 2020).

HFLA has always served those who were left without equitable financial resources. Whether that means serving European immigrants in the early 1900s, or serving communities struggling to overcome economic barriers today.

This fall, on October 21st, 2020, we will take a step towards confronting the systemic inequities in the financial system with an online panel discussion with area leaders titled:

Fostering Economic Equity: Fixing the Racial Imbalance in Consumer Finance

Please stay connected with us as we provide more information and updates. This will be an honest and enlightening discussion on what the current situation is and what changes can be made to make a better future for all Northeast Ohioans.

Together we can replant Northeast Ohio.

Learn More

HFLA Receives Grant from Healthy Lakewood Foundation

Press release from the Healthy Lakewood Foundation.

Find an official .pdf of the press release here: Healthy Lakewood Foundation Second Cycle of Grants Press Release. 


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 1, 2020
Contact: Jeanine Gergel, Healthy Lakewood Foundation Board President
healthylakewoodfoundation@gmail.com

Healthy Lakewood Foundation Announces Second Cycle of Grants to Address COVID-19 Community Needs

The Healthy Lakewood Foundation (HLF) board of directors awarded the following grants at its May 2020 meeting in an ongoing effort to address community needs related to the COVID-19 pandemic:
● Department of Human Services, City of Lakewood: $60,000 for resident emergency needs
● HFLA of Northeast Ohio: $57,500 to establish a pool of Covid-19 emergency loans exclusively for Lakewood residents
● Asian Services in Action, Inc. (ASIA, Inc.): $15,000 to meet the emergency needs of refugee and immigrant families in Lakewood

“The Healthy Lakewood Foundation board believes these three organizations are uniquely positioned to meet the needs of residents experiencing some of the most acute health and safety risks as well as those undergoing financial difficulties as a result of the public health crisis,” says HLF Board President Jeanine Gergel. “We are especially concerned about how the pandemic is impacting Lakewood’s most vulnerable residents and recognize our responsibility to make the resources we have been entrusted with available to assist them.”

The three newly announced grants are in addition to two previous grants awarded by HLF in March 2020 to Lakewood Community Services Center ($50,000) and Department of Human Services, City of Lakewood ($25,000), bringing the Foundation’s total year-to-date grantmaking to meet resident emergency needs to $207,500. Additional grants will be awarded later in the year as the evolving needs of the community resulting from the pandemic become more clearly understood. HLF will continue to assess community needs through proactive outreach with community leaders and service providers to identify funding opportunities for future phases of crisis response grantmaking. HLF will hold its second annual community meeting in September. Residents are encouraged to attend to share their perspectives on how COVID-19 is affecting community health and well-being as well as to hear more about the foundation’s vision and strategy. The meeting date and location will be announced later this summer.

Individuals interested in learning more about HFLA of Northeast Ohio’s COVID-19 emergency loan program and finding out if they qualify can visit the organization’s website at www.interestfree.org or can contact lending staff directly at team@interestfree.org .

About the Healthy Lakewood Foundation: The Healthy Lakewood Foundation (HLF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit community foundation. HLF was created to ensure remaining assets from the conversion of the Lakewood Hospital will continue to benefit the health and wellness of residents in the City of Lakewood. HLF was established in September 2018 as part of the master agreement following the closing of Lakewood Hospital. HLF was formed from the Foundation Planning Task Force and through their recommendation to the City of Lakewood and the Lakewood Hospital Association.

To contact HLF, please visit www.healthylakewoodfoundation.org or email healthylakewoodfoundation@gmail.com .
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Press release from the Healthy Lakewood Foundation.

Find an official .pdf of the press release here: Healthy Lakewood Foundation Second Cycle of Grants Press Release. 


HFLA's Response to Protest Damages - Crain's Cleveland, June 7, 2020

Excerpt from Crain’s Cleveland Article. Read full article here: crainscleveland.com.


June 07, 2020 04:00 AM

Downtown Cleveland retailers express support for protesters, concerns about the city center’s ability to rebound

“HFLA of Northeast Ohio, a nonprofit lender based in Beachwood, quickly rolled out a disaster relief loan program for businesses that sustained riot damage. Companies can apply for interest-free loans of up to $10,000 to cover immediate costs while an insurance claim is pending or to pay expenses including deductibles.

Michal Marcus, executive director of the 116-year-old organization, said HFLA typically works with clients who can’t get conventional loans. Most downtown retailers don’t meet that metric. In this case, though, HFLA wanted to make sure small businesses that already are struggling had swift access to funds so vandalism doesn’t lead to more vacancy.

“Ground-floor establishments suffered the most, and they were the ones that were already suffering,” said Joe Roman, CEO of the Greater Cleveland Partnership. “That tandem of experiences, I think, is going to result in a very long rebuild for downtown. Hopefully, we can figure out a way to provide financial assistance.”

At the end of 2019, downtown’s retail vacancy rate was just over 11%, according to the CBRE Group Inc. real estate brokerage. That figure doesn’t account, though, for dozens of empty storefronts that aren’t being marketed because they’re earmarked for eventual redevelopment. This year, a few large restaurants have closed, largely due to financial woes that predated the pandemic.

Some businesses, including Zanzibar, which already had a robust takeout and delivery operation, managed to stay open during March and April. Others returned in mid-May, only to shut down again as a result of the riot and a city-imposed curfew that required a near-lockdown of downtown for the first half of last week.

‘This is definitely going to be a major, major setback,” said Dominic Fanelli, owner of the Chocolate Bar restaurant on Euclid Avenue. “I think everybody’s going 24 hours at a time.'”


Excerpt from Crain’s Cleveland Article. Read full article here: crainscleveland.com.