“The opportunity there is enormous. Food brings people together, and community brings people together. If we can be a small part of a big development, that’s very exciting for us,” Reader said.
Culinary director Bryce Bonsack said the building itself helped shape the idea for the restaurant.
“When we walked into that space, we were immediately drawn to it. It’s historic, it has incredible character and there’s so much history behind it,” he said. “We wanted to create something that keeps telling the story of America through classic food that’s approachable, delicious and affordable. The building and the concept simply belonged together.”
Built in 1914, the Telephone Building is the first historic landmark completed as part of Cleveland Street Alliance’s restoration initiative, according to the release.
The group said the work brought back the building’s original brick façade, storefront, windows, awnings and architectural character while updating the structure for new businesses.