Let's take a trip back in time.
In the mid 1980s, the city of Cleveland was in a bit of a predicament. It seemed that our city was not able to keep up with other large cities in Ohio. So what other better way to attract tourist and keep our Clevelander's confident with their city; create a better entertainment destination (aka music and booze).
Previously, the Flats were known for their industrial legacy. But during the mid 20th century, the much of the industries and manufacturing companies closed leaving empty warehouses. Apparently there was so much pollution in the Cuyahoga River it caught on fire multiple times, but that's beside the point.
One of the remaining buildings in the West Bank was utilized for multiple bars, restaurants, and other venues. From there, other warehouses and buildings under went renovation in order to do the same. Cleveland's reputation did a complete 180 because of this addition to the Flats.
In the early 1990's the Flats as kids now will say was "lit." Many local bars and chain restaurants brought their business to Cleveland because of the high volume of people. I asked my own mother her opinion of the Flats and this was here response:
Sounds about right mom! The Flats, and overall Cleveland, was put back on the map as deserved. Housing developments soon followed the addition to the Flats which brought more people into the city.
Unfortunately, The Flats prosperous years was short-lived. After, three deaths in one month the city of Cleveland began to crackdown on many violations the restaurants and bars were committing. This caused a chain reaction of business closing.
The revival
After a steady decline in business, The Flats was just a barren area of depression. But with a few hopefully business savvy individuals, it was time to take this area back into the place many loyal Clevelanders grew up loving. With the addition of the Cleveland Aquarium in 2012, more people started to attract to The Flats again. But the big revival began in 2013 with the addition of three upscale venues to attract a more sophisticated clientele to The Flats.
With the success of the few facilities opened, in the summer of 2015 The Flats added nine new restaurants, bars, and clubs. Some big names include Punch Bowl Social, Flip Side Burger, Crop Rock, FWD Day + Nightclub, and Big Bang.
Present Day
Cleveland is on the rise for a better reputation because of The Flats and all of the business it is and will be bringing in. Some of the future and establishments that are seeking the Flats are very exciting. Rumor has it The Flats will host a festival of the arts in August. This festival is a three day event featuring musical acts, dance, fine arts, and I am sure some booze too. Also, the hit country group, is opening their first ever restaurant in The Flats! Appropriate, Rascal Flatts in the Flats... Get it? This restaurant should open late summer or early fall. Also, Jimmy Buffet's restaurant chain, Margaritaville, will also be debuting in The Flats as well.
I cannot wait to see the additions to The Flats! There is going to be such a diverse environment that will attract many to our wonderful home of Cleveland.
