Month: June 2025

CLEVELAND — A breath of fresh air is felt across Shaker Square Tuesday night as a new restaurant with a familiar face soft opened.

In January, after years of planning and critical repairs, the public got a look at what’s in the works for the re-envisioned Shaker Square, which was purchased in 2022 by two nonprofit organizations — Cleveland Neighborhood Progress and Burten, Bell, Carr Development Inc.

Retailers and neighbors have been watching firsthand as renovations gave a new life to the historic but aging shopping center. Recent improvements include new HVAC systems, new roofs, outdoor lighting, awnings, light fixtures and other updates to address 20 years of delayed routine maintenance.

Shaker Square recently released a request for proposals for its new vision, titled “A New Era for a Cleveland Classic,” aimed at attracting a mix of storefront tenants.

“Shaker Square has benefited from great momentum recently, and that brings us to a critical moment where it’s vital for us to conduct a comprehensive search for a lasting retail mix in line with what the neighborhood is looking for,” Tania Menesse, president and CEO of Cleveland Neighborhood Progress, co-owner of Shaker Square with Burton, Bell, Carr Development, Inc., said in a news release. “Through this initiative we’re truly casting a wide net, making the case to business owners that Shaker Square is the place to be.”

For many Northeast Ohioans, July 5, 2022, was a dark day in dining. That was the day Luchita’s Mexican Restaurant closed after a remarkable 40-year run. Family matriarch Maria de la Luz Galindo opened the restaurant in 1981, making it one of the first Mexican restaurants on Cleveland’s west side.

Since the closure, there have been rumblings about reviving the iconic local brand, but the right time, place and opportunity have not yet come together for the Galindo family. But now they have, says Reynaldo Galindo.

For the past six months, Galindo and partners Jorge Sierra and Elisa Maria Galindo have been reshaping the former Balaton space at Shaker Square into Coyoacán, a venture that was to combine a fast-casual Mexican eatery with bar and microbrewery serving regional Mexican food. After much consideration, the plan has shifted to dedicate the second space to a new Luchita’s.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Coyoacan Taqueria & Brew look to bring new energy to the northwest corner of Shaker Square when it opens next week.

Soft opening is scheduled 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 10.

Visitors will find a customize-your-own line for tacos, burritos, bowls and tortas as well as craft beer from business partner Compass Rose Brewery in Raleigh, N.C. Coyoacan has brewing equipment in the building and plans to make beer within the year. But that’s not all. The popular Luchita’s Mexican Restaurant — which closed its last location three years ago after a 40-year run — will rise again. A new version is part of the new Shaker Square address. Luchita’s signage will be installed once permits are in place.