YUM YUM and lots of fun are all I have to say!!!
There is a new hotspot in "The Valley" – Merriman Valley to be exact, Tasty Jones. This bar & grille is something different!
Tasty Jones' features 5 huge flat screen TVs (one that is going to drop from the ceiling), alligator shaped stools, and an indoor bocce ball court! There is a no guest left behind policy, all patrons are to sign a wall in the back hallway of the restaurant. TJ boasts a new kitchen and chef that are sure to please. The menu features fun foods items like fried baloney, thick juicy gourmet burgers, and crisp salads!
The soft opening was June 30th and it was fun!! The owners Jamie and Greg Jones (Father/Daughter Duo) are amazing people. They saw a retail space that was pretty sad/depressing and converted it to a space that has an indoor waterfall, stone/copper features, and a theme that is very Luigi's Restaurant meets Potterybarn! Jamie took charge like a heroine in a romance novel! She decided this was the spot, hurdled obstacles (the space needed some TLC, old equipment, and your basic new restaurant budget), and created beauty. She has assembled a small army of people that are there to ensure your evening is fun and something different!
WHICH – brings me to my point!! (Since I do not cover all the special spots opening in town) Real estate is funny like that. I helped Jamie/Greg select this spot – we looked at a couple different sites. When she started her search it was in another city and size space. They played with the idea of buying vs leasing. Jamie was going to be a new entrepreneur. They created a plan and made it work – she was more than a dreamer. They were creative in the solutions for their hurdles.
Ok – no more about the "wonders of real estate" speech. Tasty Jones is a fun great spot – go and visit!! If you are thinking about starting a new business, sit down and be realistic about build out, time to occupancy, and the possibility of being in the red for over a year. (Start up/ construction costs) It is a good time to get what you want!!
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
you should have led them out of the valley….not only is it a horrible time to open restaurants (90% fail in the first year) but the valley is really taking a hit. Business is down 20 to 25 %…..jamie may know how to bartend but running a successful restaurant is a whole other story.
Your comment is definitely accurate, in some respects. Things are more difficult economically. The bar/restaurant business and “The Valley” can both be difficult areas to maneuver but there are a lot of restaurant/ businesses in that area that have been very successful and over the long term: Scorcher's, The Grotto, Michael's AM, even McDonald's to name a few. The demographics for "The Valley" are better than most areas in Akron as well as neighboring cities. We were methodical about this location. She is in a good place!
Plus, while spending is down in many areas of the county, if you have a good concept, now is as good a time as any to make it work. People are definitely tighter with their dollars but they also are so deprived of entertainment/good places to go that something this well thought out is bound to be successful!
Love your comment – thank you for reading!!
Where exactly is this place….address??? What use to be where they are???
Sounds good and I love family run places.
1702 Merriman Road – In the Valley!!! Check it out!
It's kind of by Mariachis in the valley, to the right of it though by Certified Nerds.
I'm itching to check this place out. I hear AWESOME comments about it as well as their live music selections… I have to get there!
Check it out – very cool!
I freakin love this place.. Props to jamie for nailing the style and demographic.
All I have to say is Indoor Boche Ball, and Giant Jenga!!!
Check her website for address and google map: http://www.TastyJones.com
I am glad you like it – hopefully you shared with Jamie too!! Tia