The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
REDHAWK GRILLE REMAINS A STAPLE
Redhawk Grille has served up hearty meals in Concord Township for over 20 years
“If you’re hungry, you should come here,” said Redhawk Grille General Manager Chris Hudak. “We like to fancy ourselves as heavy American fare.”
The Redhawk Grille has been satisfying hearty appetites in Concord Township for 25 years.
Hudak said when it opened in 1992, it served mostly beer and burgers.
“We’ve seen a fair share of changes and transitions,” he said. “However, our menu now has been very similar for a long time. We’re not trendy and we don’t try to follow pop culture. We give people what they really want to eat, like ribs and jambalaya.”
The most popular dish at the locally owned restaurant is the “New Orleans Jambalaya”.
“It is the most authentic jambalaya that you can get outside of New Orleans and it’s the perfect time of the year for it because it is Mardi Gras,” Hudak said. “We’ve had the same recipe now for 18 years.”
Many of these unchanging dishes appeal to the grille’s
large regular customer base. The restaurant’s location at 7481 Auburn Road also attracts a sizable lunch crowd from area businesses.
Since the Redhawk Grille is considered a scratch kitchen with fresh ingredients, Hudak said they can accommodate a variety of diets and preferences, such as gluten-free and vegetarian meals.
Painesville resident Michael Cummins, who frequents the eatery, said it is a “great place”.
“The food is good, they have a great bartender and the patio is amazing,” Cummins said.
The patio contains two full-service bars, a wood burning fireplace, a waterfall and a stage for live entertainment. There are also outdoor games, including bocce and cornhole.
“When the patio is opened, you will see over 500 guests here,” he said.
Over the years, Redhawk Grille owner Anthony Zappitelli has persevered in spite of challenges.
Hudak said in 2012, the grille suffered a fire that caused it to close for about five months.
The road construction on Crile and Auburn Road last year was yet another hurdle for the restaurant.
“It was brutal,” he said. “They essentially closed the entrance for almost 100 days and you could only get to us one way from Painesville city, unless you took a five-mile detour. We were definitely affected by it, but we made it because people still came. Here we are now — back on track like it never happened.”
Despite all of the challenges, Hudak said sales increased almost 200 percent in the last five years.
He credits the restaurant’s success to the outpouring of community support.
By the same token, the Redhawk Grille is very active in the community and supports local hospitals, schools and sports teams.
“I think the things that helped us be successful is the fact that we’re not chasing after something — we stick to our guns,” he said. “Also, what sets us apart from others is that we’re not a chain or a franchise and when someone waits on you here, you get a genuine experience.“
The grille is opened seven days a week from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The bar is open from 11:30 a.m. to 12 a.m. Monday and Tuesday; 11:30 to 2:30 a.m. Wednesday through Saturday and from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday.
For more information about the menu or hours of operation visit redhawkgrille.com.
“Also, what sets us apart from others is that we’re not a chain or a franchise and when someone waits on you here, you get a genuine experience.” —Redhawk Grille General Manager Chris Hudak