The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Noosa project gets financial boost
Restaurant renovation receives MEACO loan
Noosa Bistro owners are getting a hand with their investment in renovations to the old Brown Derby in Mentor.
The Mentor Economic Assistance Corporation awarded a $25,000 Small Business Loan toward the estimated $130,000 cost to transform the 9500 Diamond Centre Drive site. The loan is for five years at a 3 percent interest rate.
“It’s going to help us a lot,” said Robert Stanovsek, who co-owns Noosa with wife Susan. He noted that the funds will be used to pay off investments in constructing a new wall in the restaurant, for kitchen equipment and for flooring.
“The interior remodeling is mostly done,” Stanovsek said.
He hopes to open next week, but is awaiting the OK from Mentor Fire Department, which required an updated fire suppression system.
Since 1983, not-forprofit MEACO has been working in conjunction with the city of Mentor, U.S. Small Business Administration and local banks to provide low-interest loans to Northeast Ohio businesses to advance and promote economic and civic development in Mentor.
The project fits well with the loan program’s mission, MEACO Executive Director Tom Thielman said. It will retain eight full-time and six part-time positions, and potentially add up to two more full-timers and nine part-time jobs within the next two years.
“Anytime the Mentor Small Business Loan fund can be used to help an existing Mentor business expand, improve, or in this case with Noosa Grill, relocate, it’s a positive for the community,” Thielman said, adding that the owner has operated a successful restaurant in Mentor for 20 years. Originally called Redback Jack’s, it was rebranded as Noosa in 2002.
The couple closed the restaurant at its former location, 7418 Mentor Ave., after Father’s Day. An AutoZone is being built on the spot.
The Stanovseks took the opportunity to relaunch the restaurant with a new look and expanded menu. Robert Stanovsek described the new location as “a bistro gastro pub.”
“Like an upscale pub atmosphere and pub pricing with chef-quality food,” he said.
About half of the most popular menu items will be retained, while several new selections are planned, such as gourmet burgers, craft beers and pizzas.
“The biggest difference will be price point,” Stanovsek said.
The establishment will seat about 170 indoors, among the bar and two dining areas.
The proposed hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.