The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Local Tavern shutting doors on Mentor Ave.
Sign indicates building in need of repairs
It appears that another restaurant has come and gone from the Sawyer House building in Mentor.
Reports that Local Tavern closed on the site are being circulated in the community. Signs on the building, at 9470 Mentor Ave., say, “Sorry for the inconvenience; this old building will be closed for much needed repairs. Please come join us today at any of our other fun locations.”
The website, golocaltavern.com, doesn’t shed any light on the situation, but its Facebook page lists the status as “May be permanently closed,” based on reports from Facebook users.
Attempts to reach owner Tim Roush were unsuccessful.
The restaurant opened in June 2013 in the partstone 1823 structure, which is on the National Register of Historic places.
It was renovated from an office use for Phil’s Ribs. It’s also been home to Grinders, Frank and Pauly’s and Sawyer House, which had the longest restaurant run in the spot to-date.
“I don’t believe it was a location or competition issue,” Mentor Economic & Community Development Director Ronald M. Traub.
He said Local Tavern was still open as of Sept. 25, when he visited. “We’re contacting other restauranteurs that might be interested in this opportunity.”
“Of course, I’m disappointed that they closed,” he said.
“It’s independent restaurants like this one that give residents and out-oftowners a reason to visit our city.”
Local Tavern Group also had a hand in opening a tavern in Willoughby Hills, Fish Bar in Painesville, and Taco Local and Local Sol in Downtown Willoughby.