Mean Mugs Pub relocating to old Eat’n Park site

New place offers more space, opportunity for private parties

David Klein had every intention of reopening his restaurant in Mentor after the coronavirus caused such establishments to temporarily close.

The owner of Mean Mugs Pub first opened in April 2018 at 9055 Mentor Ave. in the old Pacer’s Ribs location, and business was going well prior to the statewide shutdown mandate last March.

“The plan was to adjust our menu and set up for take-out,” Klein said. “At the same time, we took the opportunity to refinish the wood floors in the dining room. Unfortunately, towels from the renovation ignited, destroying our kitchen.

“This was quite a blow to our entire team as we had every intention of working through COVID and the challenges ahead.”

Now another new opportunity is making way for the restaurateur to start afresh. He is in the process of renovating the vacant Eat’N Park site in Mentor.

The project was recently revealed on Mean Mugs’ Facebook page.

“We are extremely excited about our new location at 7061 Chillicothe Road,” Klein said, adding that the 7,400-square-foot building is about 2,000 square feet bigger than the previous site.

The plan is to build a full-service patio bar and outdoor dining area at the front of the building, facing Walgreens.

“The interior will have a 30-person bar with ample TV viewing and a cozy dining room,” he said. “In addition, we have space for a private party room that can accommodate 30 to 40 people.

“The parking is much better, and it is exceedingly easier to get in and out of.”

The menu will remain true to the original concept with American pub fare, such as loaded burgers, pizza, wings, seasonal specials, deep-fried Oreos and various cocktails.

The hope is to be open in July. The project still requires city Planning Commission approval.

The eatery will employ 30 people, and most of his crew is coming back.

“I have an amazing team,” he said. “They all were there helping after the fire and have already been helping with the new location.”

BETSY SCOTT — THE NEWS-HERALD David Klein is working to renovate the former Eat’n Park restaurant in Mentor for his new Mean Mugs Pub location.