Hailed as an “iconic,” award-winning restaurant, Sokolowski’s University Inn announced it would permanently close after nearly a century of serving Clevelanders.
Sokolowski’s has served favorite Polish dishes since its opening in 1923, powering through World War II, recessions, Tremont’s revitalization and more, up until the COVID-19 pandemic, the Cleveland Scene pointed out.
The restaurant, which won the James Beard “American Classics” award in 2014, closed its doors in March, when the pandemic began.
The Sokolowski family has operated the restaurant for generations, currently operated by siblings Bernie Sokolowski, Mike Sokolowski and Mary Lou Sokolowski.
Bernie Sokolowski explained to Ideastream that operating as a carryout-only restaurant in the early days of the pandemic didn’t draw enough income to cover expenses.
"Unfortunately our time is up," Mike Sokolowski explained in a statement. "My brother and I have battled health issues with leg problems ( old sports injuries) and other sicknesses, and combined with the COVID-19 it was just too much for my sister Mary Lou to carry the load. She’s a tough woman but it was too much. We always planned on making it to 100 years and then getting out. Covid just sped up our decision unfortunately. Cleveland, Northeast Ohio, and Americans abroad have been so good to us with their support. We were extremely blessed by our Lord and Savior. I can’t thank Cleveland enough. It will always be home!"
19News noted that Mike Sokolowski added that he plans to release a cook book, so Sokolowski University Inn fans might not have heard the last of them yet.
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