By Maggie Phillips
This semester has brought about many challenges for Cleveland State and its surrounding community. With less campus foot traffic due to the high number of remote classes, many students are unaware of how on-campus businesses are faring with reduced clientele.
Some classic CSU dining options have been temporarily closed, like Joe Maxx Coffee Co. and Chapati, while others have closed for good. However, the pandemic has not halted the opening of other new delicious food spots within walking distance of the university.
N’Joy Restaurant
CSU students who have been on campus for a couple of years will likely remember the Jimmy John’s that was located across from the Music and Communications Building on Euclid Avenue. Like many other Jimmy John’s locations in the area, the restaurant closed its doors and remained empty for quite some time- until N’Joy moved in.
At first glance, the venue’s decor looks strikingly similar to the Jimmy John’s that was previously there. Even the signage on the storefront uses a similar- if not identical- font to Jimmy John’s. However, the menus of the restaurants could not be any more different.
N’Joy boasts a wide variety of breakfast and lunch options, but it’s specialty is its decadent crepes. On one side of the spectrum, the restaurant serves uniquely savory crepes, such as the pizza or chicken alfredo crepe. On the other end, N’Joy makes bold, sweet crepes with fillings such as nutella, various fruits, and even Oreos. If crepes don’t interest you, they also offer sandwiches, salads, smoothies, and more.
The restaurant opened in early November and is open every day of the week. Its hours are 8 am to 6:30 pm Monday through Friday, 9 am to 4 pm on Saturday, and 10 am to 4 pm on Sunday. Feel free to check out their menu and more photos of their enticing options on their website.
Fahey Bakehouse
Bloom Bakery was another reliable on-campus dining option, with tasty coffee and other breakfast foods. It closed about a year ago, but has re-opened as the new and improved Fahey Bakehouse.
Whether you’re in the mood for a sweet pastry, warm cup of coffee, or healthy salad, Fahey Bakehouse is a cozy space with options for everyone. Its staff prepare delicious food and create a welcoming environment, very reminiscent of the former Bloom Bakery.
In addition to its artisan baked goods and other menu items, Fahey Bakehouse is dedicated to its mission of hiring individuals with barriers to employment. Its Facebook page also mentions “all proceeds will be donated to kick-ass non-profits such as the Trevor Project and LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland.”
Fahey Bakehouse is open Monday through Friday from 7 am to 5 pm. You can find their menu and more information on their Facebook Page.
Erie Island Coffee Co. reopening
Located on the corner of 18th street and Euclid Avenue, the on-campus branch of Erie Island Coffee Co. opened up last fall. The store closed temporarily at the beginning of the pandemic, but recently reopened to serve the campus community.
With limited hours and a limited menu, Erie Island Coffee Co. still provides a wide variety of hot drinks, including its signature drip coffee, mochas, and other seasonal favorites. Its food menu has been greatly consolidated, but still offers a variety of high-quality bagel sandwich options, which are from Cleveland Bagel Company.
Erie Island Coffee Co. is open Monday through Thursday from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm. They offer a happy hour from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm, where you can get $1 drip coffee and $0.50 off espresso. For more information, click here.
Overall, the local stores and restaurants on CSU’s campus are stepping up to serve our community during this uncertain time. As good as a cup of coffee from a corporate coffee chain might sound, it is important to invest in these local businesses and let them know we appreciate the benefits they bring to our community.
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