ACG Cleveland Luncheon: Cleveland's Post-Pandemic Restaurant Recovery

Marc Bona is a features writer focusing on food, wine, beer and sports for cleveland.com. He previously worked in assorted editing roles for The Plain Dealer in Cleveland, The Post-Tribune in Gary, Indiana; The Times Union in Albany, New York; The Detroit News, San Antonio Light and The Dallas Morning News. He is also the author of “Hidden History of Cleveland Sports” (The History Press / Arcadia Publishing, 2021) and “The Game Changer,” an all-ages football-mystery that came out in 2018. He is the winner of numerous Cleveland Press Club writing awards and a graduate of the University of Iowa, he lives in Akron with his wife Lynne Sherwin and their rescue pup Addie.

Chris Hodgson is a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu who, inspired by the food trucks he saw while living in New York City, brought the very first food truck to the city of Cleveland in 2010. His truck, Dim and Den Sum, gained a cult following and helped pave the way for Cleveland’s food truck culture. Chris’ second truck, Hodge Podge Truck, achieved nationwide recognition when he finished second on Food Network’s The Great Food Truck Race and was featured on Food Network’s Unique Eats as well as Eat Street.

2013, Chris and partner Scott Kuhn launched Green Rooster Farms, and Green Rooster Creamery. In 2014, Bin 216, all in Playhouse Square.  

Chris is also a consulting chef for the Driftwood Restaurant Group and president of Driftwood Catering. He was runner up in the Silver Spoon Awards, coming in second to celebrity chef Michael Symon. In 2012, Chris was named one of Cleveland Magazine’s Most Interesting People. In 2013, Chris was a finalist on Food Network’s Food Network Star and in 2014, named FOOD AND WINE's People's Best New Chef for the Great Lakes Region.

Chris Kneeland is the Managing Partner of Rosewood Grill, a Hospitality Restaurants’ concept operating three restaurant properties. With thirty years in the hospitality industry, Chris has spent the majority of his career with a specific focus in beverage management and daily operations.  As Managing Partner, he collaborates with senior partners and closely supervises marketing and financial performance.  For Chris, spending time in a restaurant, greeting guests and orchestrating a shift continues to spark the same fire that motivated him in his early years. 

When Chris is away from work, you’ll find him spending quality time with his wife, Annie and their daughter, Adeline. 

The first Winking Lizard Tavern opened its doors in 1983, nestled on Miles Road in Bedford Heights, this locally owned and family operated establishment has many meanings for many people.

Lane is the co-owner of the Winking Lizard brand, Winks Bar & Grille and Lizardville. He's also a student of beer, as can be easily surmised by the extensive and eclectic offerings at his various establishments. European brewing has informed his tastes and he's tried to bring those sensibilities and beers to Cleveland. Lane is not only appreciated locally for his knowledge and passion but also over in the homeland of many of the beers he brings to his restaurants. In 2012, he was awarded the honorary title of Sir John Lane, knighted by the Belgium Brewer's Mash Staff. 

Opened in Lakewood in 2017, Jill Vedaa and Jessica Parkinson of Salt set out to create a dining experience that is so much more than a place to eat. Salt believes that the sharing of small plates facilitates a more meaningful experience where you can savor memorable moments together with everyone at the table. The seasonal menu is designed to offer you more than just food on a plate. Each dish is a thoughtful composition of textures, colors and globally-inspired flavors that pair well with the unique wines and inventive cocktails crafted in house.

Jill being the daughter of a chef, meant time spent with dad was time in the kitchen. As time passed, and completing the first Culinary Program at Lakewood High School, she decided that front of the house was where she wanted to be. Working her way through some of the finest dining restaurants in Cleveland, she found management was her best attribute. A 10 day trip to Napa, California opened her up to an amazing world of wine and she continues to build relationships with wineries and winemakers, still. Jessica enjoys all aspects of the restaurant industry and is passionate about educating anyone that will listen when it comes to wine, spirits, and overall a well thought out dining experience.

Karen Small, a staunch supporter of sustainable agriculture, is the Owner and Executive Chef of The Flying Fig. She felt inspired to be part of the rebirth of the downtown neighborhoods in the 90's and her passion for feeding people good food have allowed her to do just that. Karen opened the Fig in 1999 and has continued to contribute to the community through the restaurant’s warm environment, nonprofit work, and teaching cooking classes to encourage healthy eating for children and financially challenged members of the Ohio City community.  

Karen is also a semifinalist for the 2018 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Award, a coveted achievement among the food community.