CLEVELAND — The Old Fashion Hot Dogs restaurant, in Ohio City, had to close its doors after 92 years. In June, an iconic part of the neighborhood was taken down. But thanks to another business, the restaurant’s legacy will be persevered in a unique way. And that’s a good sign.
“We always say we don’t just sell things at All Things for You, we sell memories,” said Tim Yanko the Owner of All Things for You.
From the retro and cool, to memories from childhood, the store is an eclectic collection of furniture and accessories. The goal, the keep the memories alive and out of the dumpster. So, when the Sorma family, owners of the Old Fashion Hot Dogs, needed help selling their sign, they asked All Things for You. Who had a different idea.
“My partner Dwight and I decided we are going to purchase it, because we want to keep it here in the neighborhood,” said Yanko.
In early June, the sign came down and moved into its new home, just a few doors down Lorain Avenue. You see, the businesses have been neighbors for the last 2 and a half years.
“I think they were relieved and happy. From one family to the next family to the All Things for You family,” said Yanko.
The bulbs are bright again, the neon temping, beckoning you come inside, not for a meal but to remember. A menu board, a chili pot and stools, all will be part of a future display full of memories. The word about the sign has gotten out.
“I can’t tell you the overwhelming reactions we had on the sign and people wanting to purchase it. And then, of course, we have to disappoint them and say we are keeping it,” said Yanko.
Yanko has his own long history with the restaurant.
“Well, certainly we ate hot dogs every other day when we moved into this space here. But my father brought me to the Hot Dog Inn when I was a little boy,” recalls Yanko.
The restaurant sits empty. Now, in a small way its legacy lives on.
“People are happy we have the sign and we are going to keep it here in the neighborhood and display it so people can see it,” said Yanko.
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