Cleveland is gearing up for the launch of a new Italian restaurant, Ettore, which is scheduled to open in early 2028. This exciting venture is being spearheaded by acclaimed chef Douglas Katz, who has established himself as a key figure in the city’s culinary scene. The establishment will be situated in the Rose Building, a historic site with significant ties to the legacy of Chef Boyardee.
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The name Ettore pays homage to Ettore Boiardi, the Italian-American chef who created the Chef Boyardee brand we know today. Boiardi, who was born in Piacenza, Italy, adopted the Americanised spelling of his surname and went on to build a vast food empire. Additionally, he ran a restaurant in the very same building where Ettore will soon reside, creating a meaningful connection between the past and the future of Cleveland’s dining landscape.
Ettore is part of the ambitious Project Scarlet development, which is set to transform the area at East Ninth Street and Prospect Avenue. This multimillion-pound initiative involves substantial renovations to the historic Rose and Sloan buildings and will also include a new hotel and luxury apartments alongside the restaurant. The total investment in the project is estimated at $120 million, indicating the scale and ambition of the undertaking.
Chef Douglas Katz expressed his enthusiasm for the project in a recent Instagram post, stating, “Excited to be a part of this exciting project in downtown Cleveland!” Katz, who is known for his commitment to using locally sourced ingredients, aims to create a menu that reflects authentic Italian cuisine while providing a nod to Chef Boyardee’s interpretation of Italian food.
In an interview regarding the restaurant’s concept, Bhavin Patel, CEO and co-founder of Green Harvest Capital, explained that research indicated a strong appetite for Italian dining in Cleveland. “I said, ‘What kind of restaurant should I open in Cleveland, and here in this spot?’ The data came back: Italian,” Patel revealed. Following this insight, the team decided to enlist Katz for his expertise, and he quickly set off for Italy to immerse himself in the culinary traditions and flavours that will shape Ettore’s offering.
Historically, the same premises were home to the Chef Hector Restaurante, which was run by Boiardi himself prior to his rise to fame. Chef Boiardi’s legacy extends beyond his well-known canned products; he was also a talented chef who founded his brand on quality and flavour. Katz remembers him fondly, referring to Boiardi as “an amazing chef who created great restaurants.”
As Katz and his partners refine the restaurant’s vision, they aim to incorporate elements inspired by Boiardi’s original success. Patel highlighted plans to produce sauces on-site at Ettore, reminiscent of how Chef Boyardee first marketed his sauces in milk bottles. “That’s serendipity – you have to listen to that,” he remarked, signifying the team’s desire to create a dining experience that honours culinary history while innovating for contemporary tastes.
The creative team also envisions the restaurant capturing the essence of a traditional Italian dining experience. Clint Runge, CEO of Arrivals, stressed their goal to create a “neighbourhood Italian” restaurant that feels both welcoming and refined. He stated, “It’s comfortable, but it’s elevated, and with really, really great ingredients.” Katz echoed this sentiment, stating that his vision is for customers to share meals around a table, serving food that connects people, much like the Italian dining norms he wishes to honour.
As Cleveland awaits the opening of Ettore, excitement is palpable. This development not only promises to enrich the city’s food scene but also serves as a tribute to the legacy of a chef who made Italian cuisine accessible and beloved across America. With a strong emphasis on community, quality ingredients, and historical respect, Ettore is poised to become a cherished addition to Cleveland’s dining landscape in the coming years.