and Izzy Schachner, far right, after its “Embracing Ukraine” charity brunch.
| Photo / Elle Restaurant & Lounge
By Becky Raspe
Elle Restaurant & Lounge, a French-Italian restaurant in Solon created by co-owners Jay Leitson and Izzy Schachner, held an “Embracing Ukraine” charity brunch, resulting in a fully-booked reservation schedule and an approximately $5,000 donation to causes supporting Ukrainian women and children.
Tickets for the March brunch were $25 per person, with 100% of the proceeds going to those affected by the Russian invasion. Leitson told the Cleveland Jewish News at the time that due to the busy week staff had prior to the event, it was limited to about 150 guests to allow for a comfortable work flow and ample time for guests to order and eat. Donations were accepted as well.
“There was a really good flow and it was always relatively full,” Leitson says. “We gave people about an hour to eat so we could get new guests in quickly. Some ate faster than that, some slower. But, it worked out well.”
The best part of the event was the way the community came together, he says.
“I’m a very charitable guy and I’m so grateful we were able to do something like this,” he said. “I’m so thankful for the life I have, so if I can help someone out, I don’t hesitate. I’d love to do something like this again.”
Elle Restaurant & Lounge is at 33730 Bainbridge Road. Leitson and Schachner also own 56 Kitchen in Solon and Mayfield Heights, and Birdigo in Solon.