By Becky Raspe
Mendel’s Kansas City BBQ is planning a late summer or early fall opening at the former Lucy’s Sweet Surrender bakery building at 20314 Chagrin Blvd. in Shaker Heights.
Its namesake, Mendel Segal, told the Cleveland Jewish News he was attracted to the area because his wife has family in Cleveland. Another iteration of the concept is based in Miami, Fla., called Mendel’s Backyard Barbecue, which has been open for five years.
“I did some research on the community and saw the Jewish community is growing like crazy,” Segal says. “I think it’s right for the business. And the Shaker Heights area too is growing, and it’s become a real food destination.”
The restaurant will be a full-service kosher operation, specializing in dishes like brisket, smoked pastrami, beef ribs, beef back ribs, smoked veal brisket, lamb ribs, smoked turkey, burnt ends and smoked chicken. A full craft beer menu and liquor license is also planned. Other menu items will include soups, salads, wings, burgers, fish and steak.
“I don’t just want to sell good kosher barbecue – I want to sell good barbecue, period,” Segal says. “It’s exciting stuff.”
More details will come as the shop readies to open. Visit cjn.org for updates.