Woodmere — Signage for Kintaro All You Can Eat Sushi & Hot Pot has been placed in the storefront of the former Corky & Lenny’s Restaurant & Deli at 27901 Chagrin Blvd. in Woodmere, marking the end of one era and the beginning of another for the iconic Village Square shopping plaza location.
The transition comes just over a year after Corky & Lenny’s closed its doors in December 2023 after 67 years of serving Northeast Ohio, bringing an emotional end to what many considered the heart of Cleveland’s Jewish dining scene.
End of an Institution
Corky & Lenny’s was founded by Sanford “Corky” Kurland and Lenny Kaden in 1956, initially in Cedar Center before the current Woodmere spot at 27091 Chagrin Blvd opening later in 1973. The deli became synonymous with overstuffed corned beef sandwiches, matzo ball soup, and generations of family celebrations.
“It really comes down to a staffing issue,” said co-owner Amanda Kurland. “There were not enough employees to cover the amount of work that it was. It just got to be too stressful, too physically, mentally and emotionally draining.”
The closure wasn’t due to lack of customers. Amanda Kurland, wife of Corky’s son, Kenny, told Fox 8 that they’re not closing due to a lack of business. The restaurant, like many others in Northeast Ohio, had trouble keeping a full staff after the pandemic. Kurland said they had 80 employees before the pandemic. Since then, they have had about 33.
“We’ve been honored to be a part of countless special moments, from first dates to weddings, from real estate deals to after bris luncheons. Corky’s has been there, and we’ve been proud to serve the community,” Amanda Kurland reflected on the restaurant’s legacy.
New Chapter: Kintaro’s Expansion
Taking over the space is Kintaro, a popular all-you-can-eat sushi and hot pot restaurant. Owner Zhixin Lu opened the first Kintaro (7325 North Cliff Ave.) at Ridge Park Square in Brooklyn back in 2016. Next up was Fairview Park (3111 Westgate Mall), which opened in 2019. Since those early days, Kintaro has gone on to add locations in West Park (3364 Warren Rd.), Willowick (33550 Vine St.) and Akron (4054 Medina Rd.).
The secret to the local restaurant group’s success is a menu that offers unlimited sushi and hot pot, both at qualities that far exceed their price tags.
What to Expect at Kintaro
Fans have been packing Kintaro in Brooklyn at Ridge Park Square (7325 North Cliff Ave.) for all-you-can-eat sushi and hot pot since owner Zhixin Lu opened the restaurant in October 2016. The concept offers two main dining experiences:
All-You-Can-Eat Sushi: For the price of $25.99, a diner instead can order unlimited sushi. The options include not only an expansive selection of sashimi, nigiri, maki and hand rolls, but also classic sushi items like miso soup, edamame, gyoza and tempura. But wait, there’s more. These meals also include chicken teriyaki and hibachi-style foods like salmon and steak with fried rice.
Hot Pot Experience: On the hot pot side: Kintaro’s full-color pictorial menu includes 75 items, all but a few of which can be ordered again and again. The variety is staggering, ranging from everyday add-ins like bean sprouts, broccoli and shrimp to offbeat foods like chicken gizzards, pig liver and beef balls.
At lunch, the AYCE sushi drops to $15.99 and the hot pot to $10.99, but swaps the time limit for a 10-item limit.
Community Impact
Woodmere Mayor Benjamin Holbert III reacted to the news with the following statement: “It is with a heavy heart that we learn of the somber news about Corky and Lenny’s, an institution that holds a special place in the history of our beloved village.”
The mayor noted that Corky and Lenny’s is the third family-owned business to close in the last few months. Others to shut their doors include Paladar and Mitchell’s Fish Market.
While the space will serve vastly different cuisine, the Woodmere location continues the legacy of being a gathering place for the community. Hot pot is a fun way to eat with friends. The tables have inset hot pot burners, and you choose your menu items, ranging from the broth, vegetables and fish and meat.
An opening date for the Woodmere Kintaro location has not been announced.
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