Louigi's Now Accepting Credit Cards!

Dave Jackson00:00:32

Foreign it's the Akron podcast for Tuesday, April 21st. Our website, akron podcast.com. Oh, we are starting off. This is like breaking news. Holy cow. It's a Christmas miracle in the middle of June.Are you ready for this? Luigi's Pizza in downtown Akron. The only thing really worth coming to Akron, Ohio for is. Well, maybe not. All right, that's a little harsh.Is finally accepting credit cards? Are you kidding me? So overdue. Holy. And I know it was part of the charm. No, it was part of a pain in the ass. I was like, wait, what?And then you had to go back to the little machine and then give them the paper. You had to do the hokey poke. If they could only design a way to get in and out of the place, now that would be great.But it's a step in the right direction. I love Luigi's Pizza and any kind of report that says it's not the number one pizza in Akron is full of absolute crap.So I know where I'm going when I get done recording this. In other restaurant news, we got NYA with an update about the Macaroni Grill.

Naya00:01:52

One of the last remaining Ohio locations of Romano's Macaroni Grill has closed its doors, with all contents now up for sale through an online auction. So if you never had the chance to get a good case of the skids, you missed out.The restaurant, located at 41 Springside Drive in Akron, had operated for years as a destination for Italian dining in the Fairlawn area, known for its open concept kitchen, white paper tablecloths with crayon drawings and Mediterranean style design. The the location was established during the brand's national expansion. We hate to see it go and wish the best to all employees.

Dave Jackson00:02:37

And speaking of businesses having a hard time, let's throw it over to Bill.

BIll00:02:42

It doesn't do any good to have all this construction in downtown Akron to improve things if we kill the current businesses trying to make it downtown. Akron business owners say inconsistent foot traffic, especially on days without events, is making it difficult to stay open.Andrew Dibble, owner of Bar Phoenix, says the real challenge isn't weekends or big events, but the slower weekdays when few people come downtown.While he's encouraged by the upcoming reopening of Lock 3 and believes it could bring new energy to the area, he says more needs to be done to promote activity throughout the entire week.Dibble, who opened Bar Phoenix last June, says the current atmosphere is a far cry from what he remembers 15 to 20 years ago, when South Main street was packed with crowds, lines and a vibrant nightlife scene.Now, he says, that energy is largely missing, and businesses are still feeling the lingering effects of COVID Along with reduced habits of going out, construction is another major hurdle. Road closures and ongoing projects near South Main street and Bowery street are making it difficult for customers to access downtown.Alan Kuhl described the situation as a nightmare, saying even simple routes require confusing lane shifts and detours. Some businesses are already feeling the financial strain.The Lockview restaurant has reportedly turned to the community for help through a GoFundMe campaign highlighting how serious the situation has become for some longtime establishments.

Dave Jackson00:04:26

You know, I hate to hear that, but I also know that you might be thinking, yeah, but when I was in college, we all went to the bars. Kids aren't the way we were when we were growing up.So as much as the Akron U Bars, which used to be on exchange and, you know, things like that, they're now kind of downtown. Except what's up with these kids today, not wanting to go out and party in the middle of the week? Meanwhile, over at the Akron Zoo, there.

Naya00:04:57

Are two new spotted turtles at the Akron Zoo. Here is their press release.The Akron Zoo partners with the Save and Protect Ohio Turtle Diversity SPOTD Committee, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and our friends at the Cleveland Metro Park Zoo to help rebuild the native population numbers of spotted turtles. Your Akron Zoo is a proud member of the association of Zoos and Aquariums AZA North American Turtle Safe Program.SAFE stands for saving animals from extinction and is a program whose mission is to combine the power of zoo and aquarium visitors with the resources and collective expertise of AZ Day A members and partners to save animals from extinction. Your Akron Zoo supports field conservation efforts locally and globally to help protect our species and planet through our Wildlife Fund.Our Wildlife Fund is established through 3% of our earned revenue at the GATE and philanthropic donations. You can also help support our conservation efforts by simply visiting your zoo and.

Dave Jackson00:06:02

The Akron Children's Hospital Got some Good news?

Naya00:06:05

Akron Children's Hospital has received a historic 50 million doll donation from philanthropist Tom Golisano, the largest gift in the hospital's history.The unrestricted funding will support several major priorities, including expanding clinical services in underserved communities across Northeast and Southeast Ohio, enhancing care for congenital heart disease in cancer patients, and improving access to behavioral health services. It will also help launch new programs focused on patient engagement and nursing excellence.In recognition of the gift, the hospital's Akron campus will be renamed the Akron Children's Golisano Campus Hospital President and CEO Chris Gesner said the donation will accelerate efforts to deliver more accessible, high quality pediatric care closer to where families live. Goli sano, founder of Paychex, has donated more than $1 billion to hospitals and educational institutions nationwide.He also founded the Golisano foundation, one of the largest private foundations focused on supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.This gift also strengthens Akron Children's role in the Golisano Children's Alliance, a group of 15 children's hospitals across the US working to improve pediatric care through collaboration and innovation.Hospital leaders say the funding comes at a critical time as Akron Children's continues expanding into areas like Cleveland, Medina and Marietta with the goal of increasing access to care and addressing growing needs in pediatric and maternal child health.

Dave Jackson00:07:44

Thank you, NYA Next up, we've got a story about Pizza Fest the Akron.

Naya00:07:52

Pizza Fest has locked in dates for its 2026 event. The fest is Friday and Saturday, August 28 to 29.The location remains the Lock 3 Festival Grounds on Main street next to Akron Civic Theater downtown. Previously, the fest was held over Labor Day weekend. The new dates mean fewer high profile fairs and fests occurring on the same weekend.

Dave Jackson00:08:17

What people making sense in just a second we got more news coming right up. We always like to point out the good, but we occasionally have to point out, well, the bad.

Liam00:10:17

A troubling trend is emerging across Ohio. Nursing homes are increasingly discharging vulnerable patients to homeless shelters.In one case, a woman with a walker, diabetes, a fractured leg and dementia was dropped off at a shelter in Columbus, confused, incontinent and unsure how she got there. Shelter staff were so concerned, they called the fire department. Federal inspectors say this isn't an isolated incident.At least seven Ohio nursing homes have been cited in recent years for attempting or carrying out similar discharges. Experts say many of these patients are older, medically fragile and lack family support.And homeless shelters simply aren't equipped to care for people who may need complex medical attention or multiple daily medications. Advocates say these situations often end badly, with patients ending up back in the hospital within days.While officials stress these cases are still relatively rare, there are signs they're becoming more common, possibly driven by financial pressures, including Medicaid funding cuts and rising healthcare costs. In some cases, facilities have violated federal rules, failing to give proper notice, provide medications or ensure a safe discharge plan.One patient, after 22 years in a nursing home, was reportedly sent to a shelter without warning medication supplies or even basic identification documents. State advocates say nursing homes are legally required to ensure discharges are safe and appropriate.But when that doesn't happen, the consequences can be severe.

Dave Jackson00:11:50

Yeah, you think, holy cow. You drop somebody off at a homeless shelter and they need round the clock care? This is crazy.Of links to the full story out@akanpodcast.com and of course we have to report on the police.

Liam00:12:06

The city of Akron has agreed to pay $24,000 to settle an excessive force lawsuit involving Akan police. The case centers on Terrell Battles, who was injured during a June 2024 traffic stop in West Akron near East and Wildwood avenues.According to the lawsuit, Officer Warren Sprague punched Battles multiple times, sending him to the hospital with a broken nose, facial cuts and a concussion. Battles says he hopes his case brings attention to police use of force, stating he doesn't want others to go through what he experienced.City officials say the settlement is not an admission of wrongdoing, but rather a financial decision made on legal advice. This is the second lawsuit involving Officer Sprague in two years.

Dave Jackson00:12:48

That's the part that drives me nuts. All right, continue.

Liam00:12:51

A previous case in 2023 was settled for $15,000, bringing the total payouts tied to the officer to $39,000.

Dave Jackson00:13:00

If you cost your company 39 grand, would you still have a job?

Liam00:13:03

An independent police auditor found that Sprague used excessive force in the incident and said one of the punches could have been fatal. The auditor recommended discipline or additional training.

Dave Jackson00:13:13

You think?

Liam00:13:14

Meanwhile, the city says it is taking use of force concerns seriously and is awaiting recommendations from an independent review of of police policies.

Dave Jackson00:13:22

I mean, call me crazy, but haven't we had multiple independent studies? I, you know, I'm just. Okay, whatever. Andrew's got news about, well, what was formerly the mgm. That whole thing is, well, this big.

Andrew00:13:40

Change happening at MGM Northfield park, and it comes with a bit of a throwback name.The Rational is being rebranded as simply Northfield Park Racino as a new operator takes over following MGM's $546 million sale to a fund managed by Clairvest Group Inc. To make the switch. The facility will temporarily close April 20th through the 22nd, with reopening dependent on final regulatory approval.For visitors, most things will feel familiar. Horse racing, sports betting, gaming machines, restaurants and scheduled shows are all sticking around.The biggest visible changes a new name, a renamed Tap Sports Bar, now Overtime Grill and Bar, and the departure of MGM's iconic gold lion statue, which will be relocated to another MGM property. The site itself has deep roots in Northeast Ohio, dating back to the 1930s as a horse track long before casino gaming arrived in 2009.And with a 25 year lease now in place through VC Properties. This isn't a short term change, it's the start of a new chapter for a long time.

Dave Jackson00:14:44

Local landmark Speaking of the former MGM Northfield park this week, Kenny Wayne shepherd if you're into blues guitarist, he's doing the 30th anniversary tour of Ledbetter Heights that is on the 25th. As we look into May, don't forget Rita's Italian Ice and Frozen Custard. Grand opening is May 2nd.Links to that out in Akron podcast.com for Fog Hat and Nazareth are coming to the Goodyear Theater nexstar Talent Competition. If you want to get found, that's going to be at the Civic. That's the April or I'm sorry, May 8th through the 10th.Molly Tuttle and Maggie Rose is going to be at the Kent Stage. That's May 15th.Leo Kotke, great folk guitar player, May 16th at the Kent Stage and Steve Earl, 51 years of songs and Stories at the Goodyear Theater. I did want to let you know Devo is playing at the Civic Theater. Those tickets are almost all sold out. I got mine and it was not cheap.It's literally like the last row in the balcony of the Civic and it was 73 bucks and I was like, yeah, but it's Devo. Beth Hart tickets go on sale this week. She's gonna be at the Northfield Park Racino. If you've never heard of Beth Hart, great singer.That's going to be September 10th. Whose line is It Anyway? That is coming October along with Brad Williams. The comedian will be at the Northfield Racino.So that's just some of the dates out at the event calendar. You can find that by going to akronpodcast.com events.