Burntwood Tavern Expanding Into Cuyahoga Falls

Editor's note: Patch Local Editor John Deike authored this post.

If all goes to plan, the Burntwood Tavern will open its fifth location in Cuyahoga Falls along the city's historic riverfront corridor within the next two months. 

It may come as no surprise that the restaurant features smoked, planked and wood-grilled food, but critics and patrons alike have been caught off guard by the rapid growth and uncharacteristic success of the comfort food-style eatery.

Owners Bret Adams, Dave and Fran Miller and managing partner Ian Hopkins opened the first Burntwood in 2010 in Chagrin Falls, and have since opened locations in Brecksville, Rocky River and Solon, according to burntwoodtavern.com.

Translation: The restaurant should only mean good things for the Falls River Square District, which is trying to develop its way into something more than shuttered storefronts and vacant spaces. 

Once Samira unexpectedly closed this past January, Cuyahoga Falls Development Director Sue Truby contacted Burntwood's ownership in hopes of luring them into a district the city envisions is ripe for growth. 

"I am certain that this location on the Cuyahoga River, coupled with the dam removal, and all the downtown festivities, led to their decision to locate here," said Truby. 

For the complete Burntwood Tavern history and menu, click here.