A Local Institution to Relocate

"We're not closing, we're relocating," stresses Bruce Ferris, third-generation owner of Ferris Steak House (8700 Detroit Ave., 216.281.1437). At 69 years old, Ferris is easily one of Cleveland’s oldest restaurants, established in 1940 by Bruce’s grandparents, Adele and Ellis Ferris. For decades, the saloon-style eatery dished up quality steaks and chops in a relaxed family atmosphere. But come summer, the operation will relocate to the old Swingos on the Lake location, which closed earlier this year. “When we shut down lunches for the first time in history, I knew it was time to start looking for a new location,” explains Ferris. “When Swingos came up for grabs, it just felt like a good fit.” Sitting just three miles from the original spot, the new restaurant will attract both new and old customers, some of whom have been coming for 50 years. Ferris promises that the new digs, while bigger and spiffier, will not change the restaurant’s approach. “We’re not going high-end,” he says. “I know what our clientele likes. We’re going to keep doing the things we've been doing for 70 years.”