A burger joint that has become an institution in Rocky River is closing for good.

After 75 years in business, Bearden’s on Lake Road is closing at the end of the year.

Business has been hurting, and it was only compounded by the construction project that has been closing parts of Lake Road.

Stay tuned for more details.

With more than 90 locally owned, independent restaurant-members, Cleveland Independents has become the largest organization of its kind in the country.  Support for the organization has come from programs like The Deck. 

From outward appearance, it looks like a normal deck of cards.  Not so.  Inside, foodies willde discover $520 worth of offers (52 cards each representing $10 off a $30 food purchase).  Gift-givers are happy about the price, $29.95.

This year, in addition to being offered online, The Deck may be purchased at locally owned Cleveland Cinema locations and Positively Cleveland, Cleveland’s convention and visitors bureau.

“Last year marked the introduction of The Deck,” says Cleveland Independents’ President and chef/owner of fire food and drink Douglas Katz.  “For the most part, customers were happy ordering online but we discovered that there were people who also wanted it as a last minute gift.  We’ve introduced Cleveland locations to help respond to that need.”

Cleveland Independents also offers full-price gift cards through its web site that are redeemable at all of its 90 member restaurants.  The cards have no expiration date.  “The beauty of the Cleveland Independents’ gift cards is that they alleviate the concern about restaurants’ closing and the recipients have the option of redeeming them at the restaurant of their choice.  It’s truly the perfect gift for anyone who likes to dine out,” Katz adds.

Cleveland Independents is a seven-year-old organization that currently boasts over 90 locally owned, independent restaurants as members.  For more information about the organization, log on to www.clevelandindependents.com.