Cleveland Restaurant Sokolowski’s University Inn Forced To Close Down Amid COVID-19

Residents in the Cleveland area will be forced to say goodbye to Sokolowski’s University Inn after almost a century of business. The owners of the eatery announced that they would be permanently closing their doors amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Bernie Sokolowski, his brother, Mike, and sister, Mary, are third-generation owners of the Polish restaurant, which first opened in 1923.

Although Sokolowski’s University Inn was able to thrive for years in the community, they struggled to keep their heads above water during the pandemic. Like other small businesses, Sokolowski’s University Inn offered takeout after dine-in options were prohibited, but it wasn’t enough to keep their doors open.

“There wasn’t enough volume of business coming in,” Bernie told Ideastream. “We weren’t making enough to cover a lot of our expenses.”

Over the years, Bernie, who played college football had a number of surgeries including hip replacements and knee replacements, revealed that long hours in the restaurant were beginning to take its toll, and he wanted to enjoy life while he still can.

“Unfortunately, our time is up. My brother and I have battled health issues with leg problems (old sports injuries) and other sicknesses and combined with the COVID-19 it was just too much for my sister [co-owner] Mary Lou to carry the load,” Bernie told WOIO.

“She’s a tough woman, but it was too much. We always planned on making it to 100 years and then getting out. Covid just sped up our decision, unfortunately.”

While the siblings haven’t announced who they will be selling the property to, Bernie noted that their location is ideal. “It is a good chunk of property there,” he stated.

“And, you know, of course, there’s a lot of history there with us.”