Mandy Kraynak, Author at The Land

Cleveland Kitchen fermented foods company fills 80 jobs, expands production space

By Mandy Kraynak ● Economy ● February 23, 2024

The local company grew its workforce and added almost 38,000 square feet to the facility where it produces kraut, kimchi, pickles, and fermented dressings at the Food Hub in Midtown.

Dahlia Coffee Co. owner Natalia Alcazar holding a mug and standing near the counter in the coffee shop, underneath a portrait of Frida Kahlo holding a pug.

Local coffee roaster Dahlia Coffee Co. opens Mexican coffee shop in Pivot Center

By Mandy Kraynak ● Entrepreneurs ● February 7, 2024

Sharing space with Future Ink Graphics art store, Dahlia Coffee Co. serves locally roasted coffee and specialty drinks with Mexican flavors at the Pivot Center on W. 25th St.

Hola Island Co. grows marinade and empanadilla production, plans to join CentroVilla25 and Yellowcake marketplaces

By Mandy Kraynak ● Development ● January 23, 2024

The family-owned Latin food business is converting its E. 55th St. location into a full-time spice production facility, bringing a specialty food market and empanadilla production facility to Clark-Fulton, and joining a small business marketplace in Gordon Square.

Employer buy-in, ridership remain low 5 months before end of RTA microtransit pilot program

By Mandy Kraynak ● Transportation ● January 12, 2024

RTA’s two microtransit pilot projects shuttle workers from two designated RTA stations to jobs in Solon and near the airport. A few individual workers and employers said microtransit has made commutes easier and shorter, but the program has fewer than 50 total riders.

Cleveland group addressing racism as a public health crisis promises community meetings in 2024 after delay

By Mandy Kraynak ● Social Equity ● December 20, 2023

The Racism as a Public Health Crisis Coalition, which formed in 2020, shared its work at two community-focused meetings this year. In January and February, it will hold several community meetings where residents can learn about the group’s work and share feedback.

High Road Kitchens grant program helps 10 Cleveland restaurants increase wages

By Mandy Kraynak ● Economy ● December 8, 2023

Ten restaurants have pledged to increase their wages to at least $15 an hour before tips. They’re receiving $5,000 grants from the Gund Foundation and training and wage model consultations from the High Road Restaurants network.

The Skylight Park in Tower City Center decorated for Christmas, including a large Christmas tree, pine boughs, and smaller Christmas trees.

Businesses open, expand in Tower City ahead of holiday season

By Mandy Kraynak ● Development ● November 17, 2023

About a dozen businesses, including a hat shop and burger joint, have opened in Tower City in 2023. A toy store is opening on Saturday, and a sci-fi restaurant is coming to the former Hard Rock Cafe’s space early next year.

Ukrainian exchange students find reminders of home during week-long trip to Cleveland

By Mandy Kraynak ● Arts & Culture ● November 10, 2023

Eleven Ukrainian exchange students spent a week in Cleveland as part of an exchange program funded by the U.S. State Department and organized by Cleveland Council on World Affairs. They connected with host families, community organizations, and Cleveland’s Ukrainian community.

CWRU offers full rides to Cleveland, East Cleveland grads through expanded Cleveland Scholars program

By Mandy Kraynak ● Education ● November 3, 2023

The program is expanding to cover the full cost of attendance, including room and board, books, and supplies for graduates of Cleveland and East Cleveland schools. It will also provide a paid internship or research opportunity.

Brandon Sanders stands in front of a wooden staircase in thinkbox.

CWRU’s think[box] makerspace opens event space, aims to reach community beyond campus

By Mandy Kraynak ● Arts & Culture ● October 26, 2023

The seven-story, 50,000 square foot innovation center is the largest open-access makerspace in the U.S. Leaders hope recently completed renovations to the first floor event space will bring in more community members.

Mandy Kraynak

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