Burgers 2 Beer finds home in former Twinsburg restaurant

After sitting vacant for about 12 years, the former Damon's building just off state Route 82 is again bustling with life with the opening of Burgers 2 Beer early last month.

The restaurant has been serving up hamburgers, beer and ale since it officially opened June 1.

To date, business has been good, said Nicole Magee, the general manager.

"Everything's been great," said Magee, who lives in Streetsboro. Unlike many other restaurants, the operation is fully staffed — and Magee is grateful.

"COVID really did a number of a lot of restaurants," she said.

Larry Finch, the city's former economic director, said the building was constructed in 1998. Damon's Restaurant operated was there until 2007.

"It remained vacant and was sold two or three times before finally being sold to Hong Hai Properties Inc. in mid-2021," said Finch, who retired from the city earlier this year.

This isn't the first business for owner Yong Hao Chen and his family. Chen, who lives in Solon, also operates Sushi En in Twinsburg, which is across the street from the new Burgers 2 Beer in a converted Bob Evans restaurant. His wife also runs New Peking Express in Streetsboro, which has been open for 30 years. In addition, the family has restaurants in Columbus. Magee said she has worked with Chen for seven years.

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One popular menu item is the Good, Bad & Ugly Burger, which includes BBQ sauce, honey peppered bacon, onion straws, cheddar cheese, lettuce and tomato, Magee said. Other favorites with the customers include the mahi-mahi bites, parmesan ranch truffle fries and chicken wings.

"We are selling chicken wings like crazy," she said.

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One of the most popular items is the option to build your own burger, Magee said. There's not only a variety of cheeses and vegetables, but patrons also have their choice of patties, including bison, salmon, black bean, chicken, and turkey. Bun options include pretzel, pub grain, a gluten free option and even a doughnut bun. Customers can top their burgers with items such as fried egg, pepperoni, peanut butter and macaroni and cheese.

"We are also proud of our draft beer selection," Magee said. "We mostly carry local and Ohio breweries. We have eight bottles and cans to choose from."

An online ordering option is expected to be introduced soon at the Twinsburg location. The franchise also has restaurants in Solon, Highland Heights and Concord.

As well as the hamburgers and drinks, Magee said there arediversions such as two pool tables, some arcade games and a Golden Tee golf video game for customers to use.

"Golden Tee brings a lot of people," Magee said. "It's rare to have. People would usually have to go to Parma."

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The atmosphere is family-friendly, Magee said.

"We want the families to come here, to play, to talk to each other, to put down their phones — come have fun," she said.

Magee said Burgers 2 Beer plans to start hosting events such as a car night.

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Chen said his philosophy is "customer first" at his restaurant.

"We provide a clean, inviting atmosphere and inviting dining experience," he said. "Our food is fresh, never frozen."

Carl Vennitti, a first-time customer at the restaurant from Warren, said his first impression was favorable. He said he helps run a meat distribution plant in Cleveland.

"My partner and I like to look for different places to stop," he said. "It's very light, it's got a great atmosphere. It seems like a very comfortable place to come. Everyone has been super friendly. I'll come back again."

Burgers 2 Beer is at 8941 Wilcox Drive. For details, call 234-212-1188 or visit https://burgers2beer.com online.

Reporter April Helms can be reached at ahelms@thebeaconjournal.com

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Former Damon's building sees new life with Burgers 2 Beer opening