A New Name, a Proven Partner: 56 Tavern Opens at the Historic Aurora Inn

The Aurora Inn has a new restaurant, and it comes with a story that goes well beyond a menu change. 56 Tavern, which officially opened at the Aurora Inn Hotel & Event Center at 30 Shawnee Trail in Aurora, is more than a rebranded dining room. It represents a partnership between two of Northeast Ohio's most recognizable names in the restaurant business — and a growing trend of established restaurant groups teaming up with hospitality venues to create something stronger than either could build alone.For those who have visited the inn over the years, the restaurant space was previously known as Six Horses Tavern. The new concept keeps the cozy, welcoming spirit of the location while bringing fresh energy and a menu with deep local roots.The 56 Connection56 Tavern is the product of a partnership between Jay Leitson and Izzy Schachner, co-owners of 56 Kitchen in Mayfield Heights and Solon, and Franz Bauer, owner of The Aurora Inn Hotel & Event Center. The partnership also includes an expansion of catering services to accompany the event space, with the hotel's executive chef Mat Schwab playing a key role.56 Tavern draws on concepts from the early- and mid-1900s with a New England-style pub twist. Guests can expect casual American dining with craft cocktails, signature burgers, and chef-driven plates, along with happy hour. Early reviews from diners have been enthusiastic, with guests highlighting the prime rib, lobster bisque and cocktail program.The 56 brand itself has deep roots in the Cleveland dining scene. Leitson and Schachner launched their first concept, Cafe 56 in Mayfield Heights, built around 56 different salads that became a Cleveland legend. Over the years, the brand evolved from Cafe 56 into 56 Kitchen, expanding beyond salads to full farm-to-table cuisine. Along the way, the pair also launched Elle, an elevated French-Italian concept in Solon.Their most recent addition, 56 Social in Shaker Heights, is an all-day café that took over the former J. Pistone Market and Gathering Place, a neighborhood staple that had operated there for nearly 25 years. That brings their portfolio to two 56 Kitchen restaurants in Solon and Mayfield Heights, Elle in Solon, 56 Tavern in Aurora, and 56 Social in Shaker Heights — a formidable footprint for an independent, locally owned restaurant group.A Trend Worth WatchingThe partnership model behind 56 Tavern is not unique to Aurora. Industry analysts say partnerships between established restaurant brands and hotel properties offer a way for hotel developers to differentiate their spaces and attract both travelers and local customers, while giving restaurant operators a path to new revenue streams and a broader market presence.The trend reflects a broader shift in hospitality toward lifestyle-oriented concepts where food, design, and social experiences play a central role in attracting guests. For smaller boutique properties like the Aurora Inn, bringing in a restaurant group with an existing following can stabilize the dining operation while elevating the overall guest experience — something that has historically been difficult for independent hotel restaurants to sustain on their own.Locally, the restaurant industry continues to grow even amid challenging economic conditions. The National Restaurant Association and the Ohio Restaurant & Hospitality Alliance project industry growth of 1.8% in the United States over the next year, reaching more than $1.5 trillion in revenue. Still, that growth is uneven, and partnerships like the one at the Aurora Inn represent a pragmatic strategy — sharing risk, sharing reputation, and sharing a customer base.Founded in 1927, the Aurora Inn offers 66 designer guest rooms, along with a tavern with a fireplace, ballroom, and event facilities. With 56 Tavern now open and the expanded catering program in place, the inn appears positioned to attract both local diners and event guests looking for a distinctive Northeast Ohio dining experience.56 Tavern is open Tuesday through Saturday, with lunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and dinner from 4 to 9 p.m. Happy hour runs Tuesday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. Location 30 Shawnee Trail Aurora, Ohio 44202Phone (330) 562-0767Email info@56tavern.comWebsite https://56tavern.com/