New ‘Burgers 2 Beer’ restaurant to open near Cleveland State, owner cites campus growth

CLEVELAND - The owner of ‘Burgers 2 Beer’ in Highland Heights is bringing his business to Cleveland State’s campus very soon.

Elie Chamoun said his second uniquely-styled hamburger joint will be opening next month on Euclid Avenue next to Jimmy John’s -- between East 18th and East 21st. The company’s first location on Wilson Mills Road opened in September 2011.

Chamoun said he was also looking at locations near Case Western and John Carroll, but became more serious about the CSU location after a leader at his church on Carnegie urged him to take a drive through campus.

“Euclid Avenue looks great. The school is expanding,” said Chamoun, adding that the growth of the campus played a big role in choosing that space.

Also, Chamoun said some of his employees at the Highland Heights location were CSU students, and he had them help feel out the concept – and the response was very positive.

Head chef Heather Swartz said B2B provides the kind of food that college students can identify with.

“There’s nothing like that over in that area,” said Swartz. “We thought it would be fun.”

Chamoun said the menu’s concept is based on comfort foods.

“We used what we used to eat with our families when we were kids,” said Chamoun, referencing a meatloaf-style burger. “It’s very accepted by our customers.”

Construction at the new location is finished, according to Chamoun, but cleanup work is under way and he's waiting for a liquor license. No exact date has been set, but Chamoun said all signs point to a January opening.

Another restaurant opened in the area in July. JB Mack opened closer to East 21st Street, and the owner there also cited the growth at Cleveland State as a reason to go into business there.

Check out B2B’s menu here:
http://www.b2bcleveland.com/