Cleveland Refreshment Area Delayed by Construction

The East 4th Street designated refreshment zone remains closed while a new outdoor venue is built.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Isometric editorial illustration showing steel construction barriers and traffic cones on a brick-lined urban street. — Cleveland has delayed the reopening of the East 4th Street refreshment zone as construction at The Dugout continues to pose safety risks. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should your local government prioritize completing public leisure projects to boost neighborhood business traffic?

The East 4th Street Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area in Cleveland has remained inactive due to ongoing construction at The Dugout. Officials report that safety concerns tied to the construction site have delayed the launch of the outdoor zone.

Why it matters

Construction activity at The Dugout has created liability issues that prevent the area from hosting outdoor refreshment services. For now, the city has prioritized safety by keeping the space closed until the project reaches completion.

The Dugout construction is projected for completion in six weeks. The city originally announced plans for the East 4th Street Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area in spring 2023.

The players

The Dugout

This is a seasonal outdoor venue currently under construction on East 4th Street.

Hangry Brands

This organization owns several local businesses including Jolene's Honky Tonk, Society Lounge, and the Corner Alley.

The details

Hangry Brands, which owns local establishments like Jolene's Honky Tonk, Society Lounge, and the Corner Alley, continues to navigate the closure of the refreshment zone. To manage the ongoing construction activity, valet services have been officially relocated from East 4th Street to Prospect Avenue.

The refreshment area was first announced in spring 2023.
The Dugout construction is projected for completion in late November 2026.
The refreshment area is expected to open in spring 2027.

Market Landscape

This pause represents a temporary interruption in the broader adoption of the Ohio Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area statute within urban entertainment corridors. The delay highlights how localized infrastructure development can often force a strategic pivot for business groups operating within these defined zones.

Visitors to East 4th Street should anticipate that outdoor refreshment zones will remain restricted for the next six weeks. Guests planning to visit venues owned by Hangry Brands should note that valet parking is now located on Prospect Avenue rather than the immediate street front.

The takeaway

The delay highlights how large-scale construction projects can temporarily supersede local urban development goals. Residents and visitors should plan their parking and pedestrian routes according to the current valet relocation until the construction timeline concludes next month.