Kumo Japanese Buffet Plans Stalled

Things aren't looking hopeful for a Kumo Japanese Seafood Buffet in Strongsville.

The Japanese-Chinese-American buffet that sought to open in the former Bally's building on Pearl Road did not seek a variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals this week on a .

"I don't know if they will or not," said Mike Herzfeld, who represents the building's broker, Reisenfeld and Co. "We might have to move on and look for a different tenant."

Kumo, which has a location on Snow Road in Parma, can provide only 336 parking spaces in the lot it shares with the rest of a plaza. That's 205 short of the city's requirement.

Getting a 205-space variance is the only way the restaurant can open in the plaza.

Kumo did not seek the variance at the BZA's meeting July 13. Next meeting is July 27.

"It's in the (building) owner's hands as to whether they pursue it," Herzfeld said.

The restaurant was seeking to occupy 9,000 square feet on the first floor of 14783 Pearl Rd.

"We were surprised (about the parking problem) because there was a 600-seat movie theater in there and a 2,000 member health club. We didn't think a 250- or 300-seat restaurant would be such an issue," Herzfeld said.

But city officials said restaurants require more parking than other retailers because patrons tend to stay longer.

And Assistant Law Director Dan Kolick said that when the shopping center was designed, it was "set up for very limited food service use."

 and  already operate in the shopping center.

The Strongsville Theater used to occupy part of the plaza. More recently, that spot was used by Bounce City.

Herzfeld said it is still possible the restaurant will seek a parking variance and eventually be able to open in Strongsville.

Kumo's website says it also offers a hibachi and sushi options. It would be Strongsville's .

Elevated Fitness is seeking to open an exercise and workout facility on the second floor.