Downtown Youngstown's ready to rock

By DAVID SKOLNICK

skolnick@vindy.com

YOUNGSTOWN

To quote Elton John: “sorry seems to be the hardest word” for those who haven’t made reservations at several downtown restaurants before his sold-out concert.

That’s because owners of a number of those establishments are already booked to capacity Saturday. The main reason for the large number of people expected downtown Saturday is the music legend’s 8 p.m. show at the Covelli Centre.

It is shaping up to be one of the busiest — and profitable — days for downtown restaurants and bars in years.

It took less than 20 minutes for all 7,000 tickets for the concert to be sold.

It didn’t take that much longer for some downtown eateries to be booked to capacity.

“We were 90-percent booked before tickets went on sale,” said George Mager, owner of Cafe Cimmento, a restaurant on East Boardman Street that is the closest eatery to the center. “Ten minutes after the sell-out, we were at 100 percent (booked).”

Cimmento will set up tables outside to seat 60, weather permitting, featuring grilled chicken and sausage. The restaurant isn’t taking reservations for its outside grill area so it’s first-come, first-serve, Mager said.

The Rosetta Stone on West Federal Street, which can seat 175, is “completely booked for dinner before the show,” said Charlene Emery, its manager. “A big concert such as Elton John is huge for business.”

Because of the large crowd, Rosetta Stone is serving buffet-style before the concert, she said.

The Youngstown Club on East Commerce Street will be open to the public, something it does only for big events at the Covelli Centre, said Chris Kochera, its office manager. It’s already at capacity — 115 reservations.

Cassese’s MVR on North Walnut Street will have about 150 people eating and drinking before the concert, said Joe Cassese, its manager.

Weather permitting, the MVR will have a “Crocodile Rock” [named in honor of one of John’s best-known songs] outdoor event featuring a DJ playing John songs and plenty of food and drinks, he said.

The restaurant will also provide a shuttle to the concert, he said.

“There are certain concerts and events that bring a fantastic crowd” to the restaurant, Cassese said. “This ranks up there with the best. This is the area’s chance to shine.”

There will also be crowds at other downtown restaurants including the Lemon Grove Cafe and Lounge on West Federal Street, Charlie Staples Bar-B-Q on West Rayen Avenue and Buffalo Wild Wings on East Federal Street.

“We will serve in a fast manner as to not mess up the evenings” of those going to the concert, Charlie Staples said. “We’re going to have a party atmosphere. Those coming here before the concert will be hyped and pumped, and we’re going to keep the excitement going for those who come after the concert.”

Buffalo Wild Wings will be at capacity early so the restaurant/bar will sell food and drinks outside, beginning at 4 p.m. Saturday till 1 a.m. Sunday, as long as the weather isn’t an issue, said Doug Esenwein, its Mahoning Valley regional manager.

“We’ll have a big party outside,” he said. “This is going to be a great night for downtown.”

Though the John concert is the main draw Saturday, other events are happening in and near downtown:

• Sesame Street’s “When Elmo Grows Up” plays at the DeYor Performing Arts Center on West Federal Street at 7 p.m. today, 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, and 1 and 4:30 p.m. Sunday.

The Victorian Players Theater on Mahoning Avenue will perform “The Heiress,” a play starting at 7:30 p.m. today and Saturday, and at 2 p.m. Sunday.

“Wit,” a play, is at the Oakland Center for the Arts on West Boardman Street at 8 p.m. today and Saturday, and at 2 p.m. Sunday.

The Mahoning Commons Fest, an event celebrating the city’s art and entertainment community, will take place at numerous locations on Mahoning Avenue ­— including the new Calvin Center, 755 Mahoning Ave. — and at the Lemon Grove at various times Saturday and Sunday.

The Youngstown State University Dance Ensemble will perform its annual spring concert at 7:30 p.m. today and Saturday at Bliss Hall’s Ford Theater.

Those coming to the city’s downtown for the first time, particularly those from outside the region, will have a great experience this weekend, Mayor Jay Williams said.

“It gives us another opportunity to retell the story about Youngstown, Ohio — not to mention the economic benefit,” he said.