Valley eateries, bars go 'all in' for NBA finale

By JORDYN GRZELEWSKI

jgrzelewski@vindy.com

YOUNGSTOWN

As the Cleveland Cavaliers battle for long-sought championship rings in Game 7 of the NBA Finals in California tonight, Mahoning Valley fans are expected to flock to bars and restaurants that are going “all in” for the event.

Magic Tree Pub & Eatery on South Avenue in Boardman will offer its “Polish Boy ‘All In’ Burger,” which combines Cleveland’s signature Polish-sausage sandwich with the Cavs fans’ mantra.

Here’s what’s all on the burger, piled onto homemade buns: a beef patty; house-made slaw; Polish smoked kielbasa; lettuce; tomato; french fries; and barbecue sauce.

“They’re the local team, so we decided to make it with local-sourced beef,” said Phill Reda, Magic Tree co-owner.

The restaurant/bar — known for its wide selection of craft beers — also will feature specials on sauces that accompany its signature 1-pound pretzel and its 100-oz. “tree trunk” filled with domestic beer.

Reda expects it to be a fun, festive atmosphere for fans and is proud to be part of what could be a historic victory to end Cleveland sports teams’ 52-year championship drought.

“It’s an opportunity really for all of us to be a part of something we can take pride in. There’s a sense of pride when the Cavs win,” Reda said.

The Federal downtown also is ready for the big game, complete with a living-room configuration, a projector to play the game on a big-screen TV, and specials on drinks and wings.

“We’ve been getting a pretty steady crowd for all the other games, so I’m assuming [it’s] going to get a little crazy. We’re excited for it,” said Sophia Martini, The Federal’s manager. “We’re excited to celebrate together and see the Cavs win.”

At White House Fruit Farm in Canfield, the bakery was set to be restocked this morning with the red-velvet doughnuts topped with golden icing. The speciality doughnut is featured in honor of the Cavs’ championship run. The market at the farm is open from noon to 5 p.m. today.

Numerous Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream locations displayed their Cleveland pride this week. “Steph Curry is softer than our ice cream,” declared signs posted at the ice cream stands, taking a playful jab at the Golden State Warriors’ star player.

If the Cavs win tonight, area retailers are set to stock their shelves with championship gear.

Touchdown Gifts at Southern Park Mall in Boardman, reported Friday that it was nearly sold out of all Cavs merchandise. The store was completely out of women’s apparel, and had just a few Finals T-shirts left in stock due to huge demand.

“Every single person who comes in” is looking for Cavs gear, said Jen Mertz, store manager. The hottest commodities, she said, were LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love jerseys.

The store expects to get championship T-shirts and other items by Wednesday or Thursday, in the event of a Cleveland win.

“It’s certainly on everyone’s minds,” Mertz said. “Go Cavs! Hopefully they win.”

If you’ve watched one of the games, chances are you saw a Phantom Fireworks advertisement. The local fireworks company is a major sponsor of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Its owner, Bruce Zoldan, is a long-time fan with courtside seats.

“It’s obviously a great feeling as a Cleveland sports fan,” Zoldan said of the championship run.

Zoldan, who has been a Cavaliers season ticket holder on and off for several years, was court side for Thursday’s game.

“Everyone was nervous throughout the game,” Zoldan said.

But as the clock ticked down in the fourth quarter, it became clear the Cavaliers would win and push the series to tonight’s seventh game.

Zoldan wasn’t sure Friday if he would attend tonight’s game because it’s the middle of fireworks season. No matter where he is, he plans to cheer on the Cavaliers with friends and family.

“Hopefully, we will ignite a few pyrotechnics after that,” he said.

Cleveland hasn’t seen a championship since 1964 when the Cleveland Browns beat the Baltimore Colts for the NFL Championship.

“I couldn’t imagine what it would be like,” Zoldan said of a Cleveland championship today.

He noted if the team wins, Youngstown will be in the center of two champion cities: The Pittsburgh Penguins took home the Stanley Cup last Sunday after they beat the San Jose Sharks in Game 6 of the NHL playoffs.

“Certainly, there will be celebrations all over,” Zoldan said. “It means a lot as a fan that one of our [Cleveland] teams could ultimately win a national championship.”

Contributor: Kalea Hall, staff writer.