News

North Olmsted, Ohio – September 1, 2026 – For everyone who never wanted to grow up, there’s great news: Toys “R” Us is coming to Great Northern Mall this fall.

The iconic toy retailer is among eight new businesses expected to open at Great Northern Mall throughout the remainder of 2026, adding an exciting mix of shopping, dining, experiences and services as the mall prepares to celebrate its 50th Anniversary on November 3.

New additions include full-service restaurants ROOKH and One Pot Korean BBQ & Hot Pot; eateries King Gyro and O & Leaf Bistro; stores Toys “R” Us and Her Hijabs; interactive stuffed animal concept Fluff Factory; and Tier 1, a new car rental service. Together, the new concepts will give guests even more reasons to shop, dine and explore Great Northern Mall.

“We’re very excited to announce eight new businesses coming to Great Northern Mall this fall,” said Dan Crandall, marketing and business development manager at Great Northern Mall. “Welcoming Toys “R” Us back to the area will bring back great memories for parents while creating new ones for their kids. Add in ROOKH, One Pot Korean BBQ & Hot Pot, King Gyro and O & Leaf Bistro, and guests will have even more reasons to come hungry, stay awhile and experience something new.”

Opening Fall: Toys “R” Us
Geoffrey the Giraffe is making his way to Great Northern Mall. The iconic Toys “R” Us brand will open a new 6,500-square-foot store near Center Court this fall, bringing a familiar name in toys back to North Olmsted.

The new store will feature something for kids of all ages, from baby and toddler toys to action figures, dolls, collectibles, building sets, games and puzzles, arts and crafts, electronics, outdoor play and more. Popular brands featured by Toys “R” Us include LEGO, Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, Disney, Marvel, Pokémon, PAW Patrol and Star Wars.

For parents and grandparents who grew up visiting Toys “R” Us, the opening will bring back plenty of nostalgia, while introducing a new generation of kids to Geoffrey and the excitement of visiting a toy store. Toys “R” Us describes its brand around the “power of play,” with toys and experiences designed to encourage fun, imagination and discovery.

Opening Fall: ROOKH
ROOKH will bring an elevated dining experience to Great Northern Mall centered on contemporary Indian and global cuisine. The restaurant’s culinary philosophy combines authentic flavors, modern techniques and international influences to create innovative, high-quality dishes that appeal to a diverse range of guests.

Using fresh, premium ingredients, ROOKH will offer a warm, sophisticated atmosphere where exceptional food, handcrafted beverages and outstanding service come together for a memorable dining experience.

ROOKH will be located on the exterior north side of Great Northern Mall behind Red Lobster and next to McAlister’s Deli.

Opening Fall: One Pot Korean BBQ & Hot Pot

One Pot Korean BBQ & Hot Pot will bring an interactive, all-you-can-eat dining experience to Great Northern Mall, combining two popular Asian dining styles under one roof.

Guests can enjoy Korean BBQ by grilling their favorite meats and vegetables right at the table or creating their own Hot Pot with a selection of fresh ingredients, broths and flavors. With options for meat lovers, vegetarians and a variety of tastes, One Pot turns dinner into a fun, social experience perfect for families, friends and groups.

The restaurant focuses on fresh, high-quality ingredients while giving guests the freedom to customize their meal and try something new with every visit.

One Pot Korean BBQ & Hot Pot will be located on the exterior south side of Great Northern Mall at the Phoenix Theatres entrance to the mall and next to Build the Pho.

Opening Fall: O & Leaf Bistro

O & Leaf Bistro will bring a fresh, fast-casual dining option to Great Northern Mall featuring made-to-order sandwiches, wraps, fresh yogurt parfaits and more.

Perfect for guests looking for a quick breakfast, light lunch or healthy bite while on the go, O & Leaf Bistro will make it easy to grab something fresh and flavorful any time of day.

Opening Fall: King Gyro

Filling the last available space in the Food Court, King Gyro will bring Mediterranean favorites with a Cleveland twist. The menu will feature freshly prepared gyros, hummus, falafel, Mediterranean salads and other flavorful favorites.

Blending traditional Mediterranean dishes with local-inspired spices and flavors, King Gyro will offer guests a fresh new option for a quick lunch, dinner or snack while shopping.

Opening Fall: Her Hijabs

Her Hijabs brings a new fashion and accessories destination, specializing in hijabs and fashion for women. The store will feature a variety of styles, colors and fabrics designed for everyday wear, special occasions and everything in between.

With an emphasis on style, individuality and self-expression, Her Hijabs will offer shoppers a welcoming destination to discover the latest in modest fashion and accessories.

Opening Fall: Fluff Factory
Fluff Factory will bring a fun, interactive experience to Great Northern Mall where guests can create their very own customized stuffed animal from start to finish.

Guests begin by choosing their favorite plush character before bringing it to life with a special “heart ceremony” and selecting just the right amount of fluff. The experience continues with opportunities to personalize their new friend with outfits, sounds, scents and a custom birth certificate.

Perfect for birthdays, special occasions or simply creating a new furry friend, Fluff Factory combines shopping with a memorable hands-on experience for kids and families.  The shop will also feature snack machines for guests to enjoy.

Opening Fall: Tier 1
Tier 1 will add a new level of convenience to Great Northern Mall with car rental services designed to get customers on the road quickly and easily.

With numerous hotels surrounding Great Northern Mall and Cleveland Hopkins International Airport just minutes away, Tier 1 will be positioned for both local customers and travelers visiting Northeast Ohio. Whether for a business trip, weekend getaway or extended stay, guests will be able to pick up a rental vehicle conveniently from Great Northern Mall.

“Great Northern has seen tremendous success over the past year and a half with the additions of Phoenix Theatres, Build the Pho, Prime Time Sports, Sweets & Geeks and Texas Roadhouse,” said Crandall. “As our 50^th Anniversary approaches on November 3, we’re proud to continue building on that momentum and bringing new shopping, dining, entertainment and experiences to our guests.”

And with Geoffrey the Giraffe joining the Great Northern Mall family, turning 50 has never felt so young.

For more information about Great Northern Mall, including a full directory of stores and restaurants, visit GreatNorthernOhio.com.

Pending Items That Affect Businesses

As of June 30, 2026

Lorain Road Resurfacing

The resurfacing of Lorain Rd from Sterns Rd to Canterbury Rd is expected to start in August. The project will include a mid-block pedestrian crossing at the library. Business access problems may occur. The project is an ODOT and City project.

Dover Center Rd Resurfacing

The resurfacing project of Dover Center Rd is being done by the city and the County from Butternut Ridge Rd to Mill Rd. Business access from Lorain Rd to Brookpark Extension may be affected. No completion date has been provided.

Lorain Columbia Intersection

The city plans to straighten the intersection of Lorain Rd and Columbia Rd. This will entail the acquisition and demolishing of business and residential property in the proposed new roadway. Plans and dates for the project have not yet been developed. Financing and property acquisition have yet to be put in place. That portion of the existing roadway that will be torn up and vacant land created will be owned by the city and eventually sold for development.

Brookpark Extension

The city has developed a plan to reconfigure Brookpark Extension. It will be a two lane road with two lanes remaining at the intersections. The area created by eliminating two lanes will become angle parking. The city has indicated that the owners of the stores on Brookpark Extension have met with the city and they have approved what is proposed. No timetable for the change has been established.

Zoning Code Revisions

The city is in the process of reviewing the Zoning Code for areas where it might be revised. In the past this has been done by a committee which included Chamber representation. To date, this is not the path that the city is taking.

City Council

City Council is on vacation during July. No council meetings or council committee meetings are scheduled. Special meetings can be called. 

Disclaimer
Information is provided for general informational purposes and is based on updates available to the Chamber at the time of publication. Project details, timelines, and plans are subject to change. Please contact the appropriate government agency for the most current information. The Chamber is not responsible for changes, delays, or impacts resulting from reliance on this information.

Legislative Committee
Pending Items That Affect Businesses
As of June 24, 2025

Lorain Road Resurfacing

Contracts for the resurfacing of Lorain Road, spanning from Sterns Road to Canterbury Road, are scheduled for 2025. At this time, no specific timetable has been established for the work. The project may incorporate improvements such as bike paths, median strips, and other features designed to enhance the road's appeal for cyclists and improve aesthetics. Water and sewer work does not appear to be part of this project. Businesses may experience disruptions in access during construction.

Dover Center Road Resurfacing

Two resurfacing projects are anticipated for Dover Center Road. The first will be conducted in partnership with the County and will cover the stretch from Butternut Ridge Road to Mill Road. The second project will address the section from Mill Road to the Westlake city line. Timing for these projects is still to be determined. Businesses located along the affected sections, particularly from Lorain Road to Brookpark Extension, as well as access to the City Administration Building, may be impacted.

Ordinance 2024-94 – Passed

This ordinance regulates food trucks within the city. It establishes guidelines regarding the days and duration a food truck can operate at a specific location, along with restrictions on certain products. Food trucks will now be permitted to operate at any given location for a maximum of one day per seven-day period, effectively limiting their ability to service businesses or job sites on a daily basis.

Ordinance 2025-17 – 1st Reading, In Committee

This ordinance proposes the approval and adoption of the 2025 Comprehensive Plan (Master Plan), which is developed every five years by an independent committee. This plan will guide the city's long-term development and infrastructure priorities.

Ordinance 2025-21 – Passed

This ordinance introduces a new zoning district for the "mall area." It mandates that new construction, expansions of 3,000 square feet or more, or any significant change in the principal use of a building in this district must comply with the new zoning requirements. The updated zoning guidelines are intended to encourage development similar to that of Crocker Park. This new district encompasses both the mall and shopping center areas. It was noted that feedback from existing property owners was limited during this process.

Link to register: https://oneillhc.com/onhc-golf-outing/

Chamber Member Spotlight: FASTSIGNS

This month, we're excited to shine a spotlight on FASTSIGNS North Olmsted, a local leader in visual communications. Whether you’re a small business, a school, or a nonprofit, Fastsigns is committed to providing custom solutions that help businesses engage with their customers through impactful signage and visual media.

About FASTSIGNS North Olmsted

FASTSIGNS North Olmsted is a full-service visual communications solutions provider. They specialize in helping organizations of all sizes—businesses, charitable groups, school systems, and government entities—connect with their communities through effective signage. Their extensive range of services includes:

• Wide-format printing

• Custom interior and exterior signage

• Self-adhesive graphics for walls, floors, vehicles, and more—both installed and ready-to-apply

• Custom ADA and Wayfinding signage

• Trade show graphics and displays

What Makes FASTSIGNS Unique?

Fastsigns stands out in the community because of their exceptional customer service. Their sales team takes a consultative approach, focusing on understanding each customer's unique needs, goals, and budget. From there, they provide tailored solutions that best fit each client’s specific situation, ensuring that every project meets their exact expectations.

Exciting Recent Projects

One of the company’s recent standout projects was partnering with the Cleveland Lutheran High School Association to provide interior signage for the expansion of Lutheran West. The project spanned over 18 months and included everything from temporary signage during construction to permanent wayfinding, room identification, donor recognition, and branding for the new and renovated spaces. It’s a perfect example of how Fastsigns’ expertise can help bring a cohesive, professional look to large-scale projects.

Benefits of Chamber Membership

As a Chamber member, Fastsigns has enjoyed the opportunity to connect with other local businesses and engage with the broader community. The Membership Resource Monday newsletter is particularly valuable for staying updated on local news and learning about other businesses in the North Olmsted area. These resources have helped Fastsigns grow and expand their network within the community.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for FASTSIGNS?

As we enter event season, FASTSIGNS is gearing up to assist with signage for events of all sizes. They offer a large fleet of display equipment available for rent, making it a more affordable option for those needing high-quality signage without the expense of purchasing hardware. Fastsigns works closely with clients right up until the event, ensuring late additions like sponsor recognition are seamlessly incorporated.

If you’re planning an event or looking for signage solutions for your business, FASTSIGNS North Olmsted is ready to assist with all your visual communication needs.

Thank you for being a valued Chamber member, Fastsigns! We look forward to seeing more of your impressive work in the community!

VISIT FASTSIGNS

Pending Items Impacting Local Businesses
As of March 25, 2025

Lorain Road Resurfacing

Contracts for resurfacing Lorain Road from Sterns Road to Canterbury Road are scheduled for 2025. While no specific timeline has been established yet, the project may include bike paths, median strips, and other improvements aimed at enhancing the street’s appeal to cyclists and beautifying the area. It is expected that water and sewer work will not be part of the project. However, businesses along the route may experience disruptions due to access issues during construction.

Ordinance 2024-94 – 1st Reading, in Committee

This ordinance aims to regulate food trucks within the city. Key provisions include establishing specific days and time limits for food trucks to operate at designated locations, as well as clarifying which products food trucks are prohibited from selling. The city council is taking a balanced approach to onsite regulations to accommodate the diverse purposes food trucks serve in different areas.

Ordinance 2024-121 – Passed

This ordinance authorizes cooperation between the city and the county to resurface Dover Center Road from Butternut Ridge Road to Mill Road. Details on potential sewer and water line work remain unclear, but businesses in the affected area can expect disruptions to access. Additionally, the city plans to resurface Dover Center Road from Mill Road to the Westlake city line, which will impact businesses from Mill Road to Brookpark Extension.

Ordinance 2025-08 – Passed

This ordinance allows the city to secure a cash or security bond for a Comprehensive Stormwater Management Plan, covering 100% of the cost of stormwater control measures. These measures include stormwater storage and water quality management facilities, or 10% of the total project cost.

Ordinance 2025-17 – 1st Reading, in Committee

This ordinance approves and adopts the 2025 Comprehensive Plan (Master Plan). The plan, developed by an independent committee, is reviewed and updated every five years to guide the city’s growth and development.

Ordinance 2025-21 – 1st Reading, Public Hearing

This ordinance proposes the creation of a new zoning overlay district for the mall area. The overlay will apply to newly constructed buildings, expansions of over 3,000 sq. ft., or any changes in the principal use of properties within the designated district. The design requirements for the overlay are modeled after the development style of Crocker Park. Seven parcels are included in the proposed district area.