Owner of Martini’s Downtown closes Youngstown; opens new place in Canfield

YOUNGSTOWN —The owner of a downtown restaurant and bar is closing Friday and opening a new place in Canfield.

Matthew Sutton, owner of Martini’s Downtown, said business at his place slowed down during the past six months though there were still crowds for lunch and Happy Hour.

One problem, he said, is the number of downtown eateries and bars has increased in the past few years.

“I think the size of the pie is the same, but more people are trying to get pieces of it,” Sutton said. “It was nice when we were the only game in town.”

Sutton has operated Martini’s in the basement of the Ohio One Building, 100 E. Federal St., for more than eight years.

Martini’s is having a customer appreciation party Wednesday starting at 3 p.m., and is offering “going-out-of-business” prices for food and drinks Thursday and Friday during lunch and Happy Hour.

Sutton is opening the YOLO Cafe at a strip plaza in Canfield on state Route 46, near Shields Road. YOLO stands for “You Only Live Once.” Sutton lives in Canfield.

Martini’s menu included sandwiches and hamburgers. YOLO will feature charcoal-grilled Mediterranean food and will be more “family oriented,” Sutton said.

For the complete story, see Wednesday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com.