Issho Ni Poke Bar debuts in Mentor
May 20—For Jonathan Johanes and his wife, Linda, suburban Cleveland isn't anything like Beverly Hills.
Their shared observation may seem obvious, but for the Painesville residents, who own and operate the newly opened Issho Ni Poke Bar in Mentor, the reflection runs deeper, almost elementary, and in a positive way.
Because when it comes to dishing out authentic eats, it's been the customer end of the food-and-beverage transaction that's continued to highlight their collective experience.
"We've loved the people we've served," Jonathan said, recalling the 2019 opening of Issho Ni Ramen Sushi & Hibachi, their Willoughby-based eatery. "And we know it will be the same with Poke.
"California is cool, but it can be so impersonal....other places, too," he added. "I've lived in almost 30 states and it's just different here. People are willing to be patient for quality, and we love that."
According to co-owner/partner John Josza, bringing "something new" to the area doesn't at all hurt, either.
"We're only the second (poke) place on the east side of Cleveland," the Concord Township resident said, noting the fast-casual topping bar offering customizable service and featuring raw fish mixed with fruit and vegetables complemented with house sauces/dressings.
"This is a Hawaiian staple, but it's always been extremely popular on the West Coast, so we thought we'd bring it to the shores of Lake Erie," Josza added. "There are 76 restaurants on Mentor Avenue, in the city of Mentor, that I know of, and this is just different because it's hard to find something healthy that stands apart."
The 1,600-square-foot space, located at 9570 Mentor Ave., Unit L, is described by the owners as Issho Ni Ramen's "sister store," which previously housed a weight-loss center.
The selection fits well for the trio, who described finding the spot, which had sat vacant for two years, as a "lucky" discovery.
"When we were negotiating the lease, we were told that 10 pizza places wanted to come in here, in addition to nail salon businesses, but our landlord wanted a perfect fit," Josza said. "We knew he'd lost two years (of rent), and that he could have rented to anybody, so he interviewed us as much as we interviewed him. He also visited Issho Ni Ramen, was impressed with it, and told us we were in."
In fact, it was at Jonathan and Linda's first eatery where they first encountered their partner.
"We just started talking," Josza said. "I basically saw their work ethic, working 60 and 70 hours a week. They're just killers. If they would have proposed a car wash or a doughnut shop, I would have agreed. When they first opened (Ramen), Linda was standing out in the snow passing out flyers for the restaurant. I was sold and the rest is history."
The Japanese words "issho ni" mean "togetherness," Jonathan noted, "to do something together," which, in the chef's assessment, includes "friends, family, good time and good food," which is what he and his partners want to continue to convey.
However, Jonathan admits he also has a slightly more selfish reason.
"I love to eat," he said, laughing. "But I also love to cook and that's why I want to give what I have to the people in the area. I've been everywhere, but I was trained in the traditional sushi places that served only 'omakase' (a Japanese phrase meaning, "I leave it up to you," used when ordering food) — and I wanted to bring that style, that California taste and the diversity of the big states to Cleveland. I want to bring people a new taste, instead of just burgers, pizzas, and sandwiches."
Kevin Malecek, director of economic development and international trade for Mentor, believes Issho Ni Poke also fills a demand for a growing restaurant trend.
"Their expansion is anticipated and welcomed by the community and adds to our 175-plus eateries," he said regarding the May 18 grand opening.
Josza, noting an already solid customer base, characterized the new endeavor as nothing short of amazing.
"Both originally from Indonesia, Linda, herself, came to the United States with $1,000 eight years ago and now she and Jonathan have two restaurants," Josza said. "I'm happy to be a part of it."
For more information, including hours of operation and menu options, visit www.isshonipokebar.com/.
