Winking Lizard

Winking Lizard is closing its Coventry location after the end of business tonight, Aug. 10.

(John petkovic, The Plain Dealer)

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Tonight is the final day of business for Winking Lizard's Coventry location, which had been opened since 1997.

Space limitation was the main reason behind the closing, said John Lane of the Bedford Heights-based craft beer and restaurant chain.

"The biggest thing was outdoor space," he said. "That's really the only location we have without any outdoor space. It really suffers.

"It's a sad day because it was our sixth store that we opened. It's really one we learned a lot from, growing up."

The Winking Lizard has "already started on a building in Mayfield Heights across from Hillcrest Hospital," said Lane, who added target opening is first quarter 2017.

All employees at the Coventry location will be working at surrounding Lizard locations. "No one is losing their job," Lane said. "We've got jobs for everyone."

Without Coventry, the Winking Lizard will be left with 18 locations, all in Ohio.

"In the 19 years, business changes and you have to change with the times," Lane said. "There was nothing more we could do with that building to make it friendly for our employees, friendly for our guests."

Lane said he will be heading to the Coventry spot tonight "to have a beer with my wife and reminisce."