Let's get this out of the way from the jump: We likely will not be dining anytime soon at Sherla's Chicken and Oysters, Michael Symon's casual neighborhood spot slowly taking shape in the former home of Lolita in Tremont, which suffered a catastrophic fire more than two years ago. When it does open — this summer, next fall, or just in time for the 2019 MLB All-Star Game in Cleveland — it will offer a casual mix of raw oysters, smoked seafood boards, fried chicken and wood-roasted chicken and veggies.

That said, the number of other exciting bar, restaurant and brewery projects that have our attention is nothing short of impressive. From Lakewood to Chagrin Falls to Canton and all points in between, there are heaps of new ventures presently taking shape.

By Douglas Trattner