Are you a fan of peanut butter? Would you like to try some interesting blends that go beyond just traditional peanut butter? Then you’ll definitely want to visit That’s Nuts on Madison Avenue in Lakewood.

Scrumptious nut butters



That’s Nuts has been open for 11 weeks and is taking the area by storm with its blends of unique nut butters.

“We make fun, amazing, artisanal nut butters. We do all sorts of varieties from your basic peanut, almond and cashew butters to a blueberry and cashew blend and a pecan apple pie. The apple pie has been one of our most popular. It’s a blend of pecans, dried apples, caramel, and cranberries. It’s like peanut butter and jelly all in one,” said owner Meilio Bakich.

Meilio typically has peanuts, almonds, cashews, pecans, and hazelnuts. At any given time, there are six different varieties of nuts featured. All nut butters are made right on sight, fresh to order.

“I was toying with the idea of opening a nut butter café for quite awhile. I was sort of healthy and a vegetarian at the time and was looking for something a little different. You would find peanut and almond butter, but I thought, ‘They’re lacking something. If the technology exists to do this why not do something fun and a little different?’ For me, it’s a labor of love. It’s part experiment and part entrepreneurial adventure. I’m taking it to a higher creative level,” said Meilio.

The majority of the products that Meilio uses are locally sourced. Everything is all natural. He limits his packaging sizes to ensure freshness. The butters are sold in eight-ounce tubs, and pricing varies based on the nut butter or blend.

Enjoy a unique sandwich



That’s Nuts also is a sandwich shop.

“We have some fun combinations that blend in fresh fruit such as sliced apples. We do deli sandwiches, and most are available in vegetarian options. We do kosher and veggie dogs, as well as gluten-free options. It’s ideal for people who are health conscious,” he said.

As Meilio put it, “It’s all packaged in a place that looks like SuperHost exploded inside! I’m a sci-fi comic-bookie nerdy kind of a guy and I like to have fun. I wanted to make it like a fun, happy Saturday morning in 1971.”

Taking nut butter one step further



That’s Nuts has become a destination spot for local chefs. “One fellow, in particular, encouraged me to go down to the Tremont Farmers’ Market to sample my product. It was so well received that they asked me to come down the next day to sell.”

Meilio is also looking to put some of his products in stores. He’s approached some people about doing some wholesale.

Meilio Bakich



Meilio is originally from Youngstown. He likes Lakewood because the city still has the feel of what it was like 30 to 50 years ago.

“The storefronts are the same, but they’re still active with businesses. There’s a real sense of community here, and folks support each other. I really love it here!”

Facebook/thatsnutslakewood

15208 Madison Avenue

Lakewood

(216) 228-6887 (NUTS)

