Historic Rider’s Inn to reopen as Pub 1812

PAINESVILLE, Ohio — One of Lake County’s oldest landmarks is stirring back to life.

The 213-year-old Rider’s Inn, a treasured but long-struggling Painesville property, is getting new energy and a new name. Hospitality veteran Leonard William plans to reopen it as Pub 1812 before Halloween.

“I’ve always liked the property and wanted a bigger space,” said William, who lives in Mentor. “When I saw on Facebook that they were looking for somebody, I jumped.”

For years, Rider’s Inn has been both an icon and a challenge — a historic stagecoach stop turned restaurant, bar and bed-and-breakfast inn. While the building has been owned by Elaine Crane since 1989, the business inside has cycled through owners and reinventions.

From 2023 to 2024 the business was owned by Kaela Alex. Her last concept