EAST CLEVELAND, Ohio -- In the heart of East Cleveland, an area suffering blight and vacancy, restaurateur and social justice advocate Ismail Samad is making economic change.

He is engaging with the community to convert a vacant Wendy’s building into Maroon Square -- a hub of food, community and possibility.

A micro-food hall will be anchored by the next generation of Loiter Marketplace . Loiter was previously located in the former Mickey’s Building on the edge of University Circle and East Cleveland. It closed earlier this year and will reopen in December.

Loiter will be joined by a several of food concepts in the space. These include

Samad is still looking for a full-service breakfast concept. And he is planning to showcase his chef skills in Quilt, a monthly supper club popup.

“I

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