Yosteria Owner Cites ‘Steep’ Costs for Pulling Out of Hotel

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The owner of Yosteria is looking for a new downtown location for the Italian restaurant, which he planned to open in the new DoubleTree by Hilton Downtown Youngstown this summer.

Alex Zordich cited “business and finance stuff” for deciding against moving forward with plans to open Yosteria in the downtown hotel, which opened in May.

“Everything was too steep – the equipment cost and all that good stuff,” he said. “It started to add up and got out of budget.” He said he and NYO Property Group, which developed the Stambaugh Building into the downtown hotel, “understand and everything is good,” he added.

Dominic Marchionda, NYO’s managing partner, was unavailable for comment.

Yosteria is one of two restaurants that were expected to open in the DoubleTree this summer, along with Branch Street Coffee Roasters. Bistro 1907 has operated since the hotel’s opening.

“It was unfortunate. We wanted it to happen but I have every intention to stay downtown and I’m in the process of looking for another spot,” Zordich said. “It’s a matter of finding the right fit and the right building. It will take some time but it will work.”

Occupancy at the hotel is running about 70% on weekends and in the 50% range weekdays, reported Steve Miller, general manager.

“Things are going good,” Mitchell said. “Our weekends are really strong. We’re picking up a lot of business whenever there is an event at the Covelli Centre. And weekdays are picking up, too.”

As Zordich searches for a new location, Yosteria will continue to operate out of the B&O Station Banquet Hall.

“We’re open Friday and Saturdays right now because I’m just focused on putting a lot of energy into finding a better spot. But business has been good and fun and a lot of a learning process,” he said. “I’m looking forward to getting more of my product out there, especially the wine, but good things take time.”

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.