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Hannon’s Block and Firefly Toledo both opened earlier this year amid the pandemic. The owners say they both had better summers than expected.

TOLEDO, Ohio – After an uncertain summer of 2020, businesses were ready for a normal summer in downtown Toledo. And newer spots like Firefly and Hannon’s Block did better than expected.

“It exceeded all of our expectations,” said Geoff Scott, managing partner of Firefly. “We were a little nervous about COVID at first, didn’t know what was going to happen and the crowd just came out and we loved it.”

Michael Stancati, owner of Hannon’s Block, emphasized that the community’s support has not stopped since it opened on St. Patrick’s Day.

“We didn’t choose when to open,” he said, “but I couldn’t be more proud of what we have achieved in those times and what the company has achieved.”

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Both Scott and Stancati say big events really played a role in getting people back downtown, be it at the Mud Hens Games or the Solheim Cup.

“That’s all we heard, ‘We’re so grateful to have a life again and get out of the house and just talk to our neighbors and our downtown friends and see the mud playing chicken,” said Scott.

Stancati believes that every event, from the summer concert series to simple movie nights at Promenade Park, has helped pull people away.

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“Everyone has been great for the city of Toledo and it’s great to bring new people into new businesses like us,” he added.

Both owners agree that opening up wasn’t ideal during a pandemic, but they know it won’t last forever. And their bets on long-term opportunities are centered on the downtown area.

“Look, we want more bars and restaurants to open down here because it brings more people here for all of us,” said Scott.

“Whether it’s retail or restaurants, we really feel that the future of Toledo is downtown,” said Stancati.