Shuckers fans confused by Clevelander plan to revive "subpar" menu
But the food? Many would say that came a distant second.
Why it matters: An attempt by the Clevelander South Beach to revive classic menu items from the shuttered sports bar has received mixed reactions from longtime fans.
"Nobody ever went to shuckers for the food," Miami food writer and editor Laine Doss wrote on Facebook.
Catch up quick: Shuckers, which had a 35-year run in North Bay Village, closed last year after its parent company, Jesta Group, sold the property to make way for a mixed-use development.
Shuckers was replaced by the Palm Tree Club, a restaurant and music venue, which received noise complaints from neighbors even before it opened.
The latest: The Clevelander, which is also owned by Jesta Group, announced last month it would begin selling "beloved Shuckers favorites" like grilled wings, coconut shrimp and loaded nachos.
The goal, a spokesperson tells Axios, is to honor Shuckers' legacy and attract its loyal customers.
Between the lines: The revived menu items are more expensive at the Clevelander than on Shuckers' online menu.
Five grilled wings will cost you $18, compared with $14 at Shuckers. A 10-piece is $35, compared with $24.
What they're saying: Many Shuckers fans who responded to an Axios Miami callout on Facebook said Shuckers' secret sauce wasn't on the menu; in fact, some didn't like the food much at all.
"I only went to Shuckers for the view. The food was overpriced and subpar," resident Sharon Weiss said.
"The best part of Shuckers wasn't the food but the atmosphere," Alexandra Bassil wrote, adding that it was one of Miami's last oceanfront staples.
Friction point: Some locals said customers who preferred Shuckers' laid-back atmosphere would probably avoid visiting the Clevelander, known for its touristy day club.
"If Shuckers literally picked up and moved to Ocean Drive, I'm sure many locals would consider it," Christopher Jon Uriarte wrote. "But I'm sure the prospect of going to Clevelander just for a Shuckers Grilled Cheese is a hard 'no' for most people."
"No local is going to the Clevelander unless they just moved into town," Joey Willig wrote.
The other side: Some Shuckers fans said they enjoyed its wings and coconut shrimp and would stop by the Clevelander to check it out.
"Shuckers was too far of a trek with Miami Beach traffic," South Beach resident Valerie Owen wrote.
Caroline Gray, who also lives in the area, wrote that the Clevelander is "a great place for sports" and she's glad it's changing its menu.
"I really liked Shuckers coconut shrimp, happy to see them back."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Wire
03-06-2025
- Business Wire
The Dairy Alliance Brings Milk's Got Game to the Plate for Biloxi Shuckers' 10th Anniversary
ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Dairy Alliance, a nonprofit organization funded by dairy farm families in the Southeast, is proud to serve as the presenting sponsor of the Biloxi Shuckers' 10th Anniversary Game on June 6, 2025. The game, which also celebrates the return of the fan-favorite Biloxi Beach Chickens theme night, will be held at Keesler Federal Park in Biloxi, Mississippi, as the Shuckers take on the Montgomery Biscuits. 'This partnership brings together our Alabama and Mississippi dairy farm families for an exciting night of baseball and a focus on fueling strength, performance, and hydration with real dairy,' said Geri Berdak, Chief Executive Officer at The Dairy Alliance. 'We're excited to be a part of this Shuckers milestone and showcase how our Milk's Got Game initiative helps athletes and fans perform at their best, both on and off the field.' Fans will enjoy an exhibit with free ice cream donated by Prairie Farms, branded giveaways, and the chance to meet local dairy farmers from both Alabama and Mississippi. Fans are also encouraged to arrive early to see a local dairy farmer throw the ceremonial first pitch, kicking off the game with a nod to the hardworking individuals behind every glass of real dairy milk. 'We're honored to support The Dairy Alliance and the Biloxi Shuckers by donating Prairie Farms ice cream for this special night,' said Gary Davis, Chief Marketing Officer at Prairie Farms. 'It's a fun way to celebrate local dairy farmers and help fans enjoy the game with a taste of what real dairy has to offer.' With game attendance consistently topping 4,000 fans, the Biloxi Shuckers are a beloved part of the Gulf Coast community. This partnership aligns perfectly with The Dairy Alliance's commitment to promoting health, wellness, and the nutritional benefits of real dairy, especially its role in supporting active lifestyles. To learn more about The Dairy Alliance, visit or follow them on Facebook or Instagram @TheDairyAlliance. The Dairy Alliance is a nonprofit funded by dairy farm families of the Southeast. We work diligently with dairy farmers, schools, sports teams, health professionals, local organizations, state leaders, the media, and the public to promote dairy foods and knowledge about the dairy industry. Our efforts center in eight states: Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Yahoo
FirstEnergy wants to raise prices following repeal of scandal-tainted legislation
FirstEnergy's headquarters in Akron. (Photo from Google Maps.) Ohio lawmakers plan to repeal the remaining aspects of scandal-tainted legislation, saving ratepayers money and eliminating FirstEnergy's House Bill 6. As this happens, the utility company wants to increase consumers' bills. Like clockwork, energy costs go up in the winter. 'It's been a long winter for us here in Ohio,' Clevelander John Makley said. With a shaky economy and increasing FirstEnergy bills, Makley worries about his retirement. 'Do I have to manage to get to work and walk with a cane or a walker just to maintain a paycheck?' he asked. FirstEnergy is now asking for even more money from the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) for a $190 million increase in their charges. 'Instead of a $190 million distribution rate increase, the FirstEnergy utilities should be getting a haircut,' Agency Director of the Office of Consumers' Counsel (OCC) Maureen Willis said. 'Consumers electric utility bills are already packed with soaring transmission costs and rising energy prices. Affordability remains a key issue for Ohio families and businesses.' The OCC estimates that Cleveland Illuminating Company consumers will see a $13 price increase per month, Ohio Edison will have a $3 spike, and Toledo Edison a $1.50 increase. Makley is already frustrated by his current energy bill. Taking a look at his charges, in the fine print, there is a subsidy that requires ratepayers to fund two Ohio Valley Electric Corporation coal plants — one in Southern Ohio and one in Indiana. The main beneficiaries for OVEC are American Electric Power Company (AEP), Duke Energy and AES Ohio. Still, FirstEnergy collects payment for it. But thanks to the lawmakers, his energy costs may go down soon. 'They're thinking about the people and working to right a wrong that was put into the legislation so long ago,' Makley said. To find out which rider (a utility surcharge) on his bill benefited the plants — since it wasn't on the bill — we had to search through the 150-page document on FirstEnergy's website about tariffs. Still, there was no mention of OVEC under any of the riders. We reached out to the company to find out where it was — turns out it falls under a rider on page 146 with the 'Legacy Generation Resource Rider.' This handout was part of House Bill 6, corrupt legislation that landed former House Speaker Larry Householder in federal prison for 20 years. Back in 2019, Householder funneled $61 million worth of bribes in exchange for legislation to give FirstEnergy a $1.3 billion bailout, named H.B. 6, at ratepayers' expense. In March 2023, a jury found that Householder and former GOP leader Matt Borges, beyond a reasonable doubt, participated in the racketeering scheme that left four men guilty. Neil Clark, a lobbyist accused of bribery, died by suicide after pleading not guilty in 2021. In late June that year, federal judge Timothy Black sentenced Householder to 20 years in prison. Borges got five years. Two defendants — Jeff Longstreth and Juan Cespedes — took plea agreements early on, helping the FBI, and are still awaiting their sentencing. The feds are asking for zero to six months for them. Former FirstEnergy CEO Chuck Jones, former FirstEnergy Senior Vice President Michael Dowling, and former PUCO Sam Randazzo were all hit with state bribery charges. Each pleaded not guilty during their joint arraignment in mid-February 2024. They are accused of masterminding the corruption scheme. In April 2024, Randazzo would become the second defendant accused in the scandal to die by suicide. Recently, Householder's attorney said his team plans to use their connection to President Donald Trump to try to get out of prison. This past month, the Ohio House passed H.B. 15, and the Senate passed S.B. 2 — similar energy bills — but both repealed the subsidies for the unprofitable plants. 'If we leave this OVEC portion in place, it's going to cost our taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars for a bill that was bought and paid for in the largest scandal in Ohio history,' state Rep. Josh Williams, R-Sylvania, said. A study commissioned by the Ohio Manufacturers' Association found that in 2024 alone, these subsidies cost ratepayers roughly $200 million. The company lost more than $100 million the same year, so consumers are paying for plants that aren't profitable. The subsidies may not seem like a lot every month, but they add up when inflation is high and people struggle. You would be saving $1.30 and $1.50 per month, depending on your utility provider, according to the Energy News Network. While the bill was passed overwhelmingly in each chamber, former House Speaker Jason Stephens, R-Kitts Hill, argued that it could cause people to lose jobs if the plants shut down. 'There are Ohioans who work at this plant for generations — their grandfathers worked there,' Stephens said. The Ohio plant is in Stephens's district, and the former leader prevented similar legislation from being heard in the last General Assembly. He explained that in a previous G.A., part of H.B. 6 was repealed, but the lawmakers chose to keep the coal plant money. Then, in the 134th G.A., lawmakers passed H.B. 128 — which took out funding for nuclear power plants. House Speaker Matt Huffman didn't seem impressed by Stephens's remarks. 'This money doesn't go to Lawrence County to help that plant,' the speaker told reporters after the vote. 'It goes in Duke's checking account in Charlotte, North Carolina, and they decide over many states, not necessarily to spend any money.' Only three lawmakers voted against it in the House — Stephens and state Reps. Don Jones, R-Freeport, and Latyna Humphrey, D-Columbus. 'I understand and respect your — the corruption that everyone wants to attach to House Bill 6,' Jones said. 'I was here for House Bill 6 — it's the lens in which you look at it through.' He continued that his county has about 700 coal miners who rely on these plants. 'When Ohio makes a promise, whether we like the promise or not… We should honor that,' Stephens added. 'At whose expense?' Makley responded. OVEC and the utility companies are lobbying for at least some grace period — a sliding ramp of two years for them to eliminate the subsidies. 'Ohio Valley Electric Company power plants have provided Ohioans with reliable power, helped make Ohio's economic development possible and supported our nation's security interests,' Scott Blake with OVEC and AEP said. 'We continue to advocate for a reasonable timeline for transitioning the cost recovery for the OVEC plants and will work with policy makers as the legislative process continues.' There is still a process before you could see your bills go down. Each chamber will have to agree on one policy, which is then sent to the governor. Gov. Mike DeWine in January said, when asked, that he would support repeal. Asked what it would take to earn his trust back on energy policy in Ohio, Makley said that's a tough one. 'Transparency is really important,' he said. 'We need to see what we're paying for.' The lawmakers who support it say they are hoping to close this dark chapter in state WEWS statehouse reporter Morgan Trau on Twitter and Facebook. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Axios
10-03-2025
- Axios
Shuckers fans confused by Clevelander plan to revive "subpar" menu
Shuckers Waterfront Bar & Grill was beloved for its laid-back vibes, bayfront views and historic status as a Miami staple before it closed last year. But the food? Many would say that came a distant second. Why it matters: An attempt by the Clevelander South Beach to revive classic menu items from the shuttered sports bar has received mixed reactions from longtime fans. "Nobody ever went to shuckers for the food," Miami food writer and editor Laine Doss wrote on Facebook. Catch up quick: Shuckers, which had a 35-year run in North Bay Village, closed last year after its parent company, Jesta Group, sold the property to make way for a mixed-use development. Shuckers was replaced by the Palm Tree Club, a restaurant and music venue, which received noise complaints from neighbors even before it opened. The latest: The Clevelander, which is also owned by Jesta Group, announced last month it would begin selling "beloved Shuckers favorites" like grilled wings, coconut shrimp and loaded nachos. The goal, a spokesperson tells Axios, is to honor Shuckers' legacy and attract its loyal customers. Between the lines: The revived menu items are more expensive at the Clevelander than on Shuckers' online menu. Five grilled wings will cost you $18, compared with $14 at Shuckers. A 10-piece is $35, compared with $24. What they're saying: Many Shuckers fans who responded to an Axios Miami callout on Facebook said Shuckers' secret sauce wasn't on the menu; in fact, some didn't like the food much at all. "I only went to Shuckers for the view. The food was overpriced and subpar," resident Sharon Weiss said. "The best part of Shuckers wasn't the food but the atmosphere," Alexandra Bassil wrote, adding that it was one of Miami's last oceanfront staples. Friction point: Some locals said customers who preferred Shuckers' laid-back atmosphere would probably avoid visiting the Clevelander, known for its touristy day club. "If Shuckers literally picked up and moved to Ocean Drive, I'm sure many locals would consider it," Christopher Jon Uriarte wrote. "But I'm sure the prospect of going to Clevelander just for a Shuckers Grilled Cheese is a hard 'no' for most people." "No local is going to the Clevelander unless they just moved into town," Joey Willig wrote. The other side: Some Shuckers fans said they enjoyed its wings and coconut shrimp and would stop by the Clevelander to check it out. "Shuckers was too far of a trek with Miami Beach traffic," South Beach resident Valerie Owen wrote. Caroline Gray, who also lives in the area, wrote that the Clevelander is "a great place for sports" and she's glad it's changing its menu. "I really liked Shuckers coconut shrimp, happy to see them back."
