Nelly Belly Found an Avon Home

Every great band eventually stops living out of the van.

After 14 seasons of hauling wood-fired ovens to weddings, graduation parties, and company picnics all over northeast Ohio, Nelly Belly is getting a permanent stage. Julie Short first told you last year they were taking over the old Railroad Brewing space at 1010 Center Road in Avon. Turns out they didn't just book the venue. They bought it. All three acres.

The restaurant will serve their wood-fired pizza plus smash burgers, fresh cut fries (fried in beef tallow), homemade soups, salads, sandwiches, and locally made organic soft serve. And don't worry, the trucks aren't going anywhere.

Outside, there will be a stage for live music, plus sand volleyball, bocce, tether ball, and cornhole. Winter brings ice keg curling. We had to read that twice too. Never played bocce? They're running beginner clinics and leagues this fall.

Why Avon? The Nelsons have lived there 25 years. They bought the land last year and have been hand-picking everything since, right down to the tiles and beams.

They're hoping to open Labor Day weekend.

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