Contact:            Nancy Pierce                                                     

Zeal PR, Inc.

Phone/Fax: 330.777.0245

E-mail: Nancy@zealpr.com

www.lockkeepers.com

www.danteboccuzzi.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 13, 2007

NEW CHEF / OWNER IN PLACE AT LOCKKEEPERS

Fine-dining establishment to “stay Lockkeepers” through August

(Valley View, Ohio) –  Lockkeepers, a perennial favorite for Northeast Ohio diners, is under new management for the first time in its 15-year history.   Chef/Owner Dante Boccuzzi officially took over operations on March 5.

“This is a big change,” said Boccuzzi when addressing the staff of 50 on his first day.   “However, from now until August, the changes will be minor.”   Boccuzzi plans to operate the Valley View Four Diamond restaurant as Lockkeepers through the end of August, at which time it will close for a few days to allow for staff training and modifications to the décor, and reopen in early September as “Dante.”

 “It will be a salute to Lockkeepers until the very last day,” noted Boccuzzi, adding that the style and price point will stay the same.   “We want as many people as possible to enjoy Lockkeepers as they always have.”

In the interim, Boccuzzi is collaborating with Lockkeepers Executive Chef Ky-wai Wong to create a new Spring menu which will be released in early April.   New menu items in development will be introduced as daily specials throughout March.

Boccuzzi, 35, is a native of Parma, Ohio.   Most recently he was Executive Chef at Charlie Palmer’s flagship restaurant, Aureole, in New York City, where he began his culinary career in 1991.   Under his leadership, Aureole earned a prestigious Michelin star in 2006, the first year that Michelin produced its legendary “Red Guide” for New York City restaurants.   Boccuzzi’s impressive resume includes restaurants in New York, Washington, D.C., and San Francisco, as well as France, England, Taiwan, China, and Italy.   He is a two-time nominee for the James Beard Rising Chef of the Year, and was named one of New York’s top 10 chefs.   He is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York.

Accompanying Boccuzzi to Cleveland are managers Dave Eselgroth and Natalie Cox.   Eselgroth, 34, who will manage the front of the house and the beverage program, said he chose to leave his career in Manhattan and come to Cleveland because of his belief in Boccuzzi’s talent and restaurant knowledge.   “I came because of Chef and I bring my passion to the restaurant business,” he professed.  

Cox, 27, said she never questioned whether a move to Ohio to work with Boccuzzi was a good career move.   “If you are going to be in the restaurant business I recommend living and working in Manhattan,” she said, adding that she is already very impressed and pleased with Cleveland.   She will be primarily responsible for the business administration operations.

Boccuzzi acknowledged to the staff that everyone, himself included, is nervous about the transition.   “This is a big restaurant, and when I walked in I was probably as nervous as you are!” he quipped, asking for their patience and flexibility.   “We need to work together and as a team we are going to shine,” he asserted.  

Lockkeepers is located at 8001 Rockside Road in Valley View, near the intersection of Rockside and Canal Roads in Thornburg Station.   It has been recognized both regionally and nationally for its classic American cuisine, superior service, and exceptional wine program, which was given an “Award of Distinction for 2005” from Wine Enthusiast, and has consistently earned Wine Spectator’s “Best of Award of Excellence.”   Lockkeepers is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, including brunch on Sunday.   All previously issued Lockkeepers gift certificates will be honored at full face value.   For more information on Lockkeepers, visit their website at www.lockkeepers.com, or call them at 216.524.9404.

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