Copyright cleveland.com
CLEVELAND, Ohio --Tremont’s restaurant scene is getting another splash of culinary flair. Paper Tiger, a new American-Chinese restaurant from Hangry Brands, is set to open next spring in the former Crust and Visible Voice Books building on Professor Avenue across from Dante. The full-service restaurant will seat about 65 guests inside, with a 10-seat bar and a private patio and outdoor bar tucked behind the building. Paper Tiger also plans a dedicated takeout window for nearby residents craving quick Chinese fare. “When we had a successful opening of STEAK in Tremont, it just underscored to me and my company how important of a culinary neighborhood Tremont is,” said Jason Beudert, vice president and partner at Hangry Brands. “When the opportunity came with the Crust and Visible Voice building, right across from Dante, we knew that it would make a great home for Paper Tiger.” The menu will celebrate the nostalgic comfort of American-Chinese food — with a twist. Diners can expect “classic Chinese takeout hits” like General Xiao’s chicken, honey walnut chicken and sesame chicken, alongside creative, chef-driven dishes such as filet and peppers, egg roll queso, guacamame (avocado-edamame) dip, bao tacos and carbonara lo mein. Beudert has renamed General Tso’s chicken for business partner Xiao Lin. “It’s American-Chinese — the kind of food many of us grew up on,” Beudert said. “But it’s elevated, fun, and built for families. We want to create something that’s not P.F. Chang’s and not a takeout joint — something that lives right in the middle with great flavor, design and energy.” All guests will receive complimentary shrimp chips, a signature touch that sets the tone for the restaurant’s playful hospitality. Paper Tiger’s menu is being developed under the guidance of business partner and CFO Xiao Lin, who was born in China and moved to the U.S. as a child. “It’s been exciting to be part of the menu innovation for Paper Tiger and to be able to work alongside our amazing chefs and help instill some of my family’s culinary heritage and recipes,” Lin said. The culinary team includes Jason Simon, Bill Crowe and executive chef Dominique Colon, whom Beudert describes as “a strong female leader with Asian and master sushi experience.” Like STEAK, Paper Tiger will lean into Hangry Brands’ signature mix of creative design and high energy. Expect illuminated Chinese dragons suspended from the rafters and an atmosphere that balances family-friendly comfort with Instagram-worthy style. The bar program will also draw inspiration from tradition — and have fun with it. Each cocktail will correspond to one of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals, presented in creative vessels designed for photo-ready appeal. They will have names like Cat, Rabbit and Tiger. “You usually get that red paper placemat with the Chinese zodiac when you go out for Chinese,” Beudert said. “We’re doing the same idea but each zodiac sign is a signature cocktail. It’s going to be a lot of fun.” Beudert expects diners to appreciate the experiences offered by the restaurant. “The normal gets boring. People want to be entertained. They want food, service, picture and experience,” he said. “We do that well at Hangry Brands, at Steak, Jolene’s and Society. We’re going to do that well at Paper Tiger, too.” For Hangry Brands, which operates 11 concepts across Northeast Ohio, Paper Tiger marks its fourth Tremont location. Its other Tremont restaurants are Danny’s, Edison’s and STEAK. “This is the ultimate culinary neighborhood in Northeast Ohio,” Beudert said. Paper Tiger is expected to open late spring 2026 at 2258 Professor Ave., Cleveland.
