The History of Reithoffer’s: Where the past meets creativity, community, and craft. 

The building that now houses Reithoffer’s—affectionately known as Hoff’s—has a storied past that beautifully complements its eclectic present.

 

The structure dates all the way back to 1806, making it one of the oldest reclaimed buildings in the area. Its weathered exterior stands as a tribute to its resilience and roots in Auburn Townships early development.

 

The recent history resides with the late, John Reithoffer who’s parents immigrants of Austria-Hungary, Janos and Katalin, purchased the home located at 17711 Ravenna road in the 1930’s after living in the Cleveland/Buckeye neighborhood and wanting to get out of city life. The home was purchased with $1000.00 from insurance money gathered after the tragic loss of one of their sons. The family resided here for decades. John being the last of 7 children was the last to reside in the home. The room now known as the “Silver Bar” was once where John’s extensive collection of furniture was sold along with the main bar area housing his endless collection of treasures and finds. The upstairs was strictly private to John himself as he was a very private man, even to family. The outside was often a treasure seekers delight, although some would say a junkyard, John did collect many things. David Reithoffer, cousin of John, has fond memories of exploring the first floor area and recalls John allowing the kids to pick out one treasure per visit. The front area of the building also housed a barber shop as John was part of a long line of Reithoffer men who held a blade for haircuts. John was also a realtor and ran his business from the same building.

 

John was a member of the Realtors Association and the Masons. He also was a founding member of the Auburn Fire Dept.; VFW; American Legion; member of the creation of Geauga Hospital; and many Civic and cultural groups. In 1959, he escorted John F. Kennedy and his wife Jacqueline to the Geauga Maple Festival. He continued to live and work at the current space of Reithoffer's for years. He passed away in May 2016 at the age of 92.

 

In recent years, the property was thoughtfully transformed by artists and owners Jason and Debby Wein. With a passion for reclaimed design and a legacy dating back to 1994 through their company, Cleveland Art—a studio specializing in upcycled industrial décor—they have brought new life into the space. Jason is a talented welder, glassblower, and visionary aesthetic developer, known for his ability to transform raw materials into striking, functional art.

 

The interior of Hoff’s includes artifacts and remnants left by Reithoffer himself, now integrated into the building’s design by Jason in artistic, functional ways. Jason is quite the collector himself and David Reithoffer thinks its a “match made in heaven” for the Wein’s to now carry on the legacy of Hoff’s.

 

Reithoffer's has evolved into a vibrant hub for live music, art exhibitions, craft cocktails, and community events. It functions as a gallery, music venue, and bar, offering a unique blend of vintage charm and modern creativity. The venue also welcomes private bookings for weddings, celebrations, and corporate gatherings. Reithoffer’s isn’t just a venue—it’s a living piece of Chagrin Falls history, lovingly restored and reimagined for today’s makers, musicians, and memory-makers.