CUYAHOGA FALLS: What do a California-based fitness center and a Florida burger restaurant have in common?
They’re both coming to Cuyahoga Falls.
Stark Enterprises Chief Operating Officer Steve Rubin confirmed Tuesday that LA Fitness and BurgerFi have signed on as tenants in Portage Crossing, along with the Eye Opener and Starbucks.
The Eye Opener is a gourmet breakfast restaurant, currently located at 1688 W. Market St. in the Wallhaven area of West Akron.
They will join Aladdin’s Eatery and Pet Supplies Plus, along with anchors Giant Eagle Market District and Cinemark.
LA Fitness was discussed during Monday’s meeting of Cuyahoga Falls City Council. Ward 7 Councilman Jerry James expressed concern that a fitness center will open so close to the Natatorium.
The Natatorium “is the bright eye of the neighborhood and I can’t understand how LA Fitness will fit into the facility,” James said. “And [the Natatorium] is still being paid on.”
Falls Development Director Sue Truby said LA Fitness has a different target market than the Natatorium.
“They target 25- to 35-year-olds,” she said. “The Natatorium targets families.”
James said Natatorium employees are worried about their jobs.
“This is something that’s competing with the jewel of our eye here,” James said. “I can’t understand it at all.”
Finance Director Joe Brodzinski likened the public-private competition to other money-making services the city provides.
He said the Natatorium will make money this year, and he expects the city’s fitness center to bring in $100,000 next year.
“It’s not unlike the golf course, no different than the sanitation department,” Brodzinski said. “Could it have an impact? Somebody will leave, but someone new will come to the Natatorium. Is it going to have an impact? Absolutely not. We’re working on something new with Summa, new revenue-enhancing ideas because we’re always geared for competition.”
Truby said every new business that opens in Portage Crossing will be competing with existing businesses.
“That’s the nature of business in this country,” she said.