Knox Building’s Harver: Remodeling, Ready to Reopen Soon

Jacob Harver, owner of the Knox Building in downtown Youngstown, which houses The Federal and other establishments, is coming back strong, along with Nesha Mitchell, who works at The Federal. You can read more about the Knox Building at its website.

What are some ways your restaurant is rebounding from the effects of COVID-19?

Currently the Knox Building, along with our restaurant in partnership with the Martini Bros, “The Federal,” is still closed. We have been utilizing the time for remodeling work and various improvements. We plan on reopening in the next couple of weeks, around mid-June.

What’s been the reaction from customers so far?

We have a very close-knit Downtown Youngstown community, so our customers and neighbors have been very supportive in these uncertain times.

What impact has the outbreak had on you personally?

Of course, anxiety about everyone’s health has foremost occupied my mind. But this downtime has also been productive. It has been eight years since we acquired the Knox Building and transitioned the Lemon Grove from the original location two doors down. That move was so hurried, and business has been unceasing since then, so having everything stop for a few months provided some much-needed time to catch up and organize.

There is still so much uncertainty with whatever the “new normal” will be, but I am confident for us. We have always been able to persevere and adapt.

What advice are you sharing with the people you love?

I’m not really one for giving advice, but unless you are well informed, you can’t even hope to know how to act. Being well informed means not only relying on legitimate news sources (like NPR on WYSU 88.5), but also knowing a wide range of perspectives. Both with COVID and the fight to end racist police brutality, it is a business’s responsibility to stand for the common good of the community, and not just the bottom line.