Ivory Keys Closes In Lakewood

LAKEWOOD, OH — The piano bar Ivory Keys has closed abruptly, only about a month after opening. The business had taken over the Detroiter space and opened in December.

Signs now hang in the double glass door entryway telling visitors and passerby the business is closed. There are claims that owner Thomas Russo has failed to pay several employees associated with the business, Cleveland Scene reported and Facebook users claimed. Russo denies those allegations.

He told Scene that his performers were paid in cash and his remaining balance with staff has been greatly inflated.

Meanwhile, Lakewood residents were left wondering if any business could succeed at the space on Detroit Ave. Despite being located on the city's most trafficked business district, the Ivory Keys, the Detroiter and World of Beer have all failed to keep their doors open.

"Nothing seems to last there," said Dawn Bentley on Facebook.

Photo from Rick Uldricks, Patch