Big Apple Inspired Dining in the Comfort of the Glass City
As owners and managers, the Lahey family has shaped their own style of dining in this growing downtown Toledo locale and has what they call a “New York-inspired” menu. Francis de Sales and Ohio Northern University where he pursued musical theater. He did quite well through high school and college becoming an accomplished singer, dancer an
d actor. He has appeared in an array of productions and held lead roles in West Side Story, JC Superstar, Hello Dolly, Guys & Dolls, and Forever Plaid to name a few. So, in 2000 he moved to New York to pursue his acting career. As most folks who have also followed this path know, that dream turned into one waiter’s position after another! While on this track he met Mike, a native New Yorker. The guys decided to work together to make ends meet. However, in the aftermath of the 9/11 tragedy, they ran into rough times. They packed their possessions and hobbled back home to Toledo with every intention of earning enough cash to return to New York within six months. Call it Divine Providence or call it fate, things have a way of taking their own course. While working here the guys were introduced to the idea of opening their own restaurant, especially since Mike had chef training. His first reaction was to advise the guys that this was a bad idea and they should stay focused on their original game plan of returning to NY. But soon, even he began to see the inherent charm and potential of the venue here at 1516 Adams. The trio began working slowly in the spring of 2002. Things really got cooking that summer with the dust flying on the inside and the paint flowing on the outside! Enter Zach’s mom, Barbara whom they snookered into painting the NY skyline mural (which mushroomed into a sundry of other odd jobs and continues to this day!). After a brutal autumn Manhattan’s opened its doors in December. Having never gotten used to living without subways, Mike eventually moved back east. Zach has found his footlights as General Manager while also performing on local stages. Marty has discovered that owning a restaurant is not exactly a gentlemanly pastime, but is thrilled to achieve his lifelong dream of running a family business. Manhattan’s offers local residents the opportunity to enjoy the New York experience every day. The intent is to mesh the rich New York flavors with the distinctive ambiance of the Adams Street renaissance. We’re happy you’ve come to partake and we hope you’re enjoying your experience. We want Manhattan’s to become your place. Hope to see you often! Zach, Marty & Barbara
