Owner and Toledo native, Zach Lahey and his talented staff have shaped their
own style of dining in this growing downtown Toledo locale and have what they
call a “New York-inspired” menu.
Zach is the second oldest of seven children. He graduated from St. Francis de
Sales High School and went on to Ohio Northern University where he pursued
musical theater. He is an accomplished singer, dancer and actor. He has appeared
in an array of productions and held leads in West Side Story, JC Superstar,
Hello Dolly, and Guys and Dolls, to mention a few. He has also been the guest
artist for ONU’s Godspell (Summer 2002) and Tommy (Spring 2003).
In 2000, Zach 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 Zach worked tirelessly to make ends meet.
However, in the aftermath of the 9/11 tragedy, he ran into tough times, loaded
his possessions onto a trailer, and hobbled 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 just have a way of taking
their own course. While working at Manos' Greek Restaurant, Zach was introduced
to the idea of opening his own restaurant at the former Sam & Andy’s site.
Zach’s dad, Marty, initially advised him that this was a very bad idea and that
he should stay focused on his original game plan of returning to NY. (Is there a
hidden message there?) But soon, even he began to see the inherent charm and
potential of this venue.
Zach, Marty, and many of their friends began working slowly in the spring of
2002. Construction really got started in July and by September paint was flowing
on the outside while dust was flying on the inside. After a brutal autumn
Manhattan’s opened its doors for business in December, 2002.
Manhattan’s Restaurant offers local residents the opportunity to enjoy the New
York experience every day. The intent is to mesh rich New York flavors with the
distinctive ambiance of the Adams Street renaissance.
Below are some samples of our early press releases. Mike Petrillo was the
original Chef, helped build the restaurant, and designed the first menus. He
unfortunately didn't take to Toledo, and has since moved home to the Big Apple.
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