Loan to Catanese Classic Seafood advanced to full council to convert former food bank into refrigerated distribution hub

The Cuyahoga County Economic Development & Planning Committee on April 14 voted to forward to full council a resolution authorizing up to $920,800 in county financing to support Catanese Classic Seafood’s relocation into the former Cleveland Food Bank facility at 15500 South Waterloo Road in Cleveland.

Aaron Kenny of the Department of Development presented the proposal, which would convert approximately 41,469 square feet to refrigerated and freezer operations. Staff said the consolidation will allow four sites to merge into one location, reducing operating costs and bringing more consistent cold‑storage capacity to the business. The county loan would carry a 3% interest rate over 10 years and be fully amortized.

Katanese (John Catanese), one of the business owners, told the committee the family business has operated in the region for decades and that the move was intended to keep operations in Cuyahoga County while enabling the Cleveland Metroparks to repurpose the riverfront site the company previously occupied. The department said it would take a third‑position lien on equipment (discounted for valuation) and that the owner would provide a personal guarantee.

Committee members asked about leasing versus purchase, remaining food‑bank activity at the site and security for the loan; staff said the food bank retains some community outreach functions at the facility but the majority of space will be occupied by Catanese. The committee moved the resolution to full council for second reading.

Next step: full council consideration and final loan documentation if approved.