Jaja Ohio City Announces New Executive Chef and Two Fresh Concepts at Intro

Jaja at Intro in Ohio City welcomes a new chef and teases two upcoming restaurant concepts. Big things are happening at this west side hotspot.

If you thought Jaja in Ohio City was done surprising you, buckle up: a new executive chef is shaking up the kitchen and two brand-new restaurant concepts are on the horizon at Intro. The hustle on West 25th just got a lot more interesting, giving Cleveland’s food scene another reason to buzz.

What’s Cooking at Jaja Now?

It’s all change at Jaja, one of the most beautiful spaces inside the Intro development. After a short-lived comeback earlier this year (following a long hiatus), Jaja’s management parted ways with chef Logan Abbe. Now, the Minneapolis-based hospitality group behind Jaja has tapped Colin Eakins for the executive chef role, ushering in a culinary shake-up that promises bold new flavors.

Colin Eakins steps in as executive chef
Menu refresh with expanded offerings
New direction thanks to a partnership with Chef Daniel del Prado’s team

Meet the Powerhouse Behind the Curtain

Jaja isn’t pulling punches with its new leadership. Chef Daniel del Prado—wunderkind of Minneapolis’ restaurant scene—brings heavyweight clout with his DDP Restaurant Group running the show behind the menu. With more than a dozen hot concepts up north, del Prado’s influence signals a major culinary glow-up for Ohio City.

What’s Next: Two New Restaurant Concepts

Even more intrigue: Intro is gearing up for "Phase 2," which means two additional restaurant concepts will soon join the party. Details are hush-hush for now, but the DDP team and JJJ Hospitality are set to unveil their plans in the coming weeks.

Expect fresh new flavors and styles
The team is evaluating all public spaces at Intro—expect upgrades beyond just food
Watch for announcements on exact cuisines and concepts

Where Le Burger Fits In

Not everything is changing. Le Burger, the spot’s casual burger joint, remains untouched and firmly in place. So, if you crave a killer smash burger before venturing into unknown culinary territory, you’re all set.

Le Burger stays as-is
No changes to menu or vibe
Continues as a neighborhood staple in the project

Why This Matters for Cleveland’s Food Scene

Ohio City is already Cleveland’s culinary playground, and these changes keep the momentum going. Jaja’s evolution and the tease of new venues at Intro hint at higher stakes and more variety for diners. With the DDP Restaurant Group’s experience and Eakins’ fresh energy, Intro is vying to be the go-to dining destination on the west side.

How and When to Visit

Jaja is located at 2079 W. 25th St., within the towering, green-forward Intro development. While the new chef’s menu is rolling out soon, you can snag a table now for dinner service. Keep an eye out for updates on those two mystery restaurants—the game is changing, and you’ll want to be first through the door when they open.

Feeling hungry for more? The next phase is just around the corner—Ohio City’s dining scene is only getting more electric.