Suzie’s Returns!
Suzie’s food truck with illuminated neon sign.
YOUNGSTOWN, OH — One of Downtown Youngstown’s most beloved names is making a comeback. Suzie’s, the iconic bar and restaurant once known for its gourmet hot dogs, wild toppings, and live music, is officially returning downtown — this time inside Penguin City Brewing Company, beginning Wednesday, November 26th.
Suzie’s is being revived by Ashlea Duck and Bradley Miller, two local entrepreneurs with deep roots in Youngstown’s food and nightlife scene. Miller helped open the original Suzie’s in 2014, developing its creative menu and signature style, while Duck managed the bar for four years during its heyday. Together, they’re bringing the spirit of Suzie’s back to life in a modern, brewery-friendly format.
The new Suzie’s will serve up fan-favorite gourmet hot dogs and outrageous toppings — think Spaghetti O’s, crunchy peanut butter, and even crickets — paired perfectly with Penguin City’s locally brewed beers.
“We’ve been rotating food trucks for a while,” said Aspasia Lyras-Bernacki, co-founder of Penguin City Brewing. “But we’ve been looking for something more permanent that fits our energy and community vibe. Suzie’s is the perfect match.”
The partnership between Penguin City and Ashlea Duck began in 2024 with BYOB Brunch, a popular Sunday series formerly hosted in the old Rhine Haus building. When that venue closed, Penguin City became the natural new home for both BYOB Brunch and the Suzie’s revival.
The Brunch Bus will now transform between concepts — operating as BYOB by day and Suzie’s by night, creating a seamless experience for Penguin City guests throughout the week.
Suzie’s will operate during Penguin City Taproom hours:
Wednesday: 4–10 PM
Thursday: 4 PM–1 AM
Friday: 2 PM–Midnight
Saturday: Noon–Midnight
Sunday: 10-4PM Brunch Service by BYOB, LLC
To celebrate the grand opening, The Vindys will perform live at 8 PM. Doors open at 4pm. Free to the public. DJ Puff will follow starting at 10 PM with a $10 cover charge.
In addition to the beloved food that made Suzie’s a staple, the team plans to bring back Youngstown’s live music scene by showcasing performances from local bands and artists, reestablishing Suzie’s as a home for great eats and great sounds in the heart of the city.
Penguin City Brewing Company, located at 460 E. Federal Street in Youngstown’s East End, purchased its 32,000-square-foot warehouse in December 2020 and officially opened its taproom in July 2022. The facility houses the brewery, taproom, and event center, producing the full line of Penguin City Beers and seasonal releases.
For more information contact:
Bradley Miller, Youngstown Tune Up Co.
(330) 974-3992
Ashlea Duck, Build Your Own Breakfast LLC
(330)651-1979
Aspasia Lyras-Bernacki, Penguin City Brewery
Enjoy these photos of old Suzie’s memories from Aspasia and Richard.
