"CHEERS!" to celebrations

One of the best places to raise a glass to new beginnings this New Year’s Eve is Encore Event Center.

After more than a year of construction and taking everything down to the studs, the beloved event center that was formerly Michaud’s reopened this fall. 

President and co-owner Khadar Soussou explains he and his partners, Tony Di Fiore and the Rababy family, grew up in Strongsville and felt a real connection to the 80,000-square-foot facility, having attended countless parties there.

“We always said that if the time came, we’d love to be the ones to revive and reimagine the place that has meant so much to so many,” he says. “The name we picked, Encore, honors the family that ran Michaud’s while celebrating our next exciting chapter. We do our best to live up to our tagline, “where every event deserves an encore.”

Party Like Never Before

Michaud’s was well known for throwing Cleveland’s biggest New Year’s Eve parties, so it’s only fitting that Encore is bringing the legendary experience back.

“We’re elevating the New Year’s celebration with a host of live bands, nightclub performances, premium culinary stations and unforgettable champagne moments,” says Khadar. “The party will be spread throughout the event center, featuring multiple experiences with unique vibes. It’s about time Cleveland celebrated a night of elegance, excitement and exceptional entertainment under one roof.”

You’ll find Cleveland icon Hayden Grove from The Voice, The Breakfast Club Band, and DJ PJ and DJ Alyssa appealing to musical tastes like classic vocals, high-energy throwback performances, nightclub jams and karaoke.

“We’re pulling out all the stops when it comes to dining and libations, too,” he adds. “Chef-curated grazing stations, top-shelf open bar and champagne towers are enhanced by over-the-top holiday decor. We’re also planning a special menu for late-night bites.”

Joining Encore Event Center in the one-of-the-best-NYE-parties-in-town category are the two other restaurants owned by Khadar and his partners—The Aviator in Cleveland and Via Roma Event Center and Ristorante in North Royalton. Those parties also feature live bands and amazing food and drinks.

Exceeding Expectations

Encore includes eight distinctive event spaces, each with its own personality and decor. They suit occasions from a meeting of 20 people to a wedding with 1,000 guests.

The smallest room, the Starlight, is a multilevel space with dramatic dark woods for up to 100 guests. The Bravo Room is elegantly adorned in cream and white with luxurious gold accents, crystal chandeliers cascading from the ceiling, and mirrored walls for up to 250 guests.



Its largest, most lavish venue is the 12,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom, with a private entrance, layers of lighting, a dance floor, two stages, private bar, chic new furniture and state-of-the-art audio visuals.