Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce were spotted enjoying lunch at JoJo's Bar in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, on July 1, delighting both patrons and staff at the local establishment.
Both 35 years old, the couple's choice of dining location is notable as it lies near Kelce's hometown, just outside Cleveland Heights. Michael Dei Maggi, the corporate chef and culinary director for NCR Ventures, which operates JoJo's, expressed excitement about the visit. "We were lucky enough to have a special visitor today at JoJo’s," he stated, emphasizing the significance of the occasion. "It’s a huge deal for us. We try to approach every single guest visit as if they’re super VIP."
Del Maggi elaborated on the restaurant's capabilities to accommodate high-profile guests, mentioning, "We have the ability to create some really cool, sequestered spaces and high-security private spaces for those very rare occasions that you have rock and roll and football royalty in the restaurant."
Initially, Swift and Kelce intended to dine at 17 River Grille, another NCR venue in Chagrin Falls. However, Del Maggi noted that JoJo's was better suited to meet their privacy needs. The couple discreetly entered through a side door connected to the Inn of Chagrin.
Despite their efforts to maintain a low profile, one employee experienced a moment of surprise upon recognizing them. Ryan Schwartz, co-manager at JoJo's, recounted his reaction: “First I was caught off guard. Someone’s like, ‘Oh my God, Taylor Swift’s here.’ I’m like, ‘No way.’ So I was kind of sneaking up to take a little look, and it was her.”
Schwartz also mentioned the presence of security personnel accompanying Swift and Kelce, leading the restaurant staff to respect their privacy during the visit.
The menu at JoJo's features a variety of dishes including crispy chicken limone pasta, turkey burgers, and chicken milanese sandwiches. Starters range from Nantucket clam chowder to jumbo Maryland crab cakes and house-made wedding soup.
As news of the couple's presence spread, fans flocked to the restaurant in hopes of catching a glimpse. One fan, Renee Miano, shared her thoughts with local media: “She’s beautiful, her music’s wonderful. I was hoping to see her, but they said that she’s probably on her way to the airport.”
Swift and Kelce were in Ohio primarily for Kelce to support his friend Patrick Bacon at the Alex’s Way Charity Golf Tournament held in Chardon on June 30.
