The winningest coach in NFL history is well represented in Canton Ohio, the home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame -- and deservedly so -- with his inclusion in several exhibits, lists on the website and even a commercial for the awesome museum.
But another piece of Shula's legacy that was not previously represented in Canton -- his career as a restaurateur -- will soon be added. In 1989, Shula founded Shula's Restaurant Group, which now features brands such as Shula's Steak House, Shula Burger and more. The latest addition to the Shula's Restaurant Group family will sit right where it belongs: in Canton, Ohio, at the Hall of Fame Village.
It's a nostalgic honor that comes at an emotional time, just months after Shula passed away.
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A press release on Thursday announced that a new signature restaurant, simply but adequately named Don Shula's, will be coming to Canton and will "pay homage to Coach Shula's upbringing in Ohio as well as his legacy within the game of football." It's expected to open near the back end of 2021 (via Yahoo! News).
The eatery will be the first tenant of the brand new Hall of Fame Village powered by Johnson Controls, which is touted to become the "first-ever sports and entertainment 'Smart City,' " meaning it will focus on more efficient and sustainable resource and energy usage as it operates.
"I am personally thrilled to introduce this new concept that celebrates Coach Don Shula and creates a unique experience that highlights his successful career," Mary Anne Shula, Don's wife and Chairman of the Board for Shula’s Restaurant Group, said. "We’ll have surprises that even his most loyal fans will be thrilled to experience and, more importantly, will be able to continue introducing his storied career to new fans for generations to come."
What type of food can you expect? "Casual fine dining" is what the press release says, with a diverse menu that will appeal to a wide audience. Perhaps it will be a mixture of several Shula's Restaurant Group brands, stretching from comfort food options like "The Don" -- hot dogs on a bun coated in caramelized onions, cheese, pickles and condiments -- to finer entrees like the "Steak Mary Anne" -- filet mignon medallions in a cognac-peppercorn sauce.
Like a Hard Rock Cafe, which features guitars and concert attire among other artifacts throughout music history, Don Shula's will also feature artifacts and memorabilia from the coach's legendary career.
It's a proper honor for an incredible man, and football fans should be excited to experience the coach's on-field and off-field greatness, all in one delicious bite.
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