Taste the Spotlight 2026

taste the spotlight 2026 marketing series

The Desert Inn

The Desert Inn holds a special place in the Taste of Stark story.

Nearly two years ago, it became the very first Taste the Spotlight feature we ever filmed — and for our 2026 Spotlight Series, we returned to check in with Markos and Danielle Shaheen, the third-generation owners carrying on the legacy of this iconic Middle Eastern restaurant.

For decades, The Desert Inn has been more than a place to dine. It has been a Canton tradition built on family, hospitality, and unforgettable flavors shared around the table.

We’re proud to revisit this local landmark and share how the Shaheen family continues honoring the past while welcoming a new generation of guests.

📽️ Watch the full video here: The Desert Inn - March

Check them out at: https://desertinncanton.com/

Harter's Pizza

Harter’s Pizza is more than just a pizza shop — it’s a local hangout where food, entertainment, and community all come together.

Located in Massillon, Ohio, Harter’s has built a loyal following with specialty pizzas, wings, appetizers, and a fun, laid-back atmosphere that keeps people coming back. From pool tables and free-play arcade games to Ohio Lottery, Keno, music bingo, and Queen of Hearts nights, there’s always something happening inside.

For this Spotlight Snippet, we captured the energy that makes Harter’s such a popular local destination. From fresh pizzas coming out of the kitchen to the lively atmosphere throughout the restaurant, this feature highlights the food, fun, and hospitality that have helped make Harter’s Pizza a staple in the community.

Whether you’re stopping in for dinner with family, meeting friends for a night out, or grabbing late-night food, Harter’s Pizza delivers an experience that feels welcoming, casual, and uniquely local.

📽️ Watch the full video here: Harter's Pizza - March

Check them out at: https://harterspizzaandwings.com/

Embassy Suites - The Luggage Room

Hidden inside the Embassy Suites Akron-Canton Airport is one of the area’s most unique dining and cocktail experiences — The Luggage Room Speakeasy.

Blending vintage speakeasy charm with elevated food and handcrafted cocktails, The Luggage Room offers an atmosphere that feels both upscale and inviting. Dim lighting, creative cocktails, and a carefully curated menu create an experience that immediately transports guests the moment they walk through the doors.

This Spotlight Snippet also marked a returning feature for Taste of Stark. We previously visited during the holiday season when the speakeasy transformed into the magical “Tinsel Tavern” winter pop-up experience — and we were excited to return and showcase the completely different atmosphere The Luggage Room offers year-round.

For this feature, we captured the signature cocktails, elevated dishes, and unique details that continue making this hidden gem a standout destination in Stark County. From smoked cocktail presentations to beautifully plated entrees from Chef Alex Cucuz and his culinary team, The Luggage Room delivers an unforgettable experience whether you’re visiting for date night, drinks with friends, or a relaxing evening out.

Connected to the Embassy Suites hotel yet offering a destination feel all its own, The Luggage Room has become a favorite for both locals and travelers looking for something truly different.

📽️ Watch the full video here: The Luggage Room Speakeasyy - March

Check them out at: https://luggageroomspeakeasy.com/

Putt Street Social

Putt Street Social is redefining entertainment dining in Stark County by combining elevated food, handcrafted cocktails, and interactive fun all under one roof.

Located in the Belden Village area, this one-of-a-kind destination was created by owners Greg and Elena Kandis with a vision of bringing people together through an experience that feels both upscale and approachable. At the center of it all are two beautifully designed indoor mini golf courses — “The Mediterranean” and “The Vineyard” — surrounded by a stylish atmosphere that blends modern dining with social entertainment.

But Putt Street Social is far more than mini golf.

Led by Executive Chef Mark Pullin, the menu features Mediterranean-inspired dishes, elevated shareables, fresh seafood, handcrafted flatbreads, premium steaks, creative cocktails, and desserts that rival the atmosphere itself. Every detail — from the presentation of the food to the carefully designed interior — was created to make guests feel like they’ve stepped into something completely different from the typical entertainment venue.

For this Taste the Spotlight feature, we captured the energy, creativity, and passion behind this ambitious new concept. From the vibrant bar and lounge to the immersive golf experience and beautifully plated dishes, Putt Street Social delivers an experience designed for date nights, celebrations, group outings, and nights out with friends alike.

With the tagline “Putt. Dine. Unwind.”, Putt Street Social has quickly become one of Stark County’s most talked-about new destinations — offering guests a place where great food and entertainment truly come together.

📽️ Watch the full video here: Putt Street Social - April

Make your reservations: https://www.puttstreet.com/

Palombo's Grills Gone Wild

Palombo’s Italian Restaurant has long been recognized as one of Stark County’s most beloved Italian dining destinations — known for its award-winning cuisine, family atmosphere, and decades of tradition.

After featuring Palombo’s in a full Taste the Spotlight feature this past December, we were invited back to experience one of their most iconic annual events: the famous “Grills Gone Wild” Ribs Burn-Off.

Now celebrating over 30 years, this highly anticipated tradition has become a local favorite, drawing huge crowds eager to enjoy Palombo’s legendary slow-cooked ribs, outdoor grilling, live energy, and the unmistakable atmosphere that marks the unofficial start of the season for many in the community.

For this Spotlight Snippet, we captured the excitement behind the event — from the massive grills loaded with racks of ribs to the long lines of loyal customers who return year after year for this beloved tradition. The feature also highlights the passion and hospitality that have helped make Palombo’s a household name in Stark County for generations.

While many know Palombo’s for its authentic Italian dishes, homemade sauces, and longtime family recipes, “Grills Gone Wild” showcases another side of the restaurant’s legacy — bringing the community together through food, tradition, and unforgettable local experiences.

📽️ Watch the full video here: Palombo's Grills Gone Wild - April

Make your reservations: https://www.palombositalianrestaurant.com/

New Berlin Brewing Company

New Berlin Brewing Company is more than a craft brewery — it’s a celebration of local history, family, and community.

Located in North Canton, the brewery takes its name from the city’s original identity before it became known as North Canton: New Berlin. That historical connection serves as the foundation for the entire concept, with many of the beers, branding, and atmosphere inspired by the people, places, and traditions that helped shape the area over generations.

For this Taste the Spotlight feature, we sat down with owner Mike Leckie-Ewing and his family to capture the passion behind the brewery and the vision that brought New Berlin Brewing Company to life. From the brewing process and German-inspired influence to the welcoming taproom atmosphere, this feature highlights the dedication that has quickly made New Berlin a favorite gathering place in Stark County.

Guests can expect a rotating lineup of handcrafted beers, community-driven events, live entertainment, seasonal celebrations like Oktoberfest, and a space designed to bring people together. Whether you’re a craft beer enthusiast or simply looking for a laid-back place to unwind with friends and family, New Berlin Brewing Company offers an experience rooted in both tradition and innovation.

This Taste the Spotlight feature captures not only the brewery itself, but the story behind it — a family honoring the past while creating something new for the future of North Canton.

📽️ Watch the full video here: New Berlin Brewing Company - April

Check them out here https://www.newberlinbrewingco.com/

Spunkmeyer's

Spunkmeyers Pub & Grill has become a go-to destination in Wadsworth for great food, cold drinks, live entertainment, and a fun atmosphere that keeps guests coming back week after week.

Known for its energetic crowd and welcoming neighborhood vibe, Spunkmeyers offers far more than your typical pub experience. From Boozy Bingo nights and Thursday “Patioke” karaoke with DJ Dusty to packed patio parties and live bands throughout the summer, there’s always something happening at this lively local hotspot.

For this Spotlight Snippet, we captured the atmosphere that has helped make Spunkmeyers such a popular gathering place. From the tropical-inspired patio and busy bar scene to the food and drinks that fuel the experience, this feature highlights the energy, entertainment, and hospitality that define the Spunkmeyers brand.

Whether guests are stopping in for dinner, meeting friends for drinks, enjoying live music outdoors, or spending an evening on the patio, Spunkmeyers delivers the kind of casual fun and community atmosphere that makes people feel like regulars from the moment they walk in.

With a constantly evolving lineup of events and a reputation for creating memorable nights out, Spunkmeyers Pub & Grill continues to be one of the area’s favorite destinations for food, entertainment, and nightlife.

📽️ Watch the full video here: Spunkmeyer's - May

Check them out: https://www.spunkmeyers.com/

Willow Bistro

Willow Bistro holds a special place in the Taste of Stark story as the restaurant that helped launch our Spotlight Snippet series.

After originally introducing audiences to Willow Bistro through one of our very first Snippet features, we returned to showcase the atmosphere, energy, and dining experience that continue making this Canton destination a local favorite.

Known for its stylish atmosphere, creative cocktails, live entertainment, and popular Ladies Night events, Willow Bistro offers a dining experience that blends upscale vibes with a welcoming social atmosphere. For this returning Spotlight Snippet, we captured the lively patio, handcrafted martinis, flavorful dishes, and the crowd that fills the restaurant each week for live music and unforgettable nights out.

This feature celebrates not only the continued success of Willow Bistro, but also the partnership and support that helped shape the Spotlight Snippet series from the very beginning.

📽️ Watch the full video here: Willow Bistro - May

Check them out: https://willow-bistro.com/

About Taste of Stark

Uncle Primo's

This June, Taste the Spotlight heads to Uncle Primo’s — a locally loved destination known for its welcoming atmosphere, handcrafted food, and passion for authentic Italian flavors.

For this upcoming feature, we’ll be sitting down with owner Jim to capture the story behind the restaurant, the inspiration that brought Uncle Primo’s to life, and the dishes that continue drawing guests from across the region.

From signature menu favorites and fresh ingredients to the atmosphere and hospitality that make guests feel like family, this Taste the Spotlight feature will showcase what has helped make Uncle Primo’s a standout dining destination in New Philadelphia.

Stay tuned as we take you behind the scenes for another unforgettable Spotlight experience coming this June on Taste of Stark.

Cibo's

Located in the heart of Waynesburg, Cibo’s Restaurant is a longtime local favorite known for authentic Italian cuisine, warm hospitality, and decades of tradition.

Originally the historic Mohawk Theatre, the building became Cibo’s Restaurant in 1971 and has continued serving generations of loyal guests ever since. For this Spotlight Snippet, we captured the timeless atmosphere, homemade Italian dishes, and the passion Jim and Laurie Fragasse have poured into this iconic restaurant for years.

From comforting pasta classics to the nostalgic charm of the dining room, this feature celebrates both the food and the legacy that continue making Cibo’s a beloved part of the Waynesburg community.

Don Pancho's

For this Spotlight Snippet, we headed to Don Pancho’s Tex Mex Grill on one of the biggest celebrations of the year — Cinco de Mayo.

The restaurant was packed with energy as guests enjoyed live music, a festive atmosphere, handcrafted drinks, and a full buffet of authentic Tex-Mex favorites. From the crowded dining room to the vibrant stage performances, we captured the excitement that made Don Pancho’s the place to be for the holiday celebration.

Owned by Jesus and his team, Don Pancho’s has become a favorite in Alliance for flavorful food, welcoming hospitality, and fun community events that bring people together. This Spotlight Snippet highlights not only the delicious dishes and colorful cocktails, but also the lively atmosphere that keeps guests coming back again and again.