SANDUSKY — Downtown Sandusky’s favorite smash burger destination is making its biggest move yet.
CheekZ Burgers, the wildly popular local spot known for its bold flavor combinations, signature sauces, and playful branding, has officially announced it is expanding into the iconic 212 Fremont Ave. location—the former home of The Original Margaritaville.
The announcement marks a massive milestone for owner Tiffany Perry, who first built the brand from the ground up on East Water Street alongside her neighboring coffee concept, Sweet Cheekz Cafe & Bistro.
Supported by business manager Steve Rucker, Perry has transformed CheekZ from a boutique downtown footprint into one of the most talked-about culinary operations in Erie County. Now, that momentum is carrying them across town to one of Sandusky’s most recognizable dining landmarks.
Level-Up on West Side
For years, 212 Fremont Ave. has served as an anchor on Sandusky’s west end. The spacious property—purchased in late 2022 by a group local investors boasts a sprawling layout, scenic views overlooking Cold Creek, a full-service bar, and extensive indoor and outdoor dining spaces.
While smaller storefronts helped build the original CheekZ buzz, the new site gives the team the room they need to match their skyrocketing demand. According to updates posted to the official CheekZ Burgers Facebook page, the expansion isn’t just about adding seats—it’s about growing the entire experience:
More Kitchen Power & Expanded Menus: The state-of-the-art kitchen facilities at the Fremont Ave. location will allow Perry and her team to elevate their classic smash burger lineup while introducing new food and beverage features that were previously impossible in a smaller footprint.
Full Bar & Patio Experience: Guests can expect an expanded drink menu, draft options, and a full bar setup to pair with their favorite burgers, alongside outdoor seating near the waterfall scenery.
Greater Capacity for Live Events: The new venue allows CheekZ to lean into community gatherings, live entertainment, and larger party hosting.
‘From small footprints to big dreams’
In a message to loyal customers on social media, the CheekZ team expressed overwhelming gratitude to the downtown community that launched their success:
“We started with a vision, a lot of heart, and a relentless passion for serving our community. Moving into a landmark location like 212 Fremont Ave. is a dream come true, but we wouldn’t be here without every single person who walked through our doors on Water Street.”
The transition signals a vibrant new chapter for Sandusky’s local food scene, proving that local independent concepts can scale up to fill the shoes of legendary regional venues.
Renovations and setup at the new property are already underway. While an official grand opening date for the 212 Fremont Ave. location will be announced soon, patrons are encouraged to keep an eye here for an opening week announcements.