Shula’s Restaurant Group and Hall of Fame Village announced the opening of a new signature restaurant, Don Shula’s American Kitchen, in the birthplace of American professional football – Canton, Ohio. This restaurant will serve as a retail anchor within the Fan Engagement Zone, and will provide an all-star lineup of American kitchen classics set in an approachable, family-friendly space that celebrates the life and legacy of Coach Shula, one of the most iconic figures in the history of the National Football League (NFL). 

“Anyone that loves football is familiar with the integrity and work ethic that was quintessential to Coach Don Shula’s way of life and ultimately the formula for his perfect success,” says Cody Plott, CEO, Shula’s Restaurant Group. “The arrival of Don Shula’s American Kitchen at the Hall of Fame Village is a perfect way to honor his legacy, while serving guests delicious dishes made in an all-scratch kitchen. We know it would be Coach Shula approved.” 

“We are thrilled to add Shula’s American Kitchen to our Fan Engagement Zone, offering visitors a truly unique dining experience that pays homage to this legendary coach with strong ties to both northeast Ohio and professional football,” says Mike Levy, HOFV president of operations. “We are committed to providing top-quality dining options and amenities for our visitors, and this new restaurant concept, the first of its kind in the country, from Shula’s Restaurant Group fits perfectly into our offerings.”

The menu at Don Shula’s American Kitchen is designed with a something-for-everyone approach. An all-day menu of traditional Starters, Salads, Sandwiches and Entrees is complemented by Daily Features of rotating homemade soups, fresh fish, chef-created entrées and a dessert inspired by peak-of-season ingredients. 

Starters are a nod to game day foods, and include offerings like Grilled BBQ Shrimp,Spinach & Artichoke Dip, Chicken Lollipops and Beer Cheese Soup served with a soft baked pretzel. Salads and Sandwiches are an easy lunch and dinner option. A selection of five salads ranges from The Market Salad and Caesar to a California Cobb, Roasted Chicken & Kale and an Asian Salad with Grilled Shrimp all available with the option to mix and match proteins. 

From the sandwiches, a signature DSAK Burger is not to be missed, made of two, 4-ounce steak burger patties, American cheese, Shula’s special sauce and served on a local, Norcia Bakery bun; substitute the meat with an Impossible™ plant-based patty option. Also topping the Sandwich list, a Buttermilk Crispy Chicken served with chipotle aioli on a garlic butter sesame seed bun, a French Dip, and an open-faced Chilled Shrimp & Lobster Club. 

Featured entrees follow Coach’s mantra of “go big, or go home” with a comforting 48-Hour Short Rib, finger-licking-good Smoked Baby Back Ribs, Pan Seared Atlantic Salmon, Fettuccine Bolognese; White Cheddar & Corn Enchiladas and a highlight on local with Gerber’s Amish Farms Roasted Half Chicken.  Steaks, which are the soul of the restaurant group, are highlighted by way of a 10-ounce Long Island strip Steak Frites served with Maître ‘d butter, parmesan-truffle fries and bearnaise aioli as well as 7-ounce center cut Filet Mignon with red wine demi. 

Five desserts are created with Shula’s whimsical touch.  For the nostalgic, a Banana Bread Waffle, Peanut Butter Creméux and White Chocolate & Coconut Panna Cotta are available; for the more adventurous, Roast Strawberries provide the perfect sweet and savory play with pistachio crumble, vanilla ice cream and aged balsamic reduction; and for the Instagram-lover, a table-side Ice Cream Sundae Cartoutfitted with daily toppings.

Along with a wide selection of wines and local and craft beers, the team has tapped the talents of beverage enthusiasts Straight Up Collective to create a playful cocktail list that celebrates Coach’s football legacy.  Pick from the gin-based Seven Rings,Sparkling Trophy, or Game Time Snack. A nod to Coach Shula’s winningest career is a 17 & 0, made with strawberry sous vide gin, coconut washed vodka, coconut pineapple, lime supasawa and soda – appropriately profiled on the sweeter side. The 12 cocktail offerings are rounded out with the Invisible Defense, tequila for the win here, enjoyed with Cointreau and agave.

Visitors are encouraged to catch a game on one of the many oversized flat screens, marvel at the open-style kitchen, and immerse themselves into the life of the legendary Coach Shula inside this visually stunning restaurant chock-full of sports memorabilia from coach’s legendary career.

Don Shula’s American Kitchen is slated to open in March of 2023 and will be open daily for lunch and dinner.  The restaurant is located in the Fan Engagement Zone in the Hall of Fame Village at 2101 Hall of Fame Way NW, Suite 1, Canton, Ohio 44708. 

The Fan Engagement Zone, offering rooftop views of Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, will be an active hub for fans to have fun, dine, and socialize. Don Shula’s American Kitchen will be joined by Pro Football Hall of Famer Isaac Bruce’s Smoosh Cookies, The Brew Kettle with Topgolf Swing Suites, Pizza Oven, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Visit Canton Welcome Center and other attractions in creating an exciting guest experience at The Fan Engagement Zone.