Good Morning Youngstown!

As we near closer to Mother’s Day, we’d like to remind you all about the great things to look forward in the area. We’ll highlight some good spots to take your mom out to eat, and also some fun things to do with her this weekend. And as always, we will be sure to keep you in the loop with local news and charity events! Pour yourself up a nice, big cup of coffee as you read this one, and make sure you read to the end. And if you enjoyed this week’s edition of The Steel Valley Scoop, make sure you respond to this email and let us know! We love reading all the replies.

The Scoop To Keep You In The Loop!

• Kimberly-Clark to Bring $800M Plant to Trumbull County

• The Kabob House

• Events going on this weekend

Let’s dive in.

Steel Valley Spotlight

Kimberly-Clark to Bring $800M Plant and Nearly 500 Jobs to Trumbull County

Trumbull County is set for a major economic win as Kimberly-Clark announces plans to build an $800 million, 1 million-square-foot advanced manufacturing facility in Howland and Warren townships, on the former Republic Steel site. The project is expected to create 491 high-quality jobs in industrial automation and advanced manufacturing, producing products like Huggies, Pull-Ups, and Depend for distribution across the Midwest and Northeast. As part of the company’s $2 billion U.S. expansion strategy, the plant brings not only job growth but also long-term investment and regional revitalization. Construction is slated to begin this month and will take 2–3 years, with state and local officials calling it a transformative development for the Mahoning Valley.

Youngstown Playhouse Expands Downtown with New 175-Seat Theater

The Youngstown Playhouse is making a major move downtown, expanding into the former Oakland Center for the Arts at 220 W. Boardman Street as it kicks off its centennial season. The new 175-seat venue, located in the same building as Ballet Western Reserve, will complement the Playhouse’s existing 500-seat main stage and 75-seat Moyer Room, giving the historic theater more flexibility to host productions, workshops, and community events. The goal is not only to increase programming, but also to boost downtown foot traffic by drawing more theatergoers to nearby restaurants and businesses. The Playhouse plans to share the new space with other local theater groups, reinforcing its role as a hub for collaboration in the arts community. A formal announcement is expected in May—just in time for curtain call on their upcoming production of Oklahoma!.

Spring commencement at YSU honors more than 2,000 grads

On Friday and Saturday, Youngstown State University (YSU) hosted four ceremonies to celebrate its graduates, including one for the Sokolov Honors College and others for graduates and undergraduates from the Bitonte College of Health and Human Services, the College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, and a combined ceremony for the Williamson College of Business Administration and Cliffe College of Creative Arts. According to YSU spokeswoman Rebecca Rose, approximately 2,100 students from the spring semester and upcoming summer graduates will earn their degrees. Additionally, the Sokolov Honors College held a senior ceremony on Friday in the Chestnut Room of Kilcawley Center, marking a significant moment for its honorees.

Business Brief

The Kabob House: Boardman’s Flavor-Packed Hidden Gem

I discovered The Kabob House in Boardman thanks to a good buddy of mine who invited me to what he called his “secret lunch spot.” Of course, I said yes—and I’m glad I did. From the moment we walked in, I was hooked. The prices were incredibly reasonable, the food quality was top-notch, and the staff couldn’t have been friendlier. My absolute favorite part? The robot waitress that delivered our food—it was unexpected, fun, and added a cool modern twist to the whole experience.

We ordered a mix of kabobs, shawarma, and sides, and every single dish was packed with flavor and cooked to perfection. The portions were generous, and everything tasted fresh and authentic. It was one of those meals that sticks with you, and I’ve been spreading the word ever since. If you haven’t been to The Kabob House yet, consider this your invitation to try one of Boardman’s best-kept culinary secrets.

Chili’s Grill & Bar in Boardman

Often overlooked for being a common chain, I strongly believe Chili’s has the best chips and salsa of all time. Paired with their “3 for Me” deal where you get an appetizer, drink and a main course meal starting at just $10.99, this is an underrated chain restaurant. Prices have definitely changed, which hurts on the inside, but if you’re looking for a nice place to take the kids for dinner, this is the spot to go. We always order off the deal menu and share meals for the best bang for our buck, while filling up (a little too much) on chips and salsa. Plus they alway have a new margarita of the month deal for $6, so if you’re looking to celebrate Cinco De Mayo a little late, get in there, no shame!

Charity Spotlight

Rutger Needs a Soft Landing for His Golden Years

Meet Rutger, a sweet 9-year-old pup who's spent far too many days waiting for a second chance. Currently living at City Dogs Cleveland, Rutger is a gentle, affectionate boy with a few medical challenges, including vestibular disease and a mast cell tumor on his leg. He’s looking for a medical foster or adoptive home—someone with a big heart and a little patience to help him navigate daily life with balance issues and a need for some help on walks. He takes motion sickness meds daily and would do best in a single-story home with no cats and few stairs.

Despite his health setbacks, Rutger’s spirit is strong. He’s already neutered, heartworm-free, and full of love to give. He’s not a fan of crates and prefers to be part of the action—belly rubs, couch time, and all. At about 80 pounds, he knows he needs to cut back on treats, but that doesn’t stop him from flashing a charming smile and wagging his tail for attention. If you're interested in learning more about adopting or fostering Rutger, reach out to City Dogs Cleveland to set up a required meet-and-greet appointment. Let’s make sure Rutger gets the comfort and companionship he’s waited so long for.

Weekend Planner

Thursday, May 8th

🧘 Thirsty Thursday – L’uva Bella Bistro | L’uva Bella Winery & Bistro | 5:30 PM

🎠 Spring Carnival | 45 South Chestnut Avenue | 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

🎶 Live Music at Eagle Tavern | Eagle Grille & Tavern | 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM

Friday, May 9th

🤠  Nashville Meets Youngstown | SMARTS | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

♟️ Open Boardgame and Puzzle Night | Spellbound Sisters Bookstore and Cafe | 5:00 PM

🎨 Insomnia Night Flash Sale | Apothic Ink Tattoos | 6:00 PM

Saturday, May 10th

🚗 May #MothersDayFlea | 365 E Boardman St, Youngstown | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

🚂 Great Lakes Train Expo | The Metroplex Expo Center | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Sunday, May 11th

🍳 Mother’s Day Brunch | L’uva Bella Winery | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

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