Meet Joshua Brewer | Owner/Operator of The Auricle Venue & Bar / The Allie Cafe / Hall of Fame City Ice Rink

We had the good fortune of connecting with Joshua Brewer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joshua, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Determination.

For most people, starting a business isn’t easy and takes time. It can be very discouraging during the process when things don’t go your way or you don’t have the resources at that moment. Even if it takes two or three times longer than expected, thinking long game and not letting things get you down is the biggest key to opening a business. It took me six years to open my first business. It was worth every second.

What should our readers know about your business?
For the last 12 year (13 in April) I have owned and operated The Auricle Venue & Bar located in Downtown Canton, Ohio. I also have owned The Allie Cafe for the last 3 years, it’s located In downtown as well. The cafe also operates the city’s seasonal ice rink called The Hall of Fame City Ice Rink.

But we’re here to speak more on The Auricle.

Opened in 2011 with my brother Nick, The Auricle was originally supposed to be Canton’s very own Music Venue bringing local, regional, and national acts across its stage. In the 12 years of operation, it has done just that and more. We have come to call ourselves an event venue because we are open to all event’s, not just music. This evolution happened because Downtown needed more than music, it needed comedy, burlesque, drag, and any event that would create a memorable experience. We are also open to the public as a local watering hole when we don’t have events and have established ourselves as a staple downtown.

Operating The Auricle has honestly been anything but easy, in fact, the easy thing to do would have been to close it down a long time ago, but my love for events and giving downtown a safe space for good times has kept me going through the years. It started with a love of music between two brothers and a passion to share it with our friends and peers. Nick and I started it with our own savings, never taking out a loan, that tied with being frugal and doing 90% of any of the work we could, made us thrive. Even though we have been through hard times, My brother leaving, eviction from our original location, and a pandemic, we have always survived, mostly in thanks to our patrons and friends that have continued to be our life force.

I have definitely learned most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask for help, in anyway. The Beatles said it best “we get by with a little help from our frineds”. I used to be stubborn and hard headed when it came to asking for help, but opening myself to help from others has been my saving grace. Also, nothing worth having is easy, it all takes work. I still am very much in the trenches at all my businesses, fixing things, buying supplies, doing books, mopping floors. You name it, I do it.

The Auricle has and always will be a passion for me. No matter how it has to evolve, I want it to be a place where people feel comfortable, have a good time, and walk away with a smile on their face.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would honestly highly recommend checking out my brother’s place (Milestone: A board Game Bar). It’s a fun spot where you go in, pay $5 for a table and you can play any of the 1500+ games they have available. All while offering a full bar and artisanal hot dogs. That’s right, I said hot dogs! They have the best in the city. Plus they are family friendly, kids are always welcomed for family fun time.

Bella Sera, George’s Lounge, Lucca, and Fromino’s would be my recommendation for great eats. All great food, great owners, and can accommodate all budgets.

If you’re looking for fun things to do, check out Patina Art Gallery, The Hub, and The Canton Ballet. All are amazing businesses/organizations that have fun art in one way or another for all to enjoy.

If you want retail you should definitely check out Modern Ritual for some of the most beautiful jewelry in NE Ohio, Arrowhead Vintage Goods for fun and quirky items, Quonset Hut is a local tradition/gem that offers a little bit of everything, and if you are looking for some records to add to the collection (its my personal vice), check out Erie St. Vinyl. It’s a fabulous, down to earth record store that is owned by someone who truly cares about what you want to hear!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shoutout to my parents! I know it’s typical, but I had great parents. My father taught me how to work with my hands and fix things, not just pay someone to do it. I’ve had a screwdriver in my hand since I could lift it. He also instilled financial responsibility in me. Gave me my first bank account at 15 and showed me how to properly use it.

My mother showed me what it meant to be strong emotionally and mentally. How to care, but also be assertive and not be scared to fail and enjoy my success.

Both help me build a strong moral foundation that has carried me through my life, and for that I will always be grateful.

Also shout out to my brother Nick (Owner of Milestone: A Board Game Bar), and Rob Church (Owner of Modern Ritual Piercing)! Both have been there to help and support in any way they could. Without them I wouldn’t be where I am today!

Website: www.theauricle.net

Instagram: /theauricleoh

Twitter: /theauricleoh

Facebook: /theauricleoh