CHAGRIN FALLS, Ohio (WJW) — Northeast Ohio is still buzzing after Grammy award-winning singer Taylor Swift dropped in for an impromptu visit at a popular restaurant on Tuesday afternoon.
“My youngest daughter texted me and said, ‘Mom, I think Taylor Swift is in town,'” said resident Jeanine Domonkos. “I was like ‘I’m here. I’ll walk around and see!'”
It’s not everyday that one of the world’s biggest pop stars shows up in your backyard.
It was early afternoon Tuesday that Swift was spotted dining at JoJo’s Bar in Chagrin Falls with NFL boyfriend Travis Kelce, not far from his hometown of Cleveland Heights.
The steakhouse’s general manager said they dined in a private room for a couple hours with a friend, before leaving through a private exit. And they did not get a heads up that she was coming.
“I had to do a double take. She enjoyed her nice lunch. … They enjoyed our food, enjoyed our atmosphere and really enjoyed what we did. We let them have their privacy.”
But what was once private quickly turned public.
News of the Swift sighting spread quickly on social media, and fans gathered outside the restaurant on West Street for a glimpse of the star — who was already long gone.
It was an unforgettable cameo that brought a touch of pop-culture glamour in the heart of Chagrin Falls. Locals noted Swift wasn’t the first big name to pay a visit there.
“Deshaun Watson — they say he lives in Hunting Valley, so he comes to JoJo’s a lot,” said Ted Reardon. “And Bernie Kosar. When I met him, he was pretty cool. And President Bush came here too.”
The surprise visit follows Kelce’s appearance at a local charity golf tournament in Chardon on Monday.
But in Chagrin Falls, it was a lunch date for the ages, and fans are having a hard time ‘shaking it off.’
“People love her, so I think it’s wonderful that she just blessed this town with such fun buzz,” Domonkos said.
The restaurant manager said Kelce is no stranger, since he has dined here with his mom in the past. He said Swift raved about her meal, which may have consisted of some pasta and a burger.
The manager said Swift promised to return when she’s back in town.
