The Story
Behind Tapped & Forked
Social Kitchen
A Cleveland
Culinary Legacy
The Hoertz Family Heritage
From Der Braumeister to Brunswick
Angela Hoertz And Her Family Roots
Hospitality isn’t just a career path for Angela Hoertz — it’s woven directly into her DNA. Long before founding Tapped & Forked Social Kitchen in Brunswick, Ohio, Angela grew up immersed in the rhythms of Northeast Ohio’s dining scene. As the granddaughter of Roy and Lydia Hoertz, the founders behind Cleveland’s legendary West Park German Restaurant, Der Braumeister, she learned the restaurant craft from the ground up.
Established on Lorain Avenue, Der Braumeister earned its reputation as a Westside landmark by delivering relentless quality, authentic warmth, and scratch-made comfort to generations of Clevelanders. From observing how a kitchen operates with precision to witnessing the art of turning first-time diners into lifelong regulars, Angela absorbed every detail of what makes a restaurant truly great.
She saw firsthand that great dining is never just about filling seats; it is about building community, celebrating culture, and delivering memorable food paired with sincere hospitality. That multi-generational legacy laid the bedrock for Angela’s career in the industry and fueled her ultimate vision: bringing a fresh, contemporary version of that time-tested hospitality tradition to Medina County.
Bringing City Energy & Scratch-Made Craft to Medina County
As Brunswick and the broader Medina County area continued to evolve, Angela recognized a distinct gap in the local dining marketplace. Suburban diners were tired of trading quality for convenience, or driving up to downtown Cleveland just to experience high-energy ambiance, inventive menus, and craft mixology.
Tapped & Forked Social Kitchen was created to bridge that gap directly. Angela set out to create a destination that brought a little urban attitude to Pearl Road without making any apologies for it. The goal wasn’t just to build another local restaurant—it was to build a vibrant, stylish social hub where culinary craftsmanship takes center stage.
Every item on the Tapped & Forked menu reflects a commitment to scratch-made cooking. Drawing on her heritage of authentic flavor development, Angela’s kitchen avoids shortcuts, preferring house-made sauces, prime cuts, fresh ingredients, and bold, inventive flavor combinations. From panko-crusted fried burrata and truffle-drizzled fries to signature main courses and seasonal German-inspired specialties that pay homage to her family roots, the menu represents a seamless union of tradition and modern edge.
Unapologetically Bold: Women-Owned & Built for Connection
At its core, Tapped & Forked is defined by an atmosphere that is equal parts cozy, edgy, and intentionally extra. As a proudly women-owned and family-operated business, the social kitchen rejects the cookie-cutter feel of traditional suburban dining chains in favor of character, flair, and genuine human connection.
Angela built the space around the idea that the best nights out are often the ones you didn’t plan. Whether guests are gathering for long weekend brunches that naturally turn into afternoon drinks, midweek happy hours in the lounge, or late dinners with friends, Tapped & Forked provides the backdrop. The bar program is crafted with the same precision as the kitchen, boasting top-shelf classic cocktails, custom house creations, selected wines, and an ever-rotating lineup of craft beer taps.
The atmosphere encourages people to slow down, settle in, and savor the moment. High-top seating, warm ambient design, and a welcoming team create an environment where everyone feels like an insider from the second they walk through the door.
The Next Chapter in Northeast Ohio Hospitality
Tapped And Forked Brings The Hoertz Heritage Home
Today, Tapped & Forked Social Kitchen stands as a testament to what happens when decades of industry mastery meet a clear, forward-looking vision. Angela Hoertz has successfully carried her family’s legendary Cleveland legacy into a new era, establishing a dining destination in Brunswick that honors the past while blazing its own trail.
For the Hoertz family, hospitality remains a lifelong commitment to quality, warmth, and flavor. Tapped & Forked invites long-time local residents and newcomers alike to pull up a chair, order another round, and experience the modern evolution of a classic Northeast Ohio dining tradition.
The team of Krampas Cleveland made a special visit to Tapped And Forked as a part of the Medina County Oktoberfest.
Medina County Oktoberfest
A Tribute To Our Heritage
In recognition of our family’s German heritage and passion for authentic cuisine, the team at Tapped And Forked hosted the first “Annual Medina County Oktoberfest” in October 2026. This event was a collaboration of genuine German favorite foods, signature cold craft beers, and fun social activities synonymous with this iconic celebration.
“My grandparents, Lydia & Roy Hoertz, founded Der Braumeister in 1983. I grew up surrounded by German traditions, incredible food, live music, Oktoberfest celebrations, and spent 15 years working alongside my family. Those memories shaped who I am and the kind of restaurant I always dreamed of owning.
Now, I’d love to bring a little of that tradition to Brunswick.
We’ve created an authentic Oktoberfest experience featuring German-inspired food, great beer, live entertainment, traditional German dancers, and yes… we’re even bringing in Krampus to Tapped & Forked!”
– Angela Hoertz, Owner
A New Dining Experience
Made Always From Scratch
At Tapped And Forked, we pride ourselves in providing an upscale culinary experience. Our family’s years in the hospitality industry have allowed us to craft our recipes and our passion for serving our customers is evident with everyone who walks through our doors.
