Neighborly Partnership Brings Flavor and Inclusion to Life: GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland and Voodoo Tuna Celebrate Ongoing Collaboration

It’s not every day a partnership grows naturally just by sharing a block, but that’s exactly what happened on Detroit Avenue in Lakewood, Ohio. GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland and Voodoo Tuna may seem like an unlikely duo at first glance. One is a nonprofit committed to changing the way the world views Down syndrome, the other a vibrant sushi and cocktail spot. However, what they share in common is far more powerful than their shared block.

It all began in 2023, when GiGi’s hosted a World Down Syndrome Day block party and invited Voodoo Tuna to join the celebration. Owner Joe Koskovics happily joined in, generously pledging a portion of revenue from every Lakewood Roll sold on March 21st to support the Playhouse. That first partnership planted a seed, and Joe wasn’t done growing the idea.

As 2024 approached, Joe found himself reflecting on just how deeply connected he was to the Down syndrome community: his neighbors’ daughter, Lucy, was born with Down syndrome; his payroll specialist has a son who attends GiGi’s Playhouse programs; his childhood best friend’s brother has Down syndrome; and a couple who dines at Voodoo every Tuesday does so while their son participates in Project Pulse, a GiGi’s drumming program.

Moved by these personal connections, Joe decided to go big. He asked each of these families what their loved one’s favorite food was, and from there, a new kind of menu was born. For three days in March, centered around World Down Syndrome Day, Voodoo Tuna served up “Eddie’s Bao Burgers”, the “Lil Lucy Roll”, “Patrick’s Pub Wings”, and “Aiden’s Ice Cream”, with 100% of the proceeds donated to GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland.

But the partnership didn’t stop there.

In October, for Down Syndrome Acceptance Month, GiGi’s and Voodoo joined forces again, this time, crafting a signature drink for the month. The launch reel, featuring GiGi’s participants and a Voodoo bartender, captured the hearts of the community and brought even more visibility to the cause.

Inspired and energized, Joe had a bold new idea for 2025: not only would he run the special menu again, this time for an entire week, but he wanted to include GiGi’s adult participants in the preparation process.

And so, in a moment of true inclusion in action, Voodoo Tuna opened its kitchen to participants from GiGi’s Playhouse. With Joe guiding them, each individual was given a task and took part in prepping for the big week. They chopped, stirred, and unwrapped – transforming not only ingredients, but perceptions of ability and belonging. Check out the promo reel here!

What made this moment even more special was what happened next. Voodoo didn’t just open its doors – they expressed genuine gratitude for the experience.

“Thank you for the opportunity,” Joe said.

In a world that often puts barriers between business and belonging, the collaboration between GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland and Voodoo Tuna proves that meaningful inclusion can thrive where it’s nurtured with intention, creativity, and heart.

Now, thanks to the joy and connection fostered through this partnership, a beautiful new tradition has taken root. Participants at GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland often ask to visit Joe and Voodoo Tuna whenever they’re at the Playhouse. And what does Joe do? He welcomes them with open arms. Whether it’s offering a little Voodoo magic, sharing a high-five, or simply taking a moment to hang out with his friends, Joe continues to show what true community looks like: one warm, inclusive, unforgettable visit at a time.

And it all started with neighbors just down the block.

Photo Credit: Robin Carpenter and Mary Makulinski