Ken Haidaris - Owner of Sunrise Inn, concert promoter and real estate investor

Revitalizing Warren: Entertainment, Real Estate, and Economic Opportunity with Ken Haidaris

Episode Description
In this episode, we sit down with Ken Haidaris—owner of the historic Sunrise Inn, concert promoter, and real estate investor—to discuss the past, present, and future of Warren, Ohio. Ken shares the remarkable history behind some of Warren’s most iconic venues, his role in expanding live entertainment in the city, and why he remains deeply invested in the community’s economic revival.

From speakeasies and pizza recipes brought straight from Chicago to amphitheaters, restored theaters, and new business ventures, this conversation explores how entertainment, real estate, and entrepreneurship intersect to drive growth and opportunity in a city on the rise.

Guest Bio
Ken Haidaris is the owner of the Sunrise Inn, a concert promoter, and a real estate investor with deep roots in Warren, Ohio. He is actively involved in revitalizing local landmarks, developing entertainment venues, and investing in projects that contribute to job creation and long-term economic impact in the region.

What We Cover in This Episode

• The 97-year history of the Sunrise Inn, including its roots as an old speakeasy
• How the Sunrise Inn became Warren’s first pizza shop, featuring a recipe brought from Chicago
• Why the Sunrise Inn is known for its Reubens, including the fan-favorite Rusty Reuben
• Updates on the Westlawn warehouse project and its anticipated opening timeline
• Why entertainment is critical to attracting new businesses and talent to Warren 
• How Ken got started as a concert promoter and grew the local amphitheater
• Job creation and economic development tied to entertainment and real estate projects
• The restoration of the 105-year-old Robins Theatre and its importance to the community
• The positive economic outlook for Warren and the surrounding metro area
• What it takes to be a successful promoter
• Getting started in real estate investing and the types of properties Ken focuses on
• The launch of Sunrise InnSurance and the motivation behind the new venture
• A thoughtful discussion on Warren’s history—not just as a “bedroom community,” but as a former industrial hub, evidenced by its abandoned industrial buildings
• A lighter moment we had a brief discussion on the Cleveland Browns and their uncertain future

Key Takeaways
Entertainment can be a powerful catalyst for economic development and job growth

Preserving historic venues while modernizing them can drive long-term community value

Successful promotion and real estate investing require vision, persistence, and local commitment

Warren’s future is being shaped by entrepreneurs who believe in its potential

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