Cleveland's Music Box Supper Club Becomes Employee-Owned

Owner Mike Miller announces transition to employee ownership trust model.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Music Box Supper Club, a popular live music venue in Cleveland, Ohio, is transitioning to become an employee-owned business. Owner Mike Miller announced the change, which will see the club's ownership shift to an employee ownership trust model.

Why it matters

The transition to employee ownership helps ensure the long-term sustainability of the Music Box Supper Club, a beloved local institution that has hosted live music performances for over a decade. This shift aligns with a growing trend of businesses in the region exploring alternative ownership structures that empower workers and keep jobs and economic benefits within the local community.

The details

Under the new employee ownership trust model, the Music Box Supper Club's workers will gradually acquire full ownership of the business over time. This transition allows the current owner, Mike Miller, to plan for eventual retirement while preserving the club's mission and culture that has made it a Cleveland institution.

  • Music Box Supper Club first opened in 2010.

The players

Music Box Supper Club

A popular live music venue in Cleveland, Ohio that has operated for over a decade.

Mike Miller

The owner of Music Box Supper Club who is transitioning the business to an employee ownership trust.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Transitioning to an employee ownership model will help ensure the long-term future of the Music Box and keep it in the hands of the people who have made it such a success.”

— Mike Miller, Owner, Music Box Supper Club (wn.com)

What’s next

The transition to employee ownership is expected to be completed over the next 3-5 years, with workers gradually acquiring full ownership of the business.

The takeaway

The Music Box Supper Club's shift to an employee-owned model demonstrates how businesses can empower their workers and keep economic benefits within the local community, rather than being subject to outside ownership changes that could threaten a venue's unique culture and identity.