For more than 50 years, Balaton (13133 Shaker Sq., 216-921-9691) has managed to keep its doors open – first on Buckeye Road, then at Shaker Square – but now is teetering on the brink of survival.

Ponti’s aunt Therezia Olah started Balaton in 1961 as a small takeout spot. A few years later she graduated to a larger full-service restaurant further up Buckeye Road.