This would be a great spot for a downtown Dewey's...

This would be a great spot for a downtown Dewey's...

 

Adriatico's.

Out of all the restaurants/bars that seem to open and close in the same location ... think about Nada for a second. It's been there for a while now and it still gets packed. What, in your opinion makes it stand out compared to the others?

Nada has a really good atmosphere. It grabs your attention from the street and the food is consistently good. The restaurants in the 580 Building don't have that same "grab your attention" look to them and all of the places in the Cadillac Ranch spot have always looked trashy from the outside. That part of town attracts people with money and the bars/restaurants opening in the Cadillac Ranch spot have all catered to more of a college, "just turned 21" crowd. And it's not the right place for that. If something with great street presence opened (or two things rather, since that spot is way too large for one place it seems) I think it would work well. But it would have to look upscale, something none of the bars in its spot have even come close to doing yet.

But it would have to look upscale, something none of the bars in its spot have even come close to doing yet.

 

It is still a tough area. Across the street you have the Oceanaire/Bartini space - now that expensive steakhouse. My gut tells me that it won't last either.

 

Jeff Ruby couldn't make two different concepts work in the old Uno's space.

 

Nada was able to differentiate itself by being hip/trendy with a perception of a reasonable price-point and not too gluttonous food. Plus consistently solid service. Sotto adheres to that model as well (maybe not so much on the gluttony aspect, but the portions aren't huge).

This would be a great spot for a downtown Dewey's...

 

It would be awesome if it turned into a New Orleans-style strip club, and you could see the dancers from the street.

 

 

Yeah that would be great.

 

Do you think the failures of that location has anything to do with the fact that above everything is a parking ramp, covered over by colorful, vertical lines?

 

Nada has done great, but then across the street there from where you sit, you have beautiful, old buildings with lots of character.  At the old Bullseye, you are walking into a parking ramp with no character (I guess more character than most ramps).

Think the Bullseye/Cadillac Ranch/El Coyote/Whatever space is three fold. Two have been mentioned: Too big of a land plot for a restaurant, needs to be split in two; hard to stand out amongst the high end establishments and color lines above the real estate. But the marketing for all of those places has been downright awful too. The management clearly had no idea what they were doing for any of the restaurants and catered to audiences that were not familiar with that neighborhood.

 

Again, split the space, put something in there that will stand out and has good management.

The $4.2 million project to convert the former Kirby Road School in Northside to apartments could begin this summer, a representative of the site's developer said Friday.

 

 

http://www.cincinnati.com/story/money/2014/06/13/kirby-lofts-project/10437835/

Nada has a great space, great atmosphere, and great food.  It has been consistently excellent food-wise since opening, which gives it a nice stream of repeat customers.  Throw in the connection to the theater and I'm not surprised it does well.  (I think the Business Courier said that Nada was the single most-reserved restaurant on Open Table all of last year in Greater Cincinnati.) 

 

I feel like it's time to try something different with the Cadillac Ranch.  I will go in a different direction, though, and suggest that it would make sense to try something more family friendly.  A pizza place might work (and was mentioned upthread).  Or, quite honestly, I would say that this might be the right type of location for something like a TGIFriday's or an Applebees.  (*ducks*)

Though I actually do think that brining a chain suburban families are comfortable with (such as Applebee's) could actually be super useful in exposing them to Downtown, I'm not sure that it would be worthy of this spot. But on the other hand being in the thick of it all could be better for getting people to get out, explore, and try new things. Come down for the new "urban" Applebee's and maybe pop over to Nada for a drink or the 21C rooftop.

 

It's tough. These types of restaurants generally aren't what you'd want to see in such a prominent location Downtown yet in a city like Cincy trying to overcome years of image issues they could actually do wonders towards getting people comfortable with coming Downtown again.

Something needs to be done... the space should be completely gutted and a new feel needs to be put in with whatever concept does go in there. 

 

Hopefully something with a proven track-record/management team, as the 'cowboy nightclub' theme has not been too successful.  It is definitely a hard space to manage with its massive square footage and minimal natural lighting. The patio is a huge positive it has going for it.

 

As previously mentioned, this space could be subdivided to make it more attractive to potential tenants. I doubt it will stay empty for long, but will it stay occupied for long is the real question.

Though I actually do think that brining a chain suburban families are comfortable with (such as Applebee's) could actually be super useful in exposing them to Downtown, I'm not sure that it would be worthy of this spot. But on the other hand being in the thick of it all could be better for getting people to get out, explore, and try new things. Come down for the new "urban" Applebee's and maybe pop over to Nada for a drink or the 21C rooftop.

 

It's tough. These types of restaurants generally aren't what you'd want to see in such a prominent location Downtown yet in a city like Cincy trying to overcome years of image issues they could actually do wonders towards getting people comfortable with coming Downtown again.

 

I am not saying this is a solution, but I was recently in Philly for the 1st time and was shocked to see a Chili's right in the heart of their downtown, FWIW.

In all seriousness, a TGI O'Chilibee's would absolutely kill at that location. And I would rather see a successful chain restaurant there than a constant rotation of failing local restaurants.

In all seriousness, a TGI O'Chilibee's would absolutely kill at that location. And I would rather see a successful chain restaurant there than a constant rotation of failing local restaurants.

 

there was a business courier article not too long ago that said there was almost a Friday's at the current Nada location.  And I agree, close to fountain square and easy walk to the banks... they would do great business. A lot of people only eat at places they are familiar with and if that gets them to downtown then great.

Honestly as much as I  really don't enjoy these chains personally, they are a part of the market that isn't currently being tapped into much. And it's my personal belief that cities should offer something for everyone, including the suburban family not comfortable with venturing into a random local place on Vine Street in OTR. And considering this spot hasn't done much in terms of giving us high quality local establishment,s why not try out a well-established chain that'll cater to a different crowd than currently uses the restaurants and bars along 6th Street? The more diverse the crowd Downtown the better.

I agree with you all.  A chain restaurant or two at that location would be perfectly fine by me.  I think it would be a welcome addition to downtown.

Maybe they could meet in the middle between chain and cowboy bar, and make it a Logan’s Roadhouse.

...TGI O'Chilibee's...

 

Nice! 

 

Anyway, we already have a cowboy bar downtown, it's called Shooters.  :-D

And there you can get the full Brokeback experience!

Cadillac Ranch/El Coyote space location was really good, prior to the opening of the banks. The people who hang out down there used to go to Cadillac Ranch.

 

I want full credit when Friday's opens there and makes a killing!  ;)

And there you can get the full Brokeback experience!

 

Minus the cattle...and Jake Gyllenhaal.  LeSigh

All the Chili's locations in Columbus closed except for the one at the airport. I don't know if it was just one franchisee that waved the white flag or if Chili's is in a defensive position.

In all seriousness, a TGI O'Chilibee's would absolutely kill at that location. And I would rather see a successful chain restaurant there than a constant rotation of failing local restaurants.

 

I agree with you all.  A chain restaurant or two at that location would be perfectly fine by me.  I think it would be a welcome addition to downtown.

 

I want a Bob Evans!  "Bob Evans... Downtown on the Farm" :-D

Not without a liquor license! Talk about a paradigm shift.

Not without a liquor license! Talk about a paradigm shift.

 

Sunshine skillet and whiskey.  It could be called the "Granddad's Special"

A pizza place might work (and was mentioned upthread).

 

It has always surprised me that there is no dine-in Larosa's downtown. Columbus based Donato's  has a location and St. Louis based Pi Pizzeria will be opening in the AT580 Building sometime this year.

^Yes, I have often thought the same thing.  A nice dine-in LaRosa's would make a killing.  We have just about every other "local" chain downtown (multiple Skylines, multiple Izzy's, 2 Graeters (now that there is the OTR location), Montgomery Inn...).  No GoldStar, though. 

 

Also, while I am being heretical and suggesting chain restaurants downtown, how about dividing the space between a Friday's/Applebee's and a McDonald's? 

Here’s why you won’t see a LaRosa’s downtown anytime soon

 

http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/blog/2014/03/here-s-why-you-won-t-see-a-larosa-s-downtown.html

I don't see why not. If there can be many, many McDonald's scattered throughout Manhattan, or in Paris, or any other major world city, there's no reason we should think we're better than that. My only concern with fast food restaurants though is the quality of the storefront. They're often subpar at best which I do view as a problem. But there are plenty of examples of something like a McDonald's working nicely within its context.

 

I'm really hoping this space is subdivided. It just makes so much sense for two smaller (though still large in relation to other nearby restaurants/bars) spaces to occupy that spot. That huge patio goes to waste and could be really awesome and activate the street but it just hasn't done that yet. I'm sure something new will take its place soon enough.

Here’s why you won’t see a LaRosa’s downtown anytime soon

 

http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/blog/2014/03/here-s-why-you-won-t-see-a-larosa-s-downtown.html

 

A lot has changed in downtown Cincy in the last 10 years...

Updated groundbreaking for the Gantry thing on Hamilton & Blue Rock in idyllic Northside is Tuesday, June 24, 2014, 11:00AM

Here’s why you won’t see a LaRosa’s downtown anytime soon

 

http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/blog/2014/03/here-s-why-you-won-t-see-a-larosa-s-downtown.html

 

A lot has changed in downtown Cincy in the last 10 years...

Sure, but how much has changed in La Rosa's corporate thinking?

^ Indeed.  If they think having locations in Queensgate and Covington "has the downtown market served" then...wow. 

^ Indeed.  If they think having locations in Queensgate and Covington "has the downtown market served" then...wow.

 

It almost sounded like from that article that they didnt want to open a location downtown as to not cannibalize delivery sales from the Queensgate/Covington stores.... which is incredibly small-minded thinking.

 

Additionally, it shows how some (not all) long established Cincinnati businesses do not consider DT/OTR a neighborhood and no one "actually lives there".

^ Right, and yet whole point to get a sit-down restaurant.  If they do a limited menu and hours then they're just dooming it from the get-go. 

Here’s why you won’t see a LaRosa’s downtown anytime soon

 

http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/blog/2014/03/here-s-why-you-won-t-see-a-larosa-s-downtown.html

 

A lot has changed in downtown Cincy in the last 10 years...

Sure, but how much has changed in La Rosa's corporate thinking?

 

LaRosa's is definitley "old school" Cincinnati, and I may be drawing too many conclusions here, but this seems pretty consistent with the old school attitudes about downtown.  Just like developers from Indy are coming in and doing residential projects here while local developers seem to have cold feet. 

 

^-Same kind of folks who close the Skyline Chili on Vine Street just south of OTR at 4pm IN SPITE of the changes that have happened like 2 blocks away.

^ I forget that is even there because I'm only in the area AFTER 4pm.

^-Same kind of folks who close the Skyline Chili on Vine Street just south of OTR at 4pm IN SPITE of the changes that have happened like 2 blocks away.

 

I've posted this anecdote in another thread, but... someone I know talked the the manager there and suggested that they stay open late on weekend to serve the OTR bar crowd. Their response was "hell no." Apparently they still subscribe to the old school "OTR is dangerous!" way of thinking and don't realize how much money they could be raking in.

^-Glad to know I wasn't alone.  A few visits ago I actually went to that location, wrote a letter on my receipt, and asked the waitress to give to her manager.  The letter basically said, in nicer words, you are loosing a ton of money by not staying open later because the neighborhood has changed and you have not.  I urge everyone else who is interested in seeing that place open to do the same btw, a little pressure never hurts even if the owner is a stick in the mud.

 

My brother noted that the majority of people working in that store looked to be above 50 :(  - I think that speaks volumes.

^-Same kind of folks who close the Skyline Chili on Vine Street just south of OTR at 4pm IN SPITE of the changes that have happened like 2 blocks away.

 

I've posted this anecdote in another thread, but... someone I know talked the the manager there and suggested that they stay open late on weekend to serve the OTR bar crowd. Their response was "hell no." Apparently they still subscribe to the old school "OTR is dangerous!" way of thinking and don't realize how much money they could be raking in.

 

The guy who manages (and I think owns) that Skyline on Court Street and Vine Street lives downtown.  The Court/Vine part of downtown is still quite a bit sketchy and I wouldn't doubt it if part of the reason they aren't open later is due to safety concerns.  However, I'm sure the biggest reason is that the location makes tons of money from the lunchtime crowd and he/they just don't feel running the place at night with a full crew to capture a much smaller group of night customers.  When/If Court Street starts getting a makeover (including getting rid of the ghetto liquor store) and that section of OTR/Downtown gets more development, I'm guessing he/they might give night hours a go.

 

P.S.  I believe the Skyline is open until 5pm.

Both the downtown Skyline locations are corporate-owned.  If you want something to change contact the corporate office in Tri-County, the store general manager has little power.  That being said bfwissel is spot on.  They make so much money in such a short amount of time in that large location, by comparison the dinner would be seen as nothing but a disappointment until there is more population to support it.

If he makes as much as he wants to make being open a few hours a day, especially if he's older and not looking to build up his career, he's got a pretty sweet hassle-free gig, and I can understand why his ambitions aren't expanding with possibilities presented by neighborhood change.

I don't think that store is corporate owned, I believe it was the first ever franchise that owns it (at least according to a yelp reviewer): http://www.yelp.com/biz/skyline-chili-cincinnati-19

 

The guy who manages (and I think owns) that Skyline on Court Street and Vine Street lives downtown.  The Court/Vine part of downtown is still quite a bit sketchy and I wouldn't doubt it if part of the reason they aren't open later is due to safety concerns.  However, I'm sure the biggest reason is that the location makes tons of money from the lunchtime crowd and he/they just don't feel running the place at night with a full crew to capture a much smaller group of night customers.  When/If Court Street starts getting a makeover (including getting rid of the ghetto liquor store) and that section of OTR/Downtown gets more development, I'm guessing he/they might give night hours a go.

 

P.S.  I believe the Skyline is open until 5pm.

 

Your right its open til 5pm, right before the rush of people who are waiting in line at restaurants up the street, so you know it will miss the overflow crowd.

 

Why doesn't the owner actually stand up and be a leader then?  Why does he have to sit back and basically do nothing to help the situation.  The skyline could become a sort of anchor to that area, giving it many more eyeballs on the street and promote development.  I'm serious, and some of you guys wonder why I'm so cynical about the sale of city properties to non-3CDC developers? Its because on the average culturally Cincinnati is so set in its ways that it doesn't understand a good business opportunity when it sees it.  Development is literally 2 blocks away and there a local icon is, sitting fallow like nothing at all has ever happened.  At least Graters gets it.

 

Of course if this was ANY other city, Court Street would be an icon, look at the freaken thing, walls of gorgeous victorian buildings around a center square, yes that square is mostly parking, but its gorgeous and in the real world would be a highly sought after landmark in itself!

Well if they are looking to capture the 12th/Vine overflow then....

 

After 5 it should become a gourmet Cincinnati Chili place serving up coneys with fresh farm to fork organic cheeses.  It shall be called.... Highline.

lol - sometimes people want to get a nice restuarant while waiting for a play or concert but find that the nice resturants are all full and they can't wait otherwise they'll miss the play or concert they want to see, if that's the case why not go to a local icon down the street - its a safe choice.  A bigger market though would be people who are wanting to sober up after drinking at the increasing number of microbrews in the brewery district or at bars like Japps, MOTR, NEONs etc.  All of which being connected by a streetcar that is like 2 blocks away.

 

Though seriously, I'm shocked no one has opened that concept down there!  Make sure to sell plenty of local beers and offer vegan chili as an option.  Brunch would include organically sourced Goetta.  An "artisinal" chili parlor :D

>Its because on the average culturally Cincinnati is so set in its ways that it doesn't understand a good business opportunity when it sees it.

 

Yeah, good luck convincing your Uncle Roger, who's sitting on an $8 million fortune out in Mason watching at Fox News every night, to start investing in a part of the city where he bought cocaine back in the 70's when he went to Miami.  No, he's going to invest on some condo on the Carolina or Gulf coasts. 

There was a volunteer cleanup at the First German Reformed Church in the West End, and I thought there were loose plans to turn it into a music venue of some sort. It looks like that has fallen through, though, as it’s on the market for $25,000: http://www.trulia.com/property/3159553892-1815-Freeman-Ave-Cincinnati-OH-45214?ecampaign=con_day_propertysearchforsale_bk&eurl=www.trulia.com%2Fproperty%2F3159553892-1815-Freeman-Ave-Cincinnati-OH-45214

 

 

EXCLUSIVE: Catholic Health Partners names new HQ site

Catholic Health Partners, Ohio's largest health system, has named its new headquarters site

 

Catholic Health Partners, Ohio's largest health system operator, has confirmed with The Enquirer that it will move its headquarters from Downtown to Bond Hill.

 

The health system, which operates Mercy Health locally, is sharing the news with it employees on Friday.

 

The new location is projected to be completed by second quarter of 2016, CHP officials said Friday.

 

The multimillion dollar decision has been pending for months as CHP weighed its options.

 

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