They really should call the restaurant "Bootsy's" to differentiate it from Ruby's Steakhouse on the corner.

Heh, that'd actually be kinda cool.

Sweet, if both this and the Bootsy/Ruby place happen, we have the makings of a new entertainment district downtown!

 

Lodge to bring Aspen accent downtown

BY JEFF MCKINNEY | [email protected]

 

The Lodge Bar, a Charlotte, N.C.-based chain offering an Aspen lodge-themed nightclub atmosphere, plans to open a new location in June at 35 E. Seventh St., Downtown, next to McFadden's.

 

The bar's operators plan to invest more than $1 million to open the 6,200-square-foot bar, said Kevin Marcuse, a spokesman for the bar.

 

Click here for article:

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070411/BIZ01/704110342/1076/BIZ

we are becoming a city composed soley of bars and condos.  this isn't necessarily a bad thing.

Hopefully the condo development will lead to new retail in the city.  If the retail comes back, you'll see a pretty good balance between commercial retail, office, residential, and cultural amenities.

I saw the under-construction signs up. Someone needs to make a map with all of the UC/Proposed/New restaurants and bars opening up downtown and we'll just keep updating it. I may make one this evening.

 

This is really good news, especially since the 20-30 year olds are our immediate future!

This is fantastic news...I guess the Massoinette was a little off on their judgment of the downtown market.  A good lesson on why you shouldn't burn bridges!

Sorrento's close to reopening

BY STEVE KEMME | [email protected]

 

NORWOOD –

In five to six weeks, Sorrento’s will reopen after being closed since a fire on April 29, 2005, killed Enrico DeLuca and severely damaged the restaurant.

 

Click on link above for article

This is great, and I think the Lodge Bar will be a great addition to the area.  If a couple more places open we will start to see more synergy and hopefully more street level activity between them.  Personally, I am more excited about the possibility of Bootsy Ruby's, which could be authentically Cincinnati and pay tribute to our under-appreciated music scene.  If Bella's gets a new tenant (rumored to be filled by the owner of Boca) that area would have plenty to do in a very small space.  Other than bad ownership, I think the Bella location should be successful.

 

By the way, has anyone noticed the corner space in the Fifth Third garage (or part of the low building, facing 6th)?  There appears to be work going on, but I have not heard who might be occupying it.

^ It's going to be 5/3's bank.  Moving from 2nd floor.

Fifth Third Bank Announces First New Tenant to Fountain Square

 

Cadillac Ranch Rock-N-Country Bar & Grill Finds Home Downtown;

 

Jones the Florist Plans for Relocation

 

Cincinnati –Fifth Third Bank today announced the signing of an 8,325-square-foot retail lease agreement with FS Cincinnati, LLC to open Cadillac Ranch Rock-N-Country Bar & Grill on Fountain Square.

 

FS Cincinnati, LLC is part of an enterprise group that operates restaurant locations throughout the country, including a Cadillac Ranch Rock-N-Country Bar & Grill opened in Nashville, Tennessee last month.

 

No link available for article.

^ It's going to be 5/3's bank.  Moving from 2nd floor.

 

Guess I was wrong according to the article above.  Is the bank moving to the Fountain Square side?

^ It's going to be 5/3's bank.  Moving from 2nd floor.

 

Guess I was wrong according to the article above.  Is the bank moving to the Fountain Square side?

 

I'm surprised, too.  I thought the bank was going there as well, and I thought that was why they kicked out Widmer's and Servatti's. 

 

Sometimes, I'm still a little bitter that they kicked out Servatti's, but Dunkin Donuts can stay.    :wtf:

^ Yeah xumelanie, I'm at a loss too.  Maybe that is where they intended to go then the Cadilac Ranch proposal came up.  I am actually excited about the restaurant concept and the addition it brings to the mix. 

 

And, there is still a Servatti's blocks from where you live :)

I am getting fat just hearing about all of these restaurants that are coming downtown!  It seems like they announce a new one everyday.  I have every intention of supporting them to make sure they stay in business.  Yall have to help me out!

MrsAWeeks - I'll be right there behind you supporting all the new restaurants and bars downtown. Of course, whether they keep me comin' back is another question!  :-)

Cadillac Ranch??  You have got to be fucking joking.

who cares, foward motion.  downtown is healthy enough to satisfy the corporate forumlas that place these restraunts.

I'm not concerned with the corporate formula.  In fact, I've said that Fountain Square is the appropriate place for it.

 

My issue is the theme.  I've never heard of Cadillac Ranch before, but it certainly sounds like the type of place that one would find in either a) the South/Southwest; or b) some exurban area where identity of place is so weak that people eat up these theme joints.

 

Burgers and banjos aren't my definition of forward motion.  Yeehaw!

All I know is that there is PLENTY of space for restaurants of all kinds to locate downtown.  While the theme may not be my or your cup of tea...it is someone else's.  Maybe an out-of-towner...maybe a suburbanite who cares.  As long as it is nice looking and paying taxes/filling a storefront; then I say GREAT!  There is enough space for everyone!!!

 

Now if only we can start having this problem with retailers!

And, there is still a Servatti's blocks from where you live :)

 

That's true, but the 6th St. Servatti's was less than a block from work.  It was a great place to pick up a quick bowl of soup or sandwich when I was pressed for time. 

 

I am getting fat just hearing about all of these restaurants that are coming downtown!  It seems like they announce a new one everyday.  I have every intention of supporting them to make sure they stay in business.  Yall have to help me out!

 

Yup.  :)  I think I've gained a few pounds since I moved downtown because of all the restaurants and bars.  Imagine how much heavier I would be if I didn't enjoy walking everywhere downtown.  ;)

Yall have to help me out!

 

Yeah, as long as you don't say "Yall" anymore. ;)

Damn, I can't believe how many new places are being announced! Seems like there is something new downtown every week!

we are becoming a city composed soley of bars and condos.

 

I wouldn't say that... Some other downtown (& near) amenities that come to mind: CAC, Taft Museum, University Galleries, Aronoff Center, Know Theatre, ETC, New Stage Collective, Playhouse, GABP, Paul Brown, riverfront parks, Fountain Square, downtown retail, hotels, offices, etc.

The Courier site mention that tomorrow's print edition will list additional tenants being recruited so I am interested to see the possibilities. 

 

On a side note, has anyone been to McCormick and Schmick's yet?  I went to one in Bethesda, Maryland, and it was slightly stuffy.  I am going next weekend and want to know what to expect as we have a large party for a birthday.

^ M&S's was great! I had the Maryland Crab Cakes ... unfreakinbelievable!!

 

Our server was very knowledgeable and stated that the Cincy location had more success (revenue) on an opening than any other location nationwide. He also stated that business has not slowed since opening compared to other locations (contrary to what he was told upon being hired).

I've helped in the opening of quite a few Panera Breads.  Now obviously it is a different kind of restaurant, but we normally expect to see a significant drop off after the first 1-2 months...then you will see a true sales average by the time the second year of operations rolls around.

 

It does sound great that they haven't seen that initial drop-off yet, and that it was a great initial opening.  It sends a good sign to the corporate staff overseeing the project.  They can rest easy that they made the right decision.

I have posted the Business Courier Print Edition article over in the FS discussion thread:

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php?topic=3275.msg177644#msg177644

Mike Hama from Beluga is trying to negotiate a lease across from the soon to open Bang Nightclub on the las block of 4th St. Also, there has been interest from other successful bar owners in the Cincinnati area that are expressing interest. More to follow.

Mike Hama from Beluga is trying to negotiate a lease across from the soon to open Bang Nightclub on the las block of 4th St. Also, there has been interest from other successful bar owners in the Cincinnati area that are expressing interest. More to follow.

 

I think I know where you are talking about. Are there any other clues you can give us? You'll remain completely anonymous! By the way, who are you?

 

Welcome to UrbanOhio!

Yes, the vacant lot that the Kotsovos own is under contract from the owners of the Pavillion in Mt. Adams. The spot Beluga is interested in is owned by Middle Earth at 327 W. Fourth. There are a few things holding this up but am confident it will get done. I am a private investor that is involved in different aspects of City development.

Well it all is sounding fantastic!  The positive news out of downtown is really starting to just pour in!  Welcome to the forum, and hopefully you have the best of success with your investments!  Keep us posted on your work!

Potbelly Sandwich to open third location

April 15, 2007 | CINCINNATI ENQUIRER

 

NORWOOD - Potbelly Sandwich Works, the Chicago-based sandwich chain, will open a third Cincinnati location.

 

Potbelly has signed a lease to open a store in May in Rookwood Pavilion next to Don Pablo's Restaurant, said Tracy Nemenz, marketing director for Jeffrey R. Anderson Real Estate, which owns Rookwood.

 

Click on link above for article

Bella's bygones going to auction

 

For anyone who wants to own a little piece of the former Bella restaurant, mark your calendar for April 30.

 

All of the contents of the former Italian-Mediterranean eatery, from its Vulcan ovens to its "red dandy" sofa, will be auctioned off. Among the items to go - which includes everything - are a custom-made 18.5-foot curved front bar, a few plasma televisions, dining room tables and chairs, a Hobart 30-quart floor mixer and several refrigerators.

 

Click here for article:

http://cincinnati.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/stories/2007/04/16/daily22.html?b=1176696000^1448421

^Then you should just go on half-price wine night!

 

 

I meant some of the pastas, like the Pesto Prima Vera which is about 15 bucks after you add chicken. My idea of expensive is different from most people's on this forum though.

I miss Bella.  They better get something there soon and keep up Rockin' on Walnut!

 

On an unrelated note, here is an email sent out by the Downtown Residents Council.

 

------------------------------------

 

Downtowners:  (DRC Special Announcement for April 19, 2007)

 

Below is a letter to the Downtown Residents Council from Sgt. William Halusek of the District One Violent Crimes Squad.

The letter is news re: the Phoenix Cafe on Walnut Street.

 

The DRC would like to take this moment to thank the scores of Downtown Residents, Downtown businesses and Downtown employees who participated in the outcome noted in Sgt. Halusek's letter.  You are too numerous to list here, as more than a hundred of our neighbors wrote letters and attended hearings on the matter.  Please know that each and every one of you is appreciated.  Together, we took a stand for the public safety and quality of life in our community!  And, we made a difference!

A special thank you to the CPD and City Solicitor's office for their guidance and support over the course of the past two years.

 

Thank you for your time, and we look forward to seeing you this Saturday (April 21) at the Downtown HopAround and next Saturday (April 28) at the Great American Clean Up.

 

This Special E-Bulletin brought to you by the Downtown Residents Council

  www.ILiveDowntown.com  ~  [email protected]

 

============================================================

 

OPEN LETTER TO THE DOWNTOWN RESIDENTS COUNCIL:

 

On behalf of the Cincinnati Police Department, I wanted to take the opportunity to thank all the members of the DRC and the downtown business community that supported the Police Department in our endeavor to revoke the liquor license of the Phoenix Cafe.

 

During the last year, the District One, Central Vice Control Section, the Building and Inspections Department, Health Department, Fire Department, and the Ohio Investigative Unit intensified their efforts on curbing the crime and disorder associated with this permit premise.  As a result of those efforts, a monumental case was developed for an objection to the annual renewal of the Phoenix Cafe’s liquor license.

 

Over the course of the last month I have had a lot of discussions with the attorney (Mr. Greg Nolan) representing the owners of the Phoenix Cafe.  I’ve known for awhile now that they intended to close by June 1, 2007. I did not want to make a public statement about their intent until the owner made a statement as such.  On Tuesday of this week at the Vibrant Neighborhood Committee meeting, Mr. Nolan announced that the Phoenix Cafe was closing effective June 1, 2007.  Mr. Nolan advised me that they would probably close about a week ahead of time in order to vacate the premise.  We have verified that a letter giving 60 days notice to the building owner was submitted.  The catch here is that the City of Cincinnati will not object to the transfer of the license into safe keeping, however, the owner must sell the license and it must be sold to a different location.  I guess the bottom line is that although the license will not be revoked, the Phoenix Cafe is leaving downtown and your neighborhood, and the current owner will not have this license.

 

Thank you to all of those that came to council to testify and those that took the time to send emails and letters.  The anecdotal evidence that you provide is overwhelming at a hearing such as this.

 

Sgt. Bill Halusek

Cincinnati Police Department

District One Violent Crimes Squad

310 Ezzard Charles Drive

Cincinnati, Ohio  45214

 

============================================================

 

PLEASE VISIT THE DRC CALENDAR located at:  http://www.ilivedowntown.com/events.lasso

 

I take it this means that the Phoenix in any form in that location is dead ?

I take it this means that the Phoenix in any form in that location is dead ?

 

yes

Phoenix Cafe scheduling last call

April 19, 2007 | CINCINNATI BUSINESS COURIER

 

DOWNTOWN - Longtime watering hole the Phoenix Cafe, a morning-to-evening hangout that has persisted through the swirl of revitalization around it on Walnut Street, is planning to close May 31.

 

Click link above for article

It's unfortunate to lose that bit of history.

I imagine some sterile overpriced yuppie crap will fill in the hole.

Maybe the Cincinnati meet should stop in.

It's unfortunate to lose that bit of history.

I imagine some sterile overpriced yuppie crap will fill in the hole.

Maybe the Cincinnati meet should stop in.

 

I have no problem with hole-in-the-wall bars, but not when the bartenders are selling crack.

^So fire the bartender.

At least he isn't spraying people in the face with Windex.

:-)

^So fire the bartender.

At least he isn't spraying people in the face with Windex.

:-)

 

LOL!

^So fire the bartender.

At least he isn't spraying people in the face with Windex.

:-)

 

You didn't know about my second job at The Phoenix?!

There was a Thai restaurant on the west side of Vine, between seventh and eighth.  Last year I was getting carry out late, and the owner looked whistfully at her empty restaurant and gestured at the crowded McFaddens across the street, and said she was thinking about changing to more of a nightclub to try to get some of the crowds.  I saw she posted this sign on her door.  Not sure what Buddakhan will be like.

There was a Thai restaurant on the west side of Vine, between seventh and eighth.  Last year I was getting carry out late, and the owner looked whistfully at her empty restaurant and gestured at the crowded McFaddens across the street, and said she was thinking about changing to more of a nightclub to try to get some of the crowds.  I saw she posted this sign on her door.  Not sure what Buddakhan will be like.

 

In all seriousness, this is an example of what I love about this country.

As long as the Thai place doesn't change their menu...I have an addiction to feed here.  I was in there last week, and they have renovated the bar area a bit to make it a bit more open. 

^ Where is this place, guys ... I can't quite put my finger on it?

^ Midblock on Vine between 7th and Garfield, directly next to Garfield Mini-Mart.  Used to be called Kun Ying, I believe.

^ Oh ok, yeah I know where that is...