Liberty Collective announces its inaugural restaurant/bar lineup ahead of 2025 debut

 

Liberty Collective, a new entertainment venue in Butler County that’s been years in the making, has announced its bar and restaurant lineup ahead of its debut this year.

 

The two-story, 18,000-square-foot complex, which features multiple restaurant concepts, bars, remote workspaces, outdoor sand volleyball courts and more, is going in across from Lakota East High School.

...

Here's the lineup:

• Bristol’s Burgers, Beef and BBQ: A new venture from chef-owner Robert Viox, known for his Four Mile Pig restaurants, Bristol’s Burgers will offer a menu of double-decker cheeseburgers, smoked barbecue, spicy Italian beef and smoked wings. The restaurant is named after Viox’s granddaughter, Bristol.
• Rice Life: Chef Marcus Johnson will offer a modern twist on teppanyaki, a Japanese cooking style, offering a variety of hibachi-style entrees.
• Ramundo’s Pizza Famiglia: Ramundo’s offers classic and specialty pizzas (whole or by the slice), sandwiches, salads, homemade meatballs and sausages. Ramundo’s was founded in 2000 by brothers Gino and Tony Ramundo. After Gino Ramundo’s passing in 2006, Tony Ramundo partnered with Neil Black to continue the company.
• Ms. Lei Lei’s: Ms. Lei Lei’s, created by Chef Jarrod Ante, will serve elevated comfort food. The menu features brined and hand-breaded chicken tenders, salads and hand-cut sides.

And more below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2025/04/15/liberty-collective-food-bar-burgers-ramundos-treat.html

 

I guess this could go here?

 

Ohio's wait for Wawa is over: Take a look inside the state's first location in Liberty Township

 

The wait is almost over. Ohio’s first Wawa location is ready to open.

 

At 8 a.m. Wednesday, April 16, the convenience store and gas station chain will open its first Ohio location at 7198 Cincinnati Dayton Road in Liberty Township.

 

The Pennsylvania-based brand is known for its fresh coffee, breakfast, made-to-order hoagies and food market.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2025/04/15/wawa-liberty-township-opens-first-ohio-location.html

 

Rooted Juicery plans expansion under new ownership, plots return to OTR

 

A Cincinnati-based juice bar and kitchen is expanding under new ownership.

 

Rooted Juicery & Kitchen is set to open its second location in Over-the-Rhine this spring at 1218 Vine St., taking up a storefront located between Abigail Street and Atwood Oyster House.

 

The company is known for its fresh juices and smoothies made from fruits, vegetables, nut butters, seeds, herbs and more. Rooted Juicery also offers juice cleanses and serves a menu of breakfast sandwiches, coffee, tea, smoothie bowls, sandwiches, salads and desserts. Most items are made from scratch with organic ingredients.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2025/04/17/rooted-juicery-expanding-otr-vine-street.html

 

Dolly's Burgers & Shakes opens newest location at former West Side Frisch's site

 

Dolly's Burgers & Shakes has opened a new location at the site of a former Frisch's in Colerain Township.

 

Company officials announced a soft opening took place Thursday, April 17, starting at 7 a.m., according to a report by Business Courier news partner WKRC-TV Local 12. The restaurant is located on Colerain Avenue near Springdale Road.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2025/04/17/dollys-burgers-shakes-open-frischs-closed-colerain.html

 

Peace, Love and Little Donuts announces Greater Cincinnati expansion

 

A franchise known for its hippie-themed and "Funkadelic" doughnuts has moved into a new Tri-State neighborhood.

 

Peace, Love and Little Donuts is now open in Mason, at 6360 Tylersville Road. It's the fourth location in the region for the chain.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2025/04/17/peace-love-little-donuts-expands-mason-tylersville.html

 

Cincinnati restaurateur debuts latest concept on West Side, partners with local food truck chef

 

A Cincinnati restauranteur and business owner has just debuted his latest concept on the West Side.

 

On April 21, Brendan McAndrews held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Frank, a new neighborhood deli and grill. It is located at 900 State Ave. in Lower Price Hill.

 

McAndrews hired Chef Steven Graham to lead the kitchen. The two met years ago when Graham was working out of a food truck in Hyde Park.

 

“There’s a lot of workers in this area that need a good, affordable lunch,” Graham said.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2025/04/22/frank-deli-grill-price-hill-brendan-mcandrews-rusk.html

 

Sparkling beverage studio billing itself as first-of-its-kind opening in Cincinnati suburb

 

A new beverage bar billing itself as the country's first-ever custom sparkling drink studio is opening in Deerfield Township near Mason this summer.

 

Jukebox, which provides personalized options for carbonated beverages, is opening in the Deerfield Towne Center at 5859 Deerfield Blvd. An exact opening date has not yet been set.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2025/04/23/jukebox-sparkling-beverage-studio-mason-deerfield.html

 

NKY late-night doughnut shop to close as owners shift to mobile model

 

A doughnut shop that catered to a different crowd announced it is closing, but it’s not the end of the road for fans of the brand.

 

The owners of Moonrise Doughnuts said they plan to wind down their shop in Latonia this week, according to a report by Business Courier news partner WKRC-TV Local 12.

 

Moonrise started in 2017. It opened in the late afternoon daily from 4-10 p.m. – paying homage to the former Latonia Bakery that sold doughnuts out of a back door at night when they were baking them for the following day.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2025/04/23/moonrise-doughnuts-latonia-crescent-springs-truck.html

 

The Fix Coffeehouse & Bar to relocate flagship Walnut Hills location

The Fix Coffeehouse & Bar is relocating its flagship Walnut Hills cafe.

The new spot will be just a few blocks away at 719 E. McMillan St. The original location opened in 2020 at 648 E. McMillan St. 

Co-owner Keith Coombs said while an official relocation date has not been set, he anticipates the new cafe to open by the end of the month.

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2025/05/05/the-fix-coffee-bar-walnut-hills-move-mcmillen.html

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill opens in Liberty Township

Liberty Township has welcomed its newest eatery.

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill officially opened the doors to its next regional location on May 5. The brand's newest restaurant opened at 7685 Blake St. in Liberty Township, making it the third one along the Cincinnati-Dayton corridor.

The other two reside in Miami Township and Mason.

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/dayton/news/2025/05/05/firebirds-wood-fired-grill-liberty-township-dayton.html

17 hours ago, ColDayMan said:

The Fix Coffeehouse & Bar is relocating its flagship Walnut Hills cafe.

The new spot will be just a few blocks away at 719 E. McMillan St. The original location opened in 2020 at 648 E. McMillan St. 

It's good for the neighborhood when places like this are able to buy and own their own space. Hopefully this means they'll be in the neighborhood for a long time!

Assuming they can use the area to the east of the new building for their patio, that will be a nice improvement because it'll be sunny in the morning and shaded in the afternoon/evening (their original location at 648 E McMillan has the opposite configuration, resulting in hot sun exposure in the afternoon/evening).

Crown Restaurant Group announces relocation of downtown eatery to make room for catering, event venue

Cincinnati restaurateur and chef Anthony Sitek is relocating his downtown Mexican eatery to make room for a new catering and event space.

In June, Crown Cantina will move from its spot on East Eighth Street in the Central Business District to the former Nation Kitchen & Bar in Pendleton, at 1200 Broadway St.

The space has been vacant since Nation's October 2024 closure. 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2025/05/06/crown-cantina-pendleton-nation-kitchen-relocation.html

Popular pizzeria to open second location in former Red Feather Kitchen space in Oakley

A popular Hyde Park pizzeria is expanding into the former Red Feather Kitchen space in Oakley.

Saint Francis Apizza is opening its first dine-in location at 3200 Madison Road later this year. The restaurant is known for its handcrafted thick and thin artisan pizzas that draw influences from New York, New Haven and Portland.

Owner Alex Plattner signed a lease for the 4,000-square-foot space last week. It has been vacant since Red Feather Kitchen closed in December 2024.

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2025/05/06/st-francis-apizza-oakley-pizza-red-feather-madison.html

'Perfecting simplicity': NKY's new bodega offers fresh food, speakeasy

A new culinary destination has opened in Northern Kentucky.

The Bodega at Roebling, located in Covington at 326 Scott St. in the Bradford Building, is a place to grab a bite. But in addition to its culinary offerings, the Bodega features a mini convenience store and a hidden gem in the back – a mini wine room and speakeasy designed to transport guests into another era, according to a report from Business Courier news partner WKRC-TV Local 12.

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2025/05/08/bodega-roebling-scott-street-covington-speakeasy.html

Cafe Alma to open coffee bar concept in city of Blue Ash

A Mediterranean cafe is expanding its brand into a smaller concept in the Cincinnati suburbs.

Cafe Alma is opening a new location in Blue Ash. But it’s going to look a bit different from its flagship Pleasant Ridge spot.

Later this month, Cafe Alma will become the Blue Ash Recreation Center’s new cafe operator. Co-owner Lainey Richler said she’s planning on opening doors by Memorial Day with a more official announcement in the works over the next few weeks.

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2025/05/09/cafe-alma-blue-ash-rec-center-coffe-smoothies.html

Cincinnati chef to open European-inspired bistro inside $80M Madamore development

A veteran Cincinnati chef is opening a new restaurant on Cincinnati's East Side.

Kevin Armon is opening Concorde inside the Ackermann Group’s more than $80 million Madamore mixed-use development in the heart of Madisonville at the corner of Madison Road and Whetsel Avenue.

Armon has more than 35 years of experience in the restaurant industry. He’s trained in Paris, New York and Washington, D.C. He’s lived in Madisonville for the past two decades, and during his time in Cincinnati, his resume includes the likes of Boca, Nada, Teller’s, Kaze, Jump Cafe, Mercer and Somm Wine Bar.

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2025/05/13/concorde-chef-kevin-p-armon-madamore-madisonville.html

21 hours ago, ColDayMan said:

Cincinnati chef to open European-inspired bistro inside $80M Madamore development

A veteran Cincinnati chef is opening a new restaurant on Cincinnati's East Side.

Kevin Armon is opening Concorde inside the Ackermann Group’s more than $80 million Madamore mixed-use development in the heart of Madisonville at the corner of Madison Road and Whetsel Avenue.

Armon has more than 35 years of experience in the restaurant industry. He’s trained in Paris, New York and Washington, D.C. He’s lived in Madisonville for the past two decades, and during his time in Cincinnati, his resume includes the likes of Boca, Nada, Teller’s, Kaze, Jump Cafe, Mercer and Somm Wine Bar.

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2025/05/13/concorde-chef-kevin-p-armon-madamore-madisonville.html

As a Madisonville resident I am glad something is finally going into the development that’s food/beverage related. Most of these storefront have sat empty since the buildings started construction back in 2018.

Cantonese food vendor to open at Findlay Market

Previously a pop-up business, Cantonese eatery Yee Mama is opening its first storefront location inside Findlay Market this summer. 

Owner and head chef Chiuyee (Dora) Cheng told me she hopes Yee Mama can move into the stall sometime in July. The stall was previously occupied by Sen by Kiki, which moved out of the space May 18. 

Cheng and her crew have been acquainted with the area for the last five years, previously working inside a 100-square-foot space in Findlay Kitchen. The kitchen, which Findlay Market owns, is roughly one block south of the market. 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2025/05/20/yee-mama-findlay-market-vendor-wontons-hong-kong.html

Duo of Covington concepts rebranding, reopening as full-service restaurant

A Northern Kentucky bar and restaurant is entering a new era.

At the end of the month, Frosthaus will officially rebrand into the Hum. The family-owned establishment, located at 115 Park Place in Covington, first opened in 2021. It’s an extension of neighboring Eishaus, which debuted in 2020.

The Hum is described as a fresh concept that blends electric energy, nostalgic vibes and bold new flavors.

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2025/05/22/covington-frosthaus-eishaus-the-hum-restaurant.html

MilkShake Factory hosts grand opening at first Cincinnati-area location in the suburbs

Cincinnati's northern suburbs are getting a little more sugary with the addition of dessert chain MilkShake Factory. 

On May 31, the Pittsburgh-based milkshake shop is having a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its first Ohio franchise on 2114 Kings Mills Road in Deerfield Township. 

MilkShake Factory specializes in hand-spun shakes, craft sundaes and gourmet chocolates. The molten fruit cups are typically $5.95; classic shakes are $6.75; gourmet shakes are at an average price point of $8.25; and signature shakes average around $9.95. 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2025/05/27/new-milkshake-factory-cincinnati-opening.html

Mi Cozumel, Cigars International to open this year at Newport on the Levee

Two new businesses are slated to open soon at Newport on the Levee.

Cincinnati-based Mexican restaurant Mi Cozumel is opening a location inside the former Amador Cuban space. The more than 5,000-square-foot eatery closed back in January 2025. Mi Cozumel is slated to open in July. It will be the company’s fifth location.

Diana Jaime, Mi Cozumel’s marketing director and sister to CEO Liliana Jaime, said Newport was never in the cards, but the company got a great offer because of Amador’s closure.

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2025/05/28/mi-cozumel-cigars-international-newport-levee.html

Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams sets opening for second Cincinnati-area location

Summer just got a bit sweeter as a national ice cream chain is officially opening its doors to guests.

Columbus-born Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams is debuting its second Cincinnati-area location June 4 at 5200 District Park Drive in Deerfield Township.

The ice cream brand is moving into a 1,500-square-foot space in the District of Deerfield, between Wilkens Boulevard and Mason Montgomery Road. 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2025/05/28/jenis-splendid-ice-cream-new-store-deerfield-mason.html

Rooted Juicery opens second location in OTR; new owner has plans to expand

Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine neighborhood now has a new juice bar.

On May 30, Rooted Juicery & Kitchen opened the doors to its second location, which is nestled between restaurants Abigail Street and Atwood Oyster House at 1218 Vine St.

The store offers a range of vegan food options and retail items along with a full menu of juices. Popular items include the avocado crunch and carrot lox bagel sandwiches, avocado toast, made-to-order smoothies, cold-pressed juices and more. Guests can also choose from an array of grab-and-go items, including the pesto and ricotta sandwich, a burrito and chopped salad.

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2025/05/30/rooted-juicery-juice-cleanse-otr-second-location.html

On 5/29/2025 at 2:08 PM, ColDayMan said:

Mi Cozumel, Cigars International to open this year at Newport on the Levee

Two new businesses are slated to open soon at Newport on the Levee.

Cincinnati-based Mexican restaurant Mi Cozumel is opening a location inside the former Amador Cuban space. The more than 5,000-square-foot eatery closed back in January 2025. Mi Cozumel is slated to open in July. It will be the company’s fifth location.

Diana Jaime, Mi Cozumel’s marketing director and sister to CEO Liliana Jaime, said Newport was never in the cards, but the company got a great offer because of Amador’s closure.

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2025/05/28/mi-cozumel-cigars-international-newport-levee.html

I noticed about a month ago construction of the Downtown location wasn’t progressing, I’m assuming this is why as in Downtown is canceled because the Newport space is cheaper like the article reads? I can’t imagine them doing Newport and Fountain Square. If so this may really come back to haunt them I think they would have done reallllyyy well at 6th and Vine.

Edited June 2Jun 2 by 646empire

Onolicious Hawaii sister concept 10th Island Tiki Bar & Grill sets opening in OTR

A new Hawaiian-themed tiki bar and restaurant is opening this week in Over-the-Rhine.

On June 3 at noon, doors will officially open at the 10th Island Tiki Bar & Grill. It is located in a Cincinnati Center City Development Corp. (3CDC) storefront at 213 Woodward St. near Ziegler Park Pool. The 1,504-square-foot space is the former Ziggy’s. Prior to that, it was home to Yoli’s taco shop.

10th Island is the second concept by the Poco Moco Restaurant Group, which also owns Onolicious Hawaii on Court Street Plaza downtown.

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2025/06/02/10th-island-tiki-cocktail-bar-otr-ziegler-park.html

Findlay Market vendor Sen by Kiki opens first brick-and-mortar

A Findlay Market vendor is announcing its expansion into a brick-and-mortar space.

On June 3, Sen by Kiki opened in the former Heist Fish & Poultry location at Findlay Market, 106 W. Elder St.

Sen, which means fresh in Japanese, opened as a stand inside the market’s main building three years ago. The seafood butcher shop specializes in sushi-grade fish and oysters.

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2025/06/03/sen-by-kiki-findlay-market-moves-hideki-harada.html

Owner of OTR boutique Continuum opens adjoining cafe on Vine Street

The owner of an Over-the-Rhine boutique has opened a complementary business in an adjoining space as she celebrates 10 years on Vine Street.

Ericka Leighton-Spradlin, the owner of Continuum at 1407 Vine St., has opened Cafe Continuum in next-door space at 1405 Vine St. The cafe, which hosted a soft opening in early May, is billed as an immersive space featuring a consciously selected menu of small bites, pastries, coffee, tea and non-alcoholic beverages.

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2025/06/03/cafe-continuum-otr-vine-street-coffee-food-3cdc.html

Soul food restaurant Mz Jade's opens third location in Cincinnati suburb, owner teases new concept

A soul food restaurant brand continues to grow its presence in the Tri-State.

On May 29, Mz Jade’s Soul Food opened its third location in Sharonville, at 11119 Reading Road.

The Black-owned restaurant has made a name for itself in the region with its homestyle Southern cooking.

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2025/06/06/mz-jades-soul-food-opens-restaurant-sharonville.html

Hotel Covington announces relaunch of Coppin's Alley Walk-Up Window

A Northern Kentucky boutique hotel and restaurant has a new walk-up taco shop.

In May, Hotel Covington debuted Coppin’s Alley Walk-Up Window, located at 638 Madison Ave.

It serves a short list of tacos including:

• Beef taco: made with braised short ribs, queso fresco, white onion and cilantro

• Chicken taco: made with confit chicken, rojo sauce, pickled red onion and cilantro

• Roasted sweet potato taco: made with adoba-roasted sweet potato, crema, queso fresco and cilantro.

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2025/06/10/coppins-alley-walkup-window-hotel-covington-tacos.html

Northstar Cafe grows to 7 locations with newest restaurant to open this week

A Columbus favorite is growing again – but not in Central Ohio.

Northstar Cafe Tuesday will open its seventh restaurant. The newest location is in the Kenwood Towne Center in Cincinnati.

Announced last year, the new restaurant is the locally based brand’s second in Cincinnati.

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2025/06/09/northstar-cafe-7-locations-cincinnati.html

New Indian restaurant Masala Theory opens in Cincinnati suburbs

A new Indian restaurant is now open in the Cincinnati suburbs.

Masala Theory quietly opened in Madeira May 21. The restaurant is located in a standalone two-story building at 7800 Camargo Road.

Before Masala Theory, the space was home to sushi restaurant Monk, and before that, it housed a French concept called La Petite Pierre.

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2025/06/11/masala-theory-new-indian-restaurant-madeira-food.html

French Toast Heaven closes last remaining location, teases new spot amid ongoing struggles

A breakfast and brunch spot is closing its last remaining location after less than a year in business, but the company isn't throwing in the towel just yet. 

French Toast Heaven will shutter its Greenhills location, at 46 Eswin Road. The company announced the move June 12. It's final day of service was June 11, but owner Kevin Jordan, aka Chef Maurice, told me that he is doing a pop-up in the space this weekend.

"We have secured another location," Jordan said. "We're just not ready to talk about it at this time."

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2025/06/12/french-toast-heaven-closes-greenhills-restaurant.html

Sparkling beverage studio billing itself as first-of-its-kind opens in Deerfield Towne Center

A new nonalcoholic sparkling beverage bar is now open in a suburb of Cincinnati.

Jukebox, which bills itself as the country’s first-ever custom sparkling drink studio, officially opened June 7. The 1,600-square-foot storefront is located at 5859 Deerfield Blvd. in the Deerfield Towne Center.

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2025/06/13/jukebox-opens-in-deerfield-towne-center.html

One Holland restaurant group to open $2.5M eatery

A Northern Kentucky restaurant group is expanding one of its newest brands.

Taylor Mill-based One Holland Group is opening its second Spear Ridge Cafe in Independence. The restaurant will be located in One Holland’s $22 million mixed-use project the Downs of Nicholson, at 11990 Mitch Drive.

CEO Gary Holland said the cafe is slated to open in the first week of July.  

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2025/06/13/spear-ridge-cafe-one-holland-independence-downs.html