Cincinnati’s Food, Retail, and Neighborhood Growth Accelerates in 2024: A Comprehensive Update

Cincinnati continues to demonstrate a remarkable trajectory of growth and revitalization in 2024, blending its historic charm with innovative developments across its culinary, retail, infrastructural, and neighborhood landscapes. This year’s momentum reflects strategic investments, community resilience, and cultural vibrancy—marking Cincinnati as a dynamic hub poised for sustained progress.

Expanding Culinary and Retail Horizons

The city's food scene remains vibrant, marked by exciting openings, culinary collaborations, and retail expansions that cater to diverse tastes and styles.

Notable New Openings and Concept Innovations

• Strong’s Brick Oven Pizzeria in Newport is gearing up to reopen this March after nearly eight months of suspension due to relocation challenges. Famous for its authentic wood-fired pizzas, Strong’s revival underscores Cincinnati’s resilience and dedication to preserving its beloved culinary traditions.

• CAVA has extended its footprint with a new location at Kenwood Towne Center, bringing health-focused Mediterranean cuisine to a broader audience eager for flavorful, nutritious options amidst Cincinnati’s evolving dining scene.

• The city’s pizza innovation continues through initiatives like the “Let’s Get Weird” series—collaborations among Northern Kentucky-based pizzerias that champion bold flavors and unconventional toppings—fostering experimentation and local pride in culinary creativity.

• Cinsei Cafe and Manga House, taking residence in the former Coffia space in Cincinnati, promises a unique cultural experience: patrons can enjoy expertly brewed coffee while exploring Japanese manga and graphic novels. This venture aims to blend cafe culture with cultural interests, appealing to a diverse community of enthusiasts.

Retail Expansions and Consumer Highlights

• The arrival of Aritzia at Kenwood Towne Center signals Cincinnati’s growing appeal as a fashion destination, offering contemporary styles to local shoppers.

• Wawa celebrated its regional debut in Hebron, providing residents with its signature convenience store experience—featuring fresh food options, coffee, and fuel—adding a new level of accessibility and convenience.

• Dessert lovers welcomed Blue Bell Ice Cream into Cincinnati stores this March, bringing nostalgic, creamy flavors that have quickly become regional favorites, further diversifying the city’s sweet offerings.

Celebrating Cincinnati’s Culinary Identity and Events

• Cincinnati Chili Week remains a highlight, with local restaurants offering special deals and inventive takes on the city’s iconic chili, fostering community pride and boosting local business.

• Stadium food upgrades at TQL Stadium have introduced gourmet regional specialties and inventive stadium fare, elevating the fan experience and spotlighting Cincinnati’s culinary talent.

• The Victory Bell Grudge Match, one of college football’s oldest rivalries, is scheduled to move to TQL Stadium this year. Anticipated to draw large crowds, this event will energize Cincinnati’s sports and hospitality sectors, attracting visitors regionally and nationally.

Food Safety and Community Initiatives

While Cincinnati’s food scene flourishes, recent challenges have prompted proactive responses:

• Cheese Recall Alert: A regional cheese recall has impacted multiple Cincinnati retailers. The FDA announced that certain cheese products sold locally were voluntarily recalled due to potential health risks. Consumers are advised to check store notices and avoid affected products as officials investigate the scope. This incident underscores the importance of food safety vigilance as Cincinnati’s food marketplace continues to thrive.

• Leadership in Food Access: The Freestore Foodbank appointed Kreg Keesee as its new president and CEO, succeeding veteran leader Kurt Reiber. Keesee’s leadership focuses on expanding food assistance programs and addressing food insecurity—critical issues amid ongoing regional economic challenges.

• Regional Support for Food Security: Building on regional collaboration, Interact for Health has opened applications for its Rural Investment Strategy, a significant funding initiative aimed at improving food security, healthcare access, and economic development in Cincinnati’s underserved rural areas. This effort seeks to bridge gaps and foster equitable community resilience.

Neighborhood and Infrastructure Momentum

Cincinnati’s neighborhoods are experiencing transformative growth through large-scale projects and strategic investments:

• Downtown Cincinnati is nearing a milestone with its convention headquarters hotel project, which has secured approximately $150 million in public financing for a 700-room hotel. This development aims to significantly boost the city’s convention capacity, attract regional and national events, and stimulate local economic activity.

• Over-the-Rhine (OTR) continues its renaissance, with a $20 million renovation of a historic building led by Tender Mercies and Over-the-Rhine Community Housing. This project will feature mixed-use spaces—including residential units, commercial shops, and community amenities—further energizing the neighborhood’s vibrant character.

• Hyde Park Square is preparing for a $150 million mixed-use development that will blend retail, residential, and office spaces while preserving the neighborhood’s historic charm and walkability—enhancing its appeal for residents and visitors alike.

• Near the AWS data center, approximately 550 acres are designated for light industrial use, positioning Cincinnati as a regional hub for technology and industrial innovation.

Infrastructure and Sustainability Initiatives

• The Sharon Road railroad crossing in Sharonville has reopened, improving regional connectivity and supporting neighborhood development efforts.

• The controlled demolition of the Covington’s 4th Street Bridge is scheduled with a planned explosion set for a tentative date, marking a significant moment in regional infrastructure updates. This project aims to enhance transportation and connectivity between Kentucky and Cincinnati.

• An Urban Forestry Assessment is underway across Cincinnati, focusing on increasing green spaces, improving environmental health, and aligning with city sustainability goals—making Cincinnati more livable and resilient.

Ongoing Projects and Service Updates

• The Cold Spring Pointe mixed-use development continues to progress, with recent updates pointing toward expanded retail, residential, and office components, further reinforcing regional growth.

• The convention hotel remains a priority, with city officials optimistic about finalizing public financing soon, further elevating Cincinnati’s profile as a premier destination for conventions.

• Cincinnati Metro announced service adjustments effective March 1, including minor route detours and schedule tweaks designed to improve transit efficiency and accessibility for residents and visitors.

Regional Growth and Strategic Expansions

Sharonville’s ongoing expansion continues to bolster its regional economic role:

• The Sharonville convention center expansion has led to a surge in events, creating new jobs and benefitting the local hospitality and retail sectors—aligning with Cincinnati’s broader strategy to attract large-scale conferences and conventions.

• The Victory Bell Grudge Match will again be hosted at TQL Stadium, expected to draw significant crowds and further boost Cincinnati’s sports tourism industry.

Sports, Events, and Cultural Drivers

Cincinnati’s vibrant sports and cultural scenes continue to energize the city:

• FC Cincinnati set a new club record with a 9-0 victory over O&M FC, showcasing the team’s offensive prowess and fueling fan enthusiasm.

• The upcoming Patterson Hood & John Moreland concert at Ludlow Garage on March 29 promises to draw music lovers, further enhancing neighborhood vibrancy.

• The city’s music scene, particularly venues like Ludlow Garage, is thriving, hosting a variety of shows that draw regional visitors and contribute to Cincinnati’s cultural identity.

Transit and Sustainability Efforts

• The Cincinnati Metro’s recent service adjustments aim to improve transit reliability, with route modifications and schedule updates facilitating better accessibility.

• Cincinnati’s commitment to environmental health is evident through ongoing urban forestry initiatives and green space projects, aiming to make the city more sustainable and inviting.

Current Status and Future Outlook

Cincinnati’s growth in 2024 remains robust, driven by:

• The finalization of public financing for the convention hotel, promising to elevate the city’s national profile as a premier event destination.

• The completion of neighborhood projects like OTR and Hyde Park, which are transforming community spaces and enhancing residents’ quality of life.

• Strategic infrastructure upgrades, including the demolition of Covington’s 4th Street Bridge and the reopening of the Sharon Road crossing, improving regional connectivity.

• A continued emphasis on sustainability and green initiatives, making Cincinnati more environmentally friendly and resilient.

As these developments unfold, Cincinnati’s reputation as a resilient, innovative, and community-driven city strengthens. The ongoing investments and cultural vibrancy suggest a promising future, where history and innovation coalesce to create an inclusive, vibrant metropolis. The coming months will be critical in realizing these ambitions, positioning Cincinnati as a thriving center for food, culture, and economic vitality in the region.