Walking past the former Hamburger Mary’s location (
map) on Vine Street in downtown Cincinnati you may have noticed signs of life - or rebirth, stirring inside. Those aren't the ghosts of Mary’s past, but rather Mary herself.
Hamburger Mary’s has announced they will reopen their Cincinnati location this summer around late July or early August.
The 5,200 square-foot restaurant space is located within a single-story building almost at the terminus of the Court Street Marketplace, and previously boasted sidewalk dining space.
The return will not only bring back the popular burgers and sandwiches that
Hamburger Mary’s was known for, but also the gay-friendly atmosphere that often served as a meeting and rallying point for members of Cincinnati’s gay community.
The Mary of past went away several years ago and was replaced by Universal Grille which closed last year. The space has sat vacant since then, but now boasts Mary’s bust prominently across the front windows announcing her return.
Hamburger Mary’s is actually part of a larger master franchise that at one time had 12 locations nation-wide. The Cincinnati location will be owned and operated by Gail Marlow and her partner Mary Onken who are both coming from Chicago.
Marlow is the former director of the Chicago Lesbian and Gay International Film Festival and plans to introduce more entertainment to the reincarnated Mary’s.
The Cincinnati location will become the eighth nation-wide including restaurants in Denver, Palm Springs, Hollywood and Chicago.
Detailed business information will evolve over the coming weeks. If you are interested in becoming a part of Mary’s team you can send a cover letter and resume to
[email protected] as they plan to start interviewing in the coming weeks.
Writer: Randy Simes
Source: Hamburger Mary's
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