Food vendors thriving on Cincinnati's Fountain Square

Most Cincinnatians are aware of the dramatic success that has been achieved at Fountain Square following its $48.9 million renovation resulting in an estimated $125 million in private investment surrounding Cincinnati's central gathering space.  Crowds have set attendance records for concert performances, movie screenings, events, contests and more.  And local food vendors have been able to take advantage of that success.

Fountain Square now has food vendors serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night offerings.  Many of these vendors are small, local businesses that value the massive exposure they get from operating in the heart of downtown Cincinnati and one of the region's most prominent locations.

"People love being downtown in the heart of the city, and being a part of the revitalization taking place," explained Bill Donadedian, Managing Director, Fountain Square.  "Fountain Square provides great exposure to the vendors without even considering the money they make from operating there."

Business certainly has been good for many of the vendors.  Most recently, Tom + Chee was able to sign a three-year lease on a store front on Court Street following the success they experienced on Fountain Square last winter as they catered to those enjoying Fountain Square's ice rink.

"Last summer we were kicking around things to do and mobile foods have been really popular around the country," said Corey Ward, co-owner, Tom + Chee.  "We always wanted to have our own place, and Fountain Square provided a testing ground for us and allowed us to raise some money for the restaurant."

The new Tom + Chee restaurant in downtown Cincinnati serves many of the popular items served on Fountain Square, but also a few additional items.  Ward says that he and his co-owner Trew Quackenbush decided on downtown quite simply because they are "downtown people" and it just made sense.

There are currently eight different food vendors operating on Fountain Square during different parts of the day and week.  According to Donabedian, food vendors are required to pay a small flat fee to be at the events which depends on the prominence of the event, but offers a very low-cost option for small businesses looking to get their start much like Tom + Chee.

Donabedian did note that there is no vendor's permit for Fountain Square vendors and instead they must be associated with an event taking place.  He expects around 200,000 people to attend this year's summer concert series, and well over two million to visit the square over the course of the year.

"The two really work together," explained Donabedian.  "At events people want food, and sometimes people come to the Square for more than just food."

Vendors interested in operating on Fountain Square can do so by contacting the Fountain Square Management Group at (513) 621-4400 or by emailing [email protected].

Writer: Randy A. Simes
Photography by Scott Beseler
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