Freestore Foodbank’s Board of Directors has appointed Kreg Keesee as the organization’s next president and CEO.  

Keesee brings extensive leadership experience in operations, strategy and organizational transformation. Most recently, he served as interim chief financial and operating officer at The Springer School and Center, with prior executive roles at Cold Jet, Michelman, Sun Chemical and Procter & Gamble. 

The Freestore Foodbank is located at 3401 Rosenthal Way.

Keesee also serves on the Cincinnati Regional Chamber Board of Directors and on committees for the United Way of Greater Cincinnati. He previously spent ten years on the board of trustees of the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority, including six as chair.

“Kreg brings a proven track record of building high‐performing teams and turning strategy into action,” said Chair of the Freestore Foodbank Board Dwinelva Zackery. “We are confident he is the right leader to guide Freestore into its next chapter.”

Keesee succeeds Kurt Reiber who served as president and CEO for 15 years. During Reiber’s tenure, Freestore expanded the number of annual meals provided to 47.2 million, supported nearly 12,000 volunteers, launched the LIFT the TriState and KIND programs, and grew its partnerships to 575 community organizations.

“Freestore Foodbank is an organization with a remarkable legacy and essential mission,” Keesee said. “I look forward to working with our team and partners to meet the evolving needs of our community.”

The post Freestore Foodbank announces new CEO appeared first on Cincinnati CityBeat.

Following nearly eight months of suspended operations due to a relocation, Strong’s Brick Oven Pizzeria in Newport is set to reopen in its new storefront along Monmouth Street.

On Feb. 16, Strong’s announced on Facebook that it plans to open at its new location on 708 Monmouth St. in March, which was previously JerZee’s sports bar.

“After tackling major renovations and city inspections, we’re excited to announce our new home at 708 Monmouth Street, just four blocks from our original location,” Strong’s leadership said in the Facebook announcement. “The space is bigger, refreshed, and built to better serve the community we love.”

The new Strong’s location will feature seating for over 200 guests, two full bars, a full menu, an Italian-designed veranda, and a stage for performances and community events.

Strong’s previous Newport location was at 336 Monmouth St., which served as its flagship restaurant. Strong’s had been operating from the building for 12 years before announcing plans to relocate in June 2025. The pizzeria has four other stores throughout Greater Cincinnati, including Lawrenceburg, Reading, Union, and Green Township.

This story originally appeared at linknky.com.

The post Strong’s Brick Oven Pizzeria set to reopen in Newport this March appeared first on Cincinnati CityBeat.

Aviatra Accelerators, a nonprofit entrepreneurial accelerator for women-owned businesses, will host its annual Galentine’s Gala Fashion Show and Fundraiser on Feb. 12.

Occurring the day before Valentine’s Day, the event will offer an opportunity for local women entrepreneurs to connect, fundraise and enjoy a fashion show from local woman-owned boutiques.

“The Galentine’s Gala celebrates friendship, community and the remarkable women entrepreneurs who are shaping our region,” said Jill Morenz, president and CEO of Aviatra Accelerators in a press release. “Through an evening of fun, fashion and connection, we are proud to shine a spotlight on the women entrepreneurs who are building financial independence, pursuing their goals and creating meaningful impact across our region.”

Fashion from Me by Lee, Handzy Shop & Studio, Lusheous Collection and Inspired Fashion will all be featured in the fashion show. Northern Kentucky Community Action Commission Executive Director Catrena Bowman will serve as the event’s emcee.

The event will take place at the Woodward Theater in Over-the-Rhine. You can learn more about the event and purchase tickets at aviatraaccelerators.org/gala.

This story originally appeared at linknky.com.

The post Aviatra’s Galentine’s Gala Fashion Show and Fundraiser returns Feb. 12 appeared first on Cincinnati CityBeat.

Southern-style BBQ concept Beards & Bellies will leave The Well, located at 8 W. 7th St in Covington, at the end of January.

Beards & Bellies founder Mitch Arens said in a press release that the BBQ concept’s lease is set to expire Jan. 31. Instead of shutting down, Arens decided to pause operations in hopes of finding a new location.

“This isn’t the end of Beards & Bellies,” founder Mitch Arens said in the release. “It’s a moment to take a breath, reflect on what we’ve built, and make sure the next space we land in truly feels like home for us and for the people who’ve supported us from the start.”

Beards & Bellies relocated to The Well in January 2025, after previously operating out of Wooden Cask Brewing in Newport.

“We’re incredibly grateful for our time at The Well,” Arens said. “That space gave us the chance to grow, experiment, and connect with an amazing community. We couldn’t have asked for a better partner during this chapter.”

This story originally appeared at linknky.com.

The post Beards & Bellies to exit The Well in Covington appeared first on Cincinnati CityBeat.

Select businesses in Covington are offering customers special discounts and deals as part of the City’s Bridging the Gap initiative, which aims to help local businesses weather economic downturns that may arise following the recent closure of the 4th Street Bridge and the impending construction associated with the Brent Spence project.

“The goal of this program is simple: keep customers coming through the doors of Covington’s small businesses during bridge construction by highlighting special offers, deals, and discounts available for residents, commuters and visitors alike,” the City wrote in a special announcement.

The businesses currently participating in the initiative and their specials are listed below. If you’re a Covington-owned business, and you’d like to participate in the program, fill out the City’s online form here to be included in future announcements.

Bars & Restaurants

18 At the Radisson

• Special: 10% discount when mentioning Bridging the Gap: Small Business Specials
• Availability: Ongoing

Blinkers Tavern

• Monday Burger Night: Any burger with chips or fries for $10.95
• Tuesday Steak Night: 10 oz. New York Strip with potato and soup or salad for $28.95
• Wednesday Pork Chop Night: 10 oz. French-cut pork chop with Yukon mashed potatoes and soup or salad for $19.95
• Thursday Prime Rib Night: Prime rib with potato and choice of soup or salad for 36.95
• Sunday Steak Night: 10 oz New York Strip with potato and choice of soup or salad for $28.95

Doubt It

• Special: Happy Hour
• Days/Hours: Monday–Friday, 4p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Details: Nightly drink specials as low as $4 per drink

F & Goode Desserts

• Special: 10% off all custom cake orders mentioning Bridging the Gap: Small Business Specials
• Offer Expires: March 2026 (valid during January & February ordering periods)

Gold Star Covington

• Special: Buy One, Get One Ways
• Day: Sundays

The Green Door

• Special: Happier Hours — $10 flights and drink specials
• Days/Hours: Tuesday–Friday, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The Gruff

Happy Hour:

• Monday–Friday, 3p.m. to 6 p.m.
• $2 off select draft beer
• $2 off wine by the glass
• $1 off well liquor

Weekly Specials:

• Monday: $12 specialty pizzas
• Tuesday: $3 select local cans
• Wednesday: “Winesday” — $2 off wine by the glass
• Thursday: $2 off Gruff cocktails

January Flavor Flashbacks:

• Fried pork loin sandwich for $14 (Jan. 19–25)
• Raspberry chocolate torte for $9 (Jan. 26–31)

Wet January Special:

• Bonus shot of well liquor with a draft beer
• Offer Expires: Jan. 31

The Hannaford

• Happy Hour: Monday–Friday, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Details: 50% off house Manhattan, house Old Fashioned, beer, wine and well drinks
• Additional Special: $3 bourbon special all day, Sunday–Thursday

The Well Covington

• Happy Hour: Monday–Friday, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Retail

4 Hounds Gear and Grooming

• Special: Up to 25% off all pet outerwear
• Offer Expires: Jan. 31

Liquor City

• Special: 10% off all products, not including tobacco products

Stoney’s Etc!

• Special: 10% off all board games
• Days: Saturdays and Sundays
• Details: Must mention the City’s Small Business Specials highlight
• Offer Expires: Jan. 31, 2026

Wunderlust Head Shop

• Special: Continued holiday deals
• Details: Check the store for current offers
• Offer Expires: March 20, 2026

This story originally appeared at LINKnky.com.

The post Select Covington businesses offer deals following bridge closure appeared first on Cincinnati CityBeat.

Wayfarer Tavern in Dayton, Kentucky, is hosting a limited-time Pizza Party Collaboration Series, celebrating Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky restaurants with a new featured pizza each week.

From Feb. 9 through March 22, guests can visit Wayfarer Tavern to enjoy a weekly rotating, one-of-a-kind pizza collaboration. The series kicks off on Feb. 9 with Galactic Fried Chicken and continues with collaborations from Lang Thang Group, Pata Roja, Carmelo’s, The Aperture and The Pickled Pig. Pizza topping details will be announced the week before each guest’s pizza is available.

Each collaboration runs for one week only and is available dine-in only, encouraging guests to return week after week while spotlighting the region’s restaurant community.

Participating restaurants and schedule:

Week 6 (March 16–22): The Pickled Pig

Week 1 (Feb. 9–15): Galactic Fried Chicken

Week 2 (Feb. 16–22): Lang Thang Group – Lunar New Year collaboration

Week 3 (Feb. 23–March 1): Pata Roja

Week 4 (March 2–8): Carmelo’s

Week 5 (March 9–15): The Aperture

Wayfarer Tavern, 635 Sixth Ave., Dayton, Kentucky. More info: wayfarertavern.com.

This story was originally published by LINK nky and is republished here with permission.

The post Wayfarer Tavern to Host Pizza Collaborations with Local Restaurants appeared first on Cincinnati CityBeat.

It’s official: The Fourth Street Bridge is closing Monday.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet announced Wednesday afternoon that the structure, also known as the KY-8 Bridge, will close to all traffic at 9 a.m. on Jan. 12.

The bridge, connecting Newport and Covington across the Licking River, is expected to be completely demolished by April. The new bridge is slated to be completed by the fall of 2028.

“Digital message board signs will be located on both sides of the bridge to warn motorists of the upcoming closure,” according to the Cabinet’s announcement. “Following the closure, the intersection of Fourth and Garrard Streets will become an all stop condition. Motorists should expect flashing red lights with stop signs at this intersection.”

Vehicular traffic should detour onto the Girl Scout Bridge when traveling between the two cities. TANK will also provide a free shuttle service for public transit users starting Monday at 7 a.m. You can view maps of the detour and shuttle route below.

You can learn more about the project at ky8bridge.org.

This story originally appeared on linknky.com.

The post Newport-Covington’s Fourth Street Bridge Closes Monday appeared first on Cincinnati CityBeat.

This story was written by Kenton Hornbeck with LINK nky and is republished here with permission.

A meal is often at the center of holiday celebrations. For many families, the centerpiece of the meal is a meat or poultry, whether that’s beef, chicken, lamb or duck. 

With Christmas and New Year’s Eve right around the corner, Rump & Roll owner Tavis Rockwell is beefing up his store’s offerings in anticipation of the holidays.

“I’m just trying to get the word out there of what we have to offer, especially in the holiday season,” Rockwell said. “I brought in a lot of nice meats.”

Rump & Roll, located at 526 Sixth Ave. in Dayton, Kentucky, opened on Oct. 1. Rockwell is a career restaurateur, having overseen LouVino’s five restaurants in Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio, including the Over-the-Rhine location in Cincinnati. After the COVID-19 pandemic, Rockwell exited the industry, working instead as a restaurant consultant.

Eventually, the industry drew him back in, as it had always been a personal goal of his to open a deli. When a space in downtown Dayton opened in early 2025, Rockwell jumped at the opportunity.

Rump & Roll faced its first holiday test during the country’s largest meal-centric holiday: Thanksgiving. Rump & Roll didn’t offer turkeys at the time, as Rockwell felt the upfront investment would be too much for a brand-new restaurant, but they did offer a diverse assortment of pies and sides to bolster people’s holiday meals.

Now, Rockwell is stocking his arsenal for Christmas. Rump & Rolls’ grab-and-go is replenished with pies, soups, and sides, such as braised greens, roasted red potatoes, green bean casserole, cheese balls, pimento cheese, and more. Rockwell expressed his hope to help families save time when preparing holiday meals.

“I love that people who just come in and they can grab a roast; they can go over to my grab-and-go and get potatoes that I’ve already cooked for them, or a cheese ball or even chicken stock that they can make their own soups with,” he said. “Just providing something that just makes their time a little easier so they can spend more time with their families.”

Now, let’s get down to brass tacks; what meats are people ordering for their holiday meals? From the perspective of Rump & Roll’s head butcher, Kevin Klein, anything and everything.

“Tenderloin, rib eyes, flank steaks — the rods have been really popular — stew meat; during the holiday, lamb, a big one for the holiday,” Klein said. “We brought pretty much everything in that you could use for the holiday.”

Rockwell stated that Rump & Roll sources its meats from Cincinnati’s Chef’s Warehouse, a specialty food supplier for restaurants. The meats mainly originate from Allen Brothers in Chicago, while its poultry comes from places like Maple Leaf Farms in Indiana.

For Rockwell, the most enriching aspect of running a small community deli is contributing to many families’ holidays — something he believes will help the community become familiar with Rump & Roll.

“I just am enjoying being able to contribute to the community and be a part of it, really,” he said. “I want to keep enriching the community and grow this and showcase what we’re capable of.”

This article includes reporting from LINK nky’s Maggy McDonel.

The post Rump & Roll Gears Up for Its First Christmas Season appeared first on Cincinnati CityBeat.

Northern Kentucky’s first Rita’s Italian Ice opened its doors in Florence. The store officially opened at 7220 Burlington Pike on Dec. 17.

Rita’s, a Bensalem, Pennsylvania-based Italian ice and frozen custard franchise, is widespread throughout the East Coast. The franchise also opened two other stores in the Greater Cincinnati area in 2025, including one in West Chester and another in Sharonville.

“We are excited most about providing something new to the Northern Kentucky area,” Rita’s franchise owners Christa and Bob Moore said in a news release. “For us, this venture is more than just a business opportunity; it’s a chance to create something truly special that reflects our family values and brings joy to our neighborhood.”

Rita’s signature Italian Ice is freshly made on-site each day, with a rotating selection of over 80 flavors. Additional menu options include frozen custard, signature gelati, concretes, frozen coffee, Rita’s Blenders, milkshakes and more.

The new Rita’s will operate daily from 2-8 p.m. on weekdays and from noon to 8 p.m. on weekends. The restaurant will employ approximately 14 team members.

This story originally appeared on linknky.com.

The post Rita’s Italian Ice Opens First NKY Location in Florence appeared first on Cincinnati CityBeat.

Residents of Ft. Wright, Ft. Mitchell, Park Hills and Covington get free admission to the Holly Jolly Days exhibits at the Behringer-Crawford Museum in the latter half of December.

The program is brought about by partnerships between the cities and the museum.

The two flagship exhibits include the 34th Annual Toy Train displays and an exhibit on Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, starring Bing Crosby, Northern Kentucky’s own Rosemary Clooney and Norwood’s Vera-Ellen.

“This year’s expanded exhibit features newly added costumes, props, sheet music and memorabilia from the film, bringing fresh sparkle to this holiday favorite,” according to the museum’s website. “Visitors can admire iconic pieces, such as the blue ‘Sisters’ dresses and the festive red Santa attire, while celebrating the film’s enduring story of friendship, music and homecoming.”

The city days will occur Dec. 20, Dec. 21 and Dec. 27 at varying times depending on the city. Consult the flyer to the left for exact information. Typical adult admission outside of these times and for residents of other cities is $9. Admission for kids under age 3 is always free.

Learn more about the exhibits and the other holiday activities the museum is planning this season at bcmuseum.org/activities/holidays.

This story originally appeared on linknky.com.

The post Some NKY Residents Get in Free to Behringer-Crawford Exhibits this Month appeared first on Cincinnati CityBeat.