CINCINNATI – A Downtown lunch spot plans to expand its hours, physical space and drink offerings in the new year.
Cheapside Cafe, located at 326 Eighth St., plans to sell alcohol from a new bar and expanded outdoor patio by late spring or early summer, according to owner Joe Creighton.
"We are basically taking over that whole corner that is a parking lot at Eighth and Cheapside Avenue," he said.
The brunch-and-lunch cafe opened in 2014 with a menu that includes coffee and other non-alcoholic drinks. Once the bar is open, Cheapside will extend its hours past its current 3 p.m. daily closing time.
The decision to expand Cheapside was the result of two events, Creighton said.
"There is a lot of brand-new housing and development in that area," he said. "It's a good spot for it."
Earlier this year, Creighton decided not to openCheapside Corner, a new shop at 1200 Main St. in Over-the-Rhine that would've served alcohol-infused ice cream and drinks.
That decision freed up resources to expand the Eighth Street location, he said.
"Just a bunch of design elements didn't happen on Main Street," Creighton said. "The design and feel of the space is the most important to me."
New construction will add about 1,100 square feet of space to Cheapside Cafe. Creighton promised there will be minimal disruption of service to customers.
"There might be a day or two we might need to close down, but that's the max," he said.
Cheapside's core menu of sandwiches, salads and non-alcoholic drinks also will remain intact once the construction is complete, he said.
"Everything will be sticking with what Cheapside already serves," Creighton said. "It's just going to be a nice after-work spot. I love that space at night."
