Statement from the Cincinnati Restaurant Community

As members of Cincinnati’s restaurant and hospitality industry, we are heartbroken and outraged by the recent violent incident that occurred in our downtown core. The video circulating from that night is disturbing, and like many in this city, we are calling for accountability and decisive action.

We are a united coalition—diverse in background, perspective, and political beliefs—but we stand together in condemning violence in any form. The safety of our guests, team members, and neighborhoods is nonnegotiable. It is a foundational expectation we all share.

Our businesses represent thousands of employees and serve tens of thousands of guests each week. We’ve invested heavily in this city—not just financially, but with our time, presence, and long-term commitment to Cincinnati’s success. But we cannot carry this alone. We need clear, proactive, and corrective measures from our city leadership.

This is not a moment for vague promises or delayed responses. Our community is asking for a real plan—one that addresses this incident and the broader safety concerns that have been raised for months.

We love this city. We invest in its people. We serve its neighborhoods. And we will continue to be part of the solution—but we are calling on civic leaders to do the same with urgency, transparency, and conviction.

 

Signed, 

Britney Ruby Miller, Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment

John Barrett, Lytle Park Hotel, Subito, and Western & Southern

Jose Salazar, Salazar Restaurant Group

David Falk, Boca Restaurant Group

Bob Deck, Four Entertainment Group (4EG)

Joe Creighton, Creighton Concepts

Jeremy Lieb, Sacred Beast

Dick Williams, Skyline Chili

Evan Andrews, Montgomery Inn

Molly Wellmann, Molly Wellmann, LLC

Cristian and Amanda Pietoso, Nicola’s, Forno Osteria + Bar, and Via Vite

Anthony Sitek, Crown Republic Hospitality Group

Jean-François Flechet, Taste of Belgium