I have always been a fan of local businesses more than big-box stores.
There’s something special about walking into a local shop and actually knowing the people behind the counter. The owners and employees genuinely care about what they sell. That enthusiasm is contagious. Beyond the personal connections, keeping my dollars circulating within Cincinnati just feels right. It’s one of the biggest reasons I keep coming back to local businesses.
This week is Small Business Week, so here are five of my favorite local businesses, in no particular order.
ETC Produce in Walnut Hills
954 E McMillan St Unit A
I go to this market several times a week. I love that they have local products from farmers and producers. This organization is rooted in community, and that speaks to my soul. Of course, their prepared foods speak to my stomach. ETC makes a wide selection of to-go meals and has a great selection of beer and wine.
Simply Zero
1235 Vine St.
Simply Zero is the kind of store I wish were on every block. Simply Zero sells products in bulk, such as shampoo, lotion, toothpaste and laundry soap. The store focuses on reducing waste, specifically packaging. At this store, bringing your own containers and filling them keeps old plastic bottles from entering a landfill.
Urban Artifact
1660 Blue Rock St.
Even before I moved to Cincinnati, this Northside brewery had my loyal following. Urban Artifact opened in 2018, and since then, tart beer has become a favorite for many. Using real fruit, the brewery produces beers that taste like a fruit beer — not an overly sweet, syrupy beverage.
The Arepa Place
131 W Elder St.
The Arepa Place specializes in arepas, a dish common in Colombian and Venezuelan cuisine. The Cincinnati restaurant was founded in 2016 by Isis Arrieta-Dennis, originally from Colombia. Try the plantains in your arepa. They do not disappoint.
Rookwood Pottery
1920 Race St.
Every year for Christmas, my mother buys me a local item from a Cincinnati business. For the past two years, the lucky store has been Rookwood. One year, she bought tiles I could use as coasters, and the following year, she bought me a vase.
I have always appreciated Rookwood Pottery’s ability to craft beauty. From exquisite tile-filled fireplaces to miniature hippo, Fiona, ornaments, Rookwood stands out to me as the definition of fine artistry in Cincinnati.
Whether you think my choices were great or goofy, it doesn’t really matter. Small Business Week is an important reminder to recognize the businesses in our communities that work to make our communities better. Try supporting a new small business this week. Who knows, they may make your “favorites list.”