Cincinnati’s oldest continually operating business is skipping out of downtown and heading to Sharonville after a new ownership change.
Bromwell’s Fireplace, which began service at 117 West Fourth Street in the year 1819, is changing locations after owner Jeffrey McClorey sold the business to his longtime general manager, Todd Glacken, and his son, Zack.
The company has passed through only three families in its 207-year history: the Bromwells, the McCloreys in 2004 and the Gerwes in 1923.
“Selling to Todd and Zack was an easy decision,” McClorey said in a news release. “They thoroughly understand and execute Bromwell’s core values of customer service, product expertise and shopping experience that have served us well for over two centuries. I can rest assured that this transaction has placed Bromwell’s in excellent hands for decades to come.”
In the release, McClorey notes that the move to 12171 Mosteller Road in Sharonville is part of “a strategic expansion that will allow Bromwell’s to better serve its growing customer base.”
“As a result of the 10-fold growth of our business over the last 22 years, we’ve simply outgrown the space and functionality of our 4th Street location and our industry-leading 10,000 SF showroom,” he continued. “Yes, it was a bittersweet decision to move from the center city, but our tremendous growth and need for expanded outdoor living displays ultimately dictated the decision.”
The downtown location will transform into “B. Well’s Attic,” a destination for home décor, lighting, art and antiques, ensuring the building’s retail space continues to contribute to downtown Cincinnati’s retail landscape while maintaining its historic charm.
McClorey will continue to maintain the 42,000 square feet of real estate on W. Fourth Street, and his jazz-focused cocktail lounge, The Härth Room, will continue to operate downtown independently of Bromwell’s.
“This transition, from the third family ownership to a new family who have proven their commitment to the business, is a testament to the resilience and adaptability that have allowed Bromwell’s to survive and thrive for more than two centuries,” McClorey said.
For more information, visit the official Bromwell’s website.
