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Greater Cincinnati's First I Heart Mac & Cheese Opening in College Hill

The menu features made-to-order mac and cheese bowls and grilled cheeses, with a variety of bases, proteins, vegetables, cheeses and sauces available.

Jan 8, 2024 at 1:00 pm

I Heart Mac & Cheese | 1620 W. North Bend Road Photo: Provided by College Hill CURC

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College Hill is about to get a little cheesy with the arrival of I Heart Mac & Cheese, a fast-casual restaurant with gourmet comfort food.

I Heart Mac & Cheese, a chain based out of South Florida, is known for its made-to-order mac and cheese bowls and grilled cheese sandwiches. The menu features a diverse selection of bases, proteins, vegetables, cheeses and signature sauces, along with gluten-free, plant-based and vegan options.

This will be I Heart Mac & Cheese’s first Greater Cincinnati location. Thang Vo, a former data scientist, and Namthu Nguyen, a former New York City business operations professional, are the Cincinnati franchise’s co-owners.

“My American dream starts with I Heart Mac & Cheese. As a child, I fell in love with grilled cheese, and today, I am dedicated to creating a space where people can share the joy and comfort of this beloved dish,” Vo said in a press release. “I Heart Mac & Cheese is not just a restaurant; it's a celebration of comforting memories and the creation of new ones.”

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“I've always believed in the power of family and community. Now, I'm thrilled to call Cincinnati my new home and be a part of this growing community,” Nguyen said in the release. “I look forward to bringing my experience in business operations to our store and getting to know the people in the area, learning their stories, and being a part of their journey. I believe our store will not only serve delicious food but also become a place where the community gathers and connects.”

I Hear Mac & Cheese will be located at 1620 W. North Bend Road in College Hill’s business district. Vo and Nguyen said they will start hiring and training staff in January with a grand opening scheduled for the end of the month.

“We are thrilled to welcome I Heart Mac & Cheese to the College Hill community,” Kate Greene, the CEO of College Hill CURC, said in the release. “As we continue to foster a vibrant and diverse business district, I Heart Mac & Cheese brings a unique culinary experience that perfectly aligns with the spirit of our community. I am certain I Heart Mac & Cheese will not just be a place to savor delicious comfort food but a cherished gathering spot for friends and neighbors."

I Heart Mac & Cheese will be open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays.

I Heart Mac & Cheese, 1620 W. North Bend Road. More info: iheartmacandcheese.com.

Slideshow

10 Best Places for Mac & Cheese in Cincinnati

No. 1: Keystone Bar & Grill 249 Calhoun St., Clifton; 313 Greenup St., Covington

No. 2: The Eagle OTR 1342 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine

No. 3: Eli's BBQ 133 W. Elder St., Over-the-Rhine; 3313 Riverside Drive, East End

No. 4: Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse 700 Walnut St., Downtown

No. 5: Sweets & Meats BBQ 2249 Beechmont Ave., Unit B, Mount Washington

No. 6: Lucius Q 1131 Broadway St., Pendleton

No. 7: MamaBear's Mac Find food truck locations online

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About The Author

Katherine Barrier

Katherine Barrier is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati’s journalism program and has nearly 10 years of experience reporting local and national news as a digital journalist. At CityBeat, she oversees the digital and social media strategies, edits web and print content and writes for the dining and arts...