Like many restaurants, Revolution Rotisserie in Over-the-Rhine closed its doors in March 2021 due to the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Luckily, owner Nick Pesola of Pesola Hospitality Group already had an idea for a new concept to be housed in Revolution Rotisserie’s location upon its closure.
It just was going to take some revisions.
“Our owner Nick Pesola told us that he woke up one day and he just had the idea for the name,” says Raychel Schork, the marketing coordinator at Pesola Hospitality Group who helped oversee the design for the new space and manages their social media accounts. “We already knew what concept we wanted to do with the burgers, boozy milkshakes and stuff like that. And he kind of woke up one day, and the idea just popped in his head."
Schork says that after some research, Pesola found the name was available to use, so they moved full steam ahead to make Milkman a reality.
Milkman opened its doors on Sept. 6, almost unrecognizable compared to what the space looked like before.
“A lot of people who were fans of the Revolution Rotisserie would come back to Milkman and be shocked by how different the space is because it was completely gutted and redone,” Schork tells CityBeat.
The renovated space embraces Milkman's mix of new and old-school styles with a cheeky and fun atmosphere. Walking in, diners will notice the restaurant's overall modern design. Upon a closer look, though, there are relics from the past, like old pictures of Cincinnati, vintage Coca-Cola items and an antique shelf decorated with a vintage Pillsbury Doughboy figurine and a bust of Elvis Presley. The playlist also plays a central role to the feel of the restaurant and is updated every week with chart-topping tunes by Harry Styles and Billie Eilish mixed with classic hits by Presley.
“What I wanted to go for was having the feel or vibe of a classic ‘50s diner but something that you would see today,” Schork says.
The simple yet robust menu features diner favorites like smash-style burgers and fries along with classic dishes with a spin such as boozy milkshakes and a bacon-wrapped hot dog. Associate director Kelly Shaw helped develop the menu and worked with the staff on training and preparation to make fresh and new options.
“We wanted to have the basics but also an elevated version of the basics so you can try something that maybe you haven't at another place,” Schork says, mentioning Milkman’s spicy burger featuring jalapeno cream cheese or the chili burger smothered in Cincinnati-style chili with all the fixings.
Along with the mouthwatering burgers available in premade and DIY options, Milkman visitors also will find crispy fried chicken sandwiches and nuggets – two of Schork's favorite items on the menu.
“They're super basic but so good,” she says. “They're just so juicy and crispy, and I'm not just saying that because I work for the restaurant – they're actually that good.”
Schork also notes Milkman’s eight dipping sauces, including a zesty fry sauce, a housemade herb mayo and a tasty barbecue sauce that she says goes well with almost everything on the menu.
Vegetarians and vegans will find multiple options, with tofu nuggets and burgers that can replace any beef burger option. Schork says Milkman teamed up with local soy sauce and condiment company CinSoy to create a delicious tofu recipe that even carnivores may crave.
“It's a classic tofu, but it's so crispy and delicious. It tastes like fried chicken, and you get that crunch,” Schork says.
Schork also works with the bartenders – called “dairy bartenders” in house – to make and develop recipes.
“They're really passionate about making the shakes because it's fun, and it's something kind of different because that job doesn't really exist right now,” Schork says.
The team plans to develop seasonal milkshakes with recipes crafted by the dairy bartenders, which ultimately will become their own project.
“We make sure our staff is incorporated in our new creations just because we want everyone to be a part of the fun,” Schork says.
Milkman also features boozy milkshakes that come in flavors from a coffee-forward espresso martini to a PB & Jameson shake mixed with Irish whiskey, peanut butter and cocoa. The dairy bartenders can make all boozy and non-alcoholic milkshakes dairy-free, too, including the latest seasonal flavor, pumpkin spice.
The restaurant also has boozy slushies (these can't be made without alcohol) with flavors like Strawberry Frose, Coke Old Fashioned and Vito's Italian Slush, a nod to the owner's Chicago roots.
Kids can enjoy fun treats such as the regular chocolate, vanilla and strawberry milkshakes or a Milkman sundae topped with chocolate, sprinkles and crushed peanuts. There’s also creamy chocolate, vanilla or twist soft serve.
Schork says that so far, the Milkman team has been surprised and thankful for the positive response and excitement for the new spot.
“Things have been going really well,” she says. “It exceeded our expectations with how many people were coming even during the week.”
And while Schork admits Milkman is experiencing a lot of the same difficulties other restaurants are, such as being short-staffed, the people currently on the team have made all the difference.
“We have some core people that have worked with us since the beginning that are just so awesome, so we're just so thankful for our staff,” Schork says. “They work really hard.”
Apart from the delicious food, Schork says she enjoys that the restaurant is a welcoming space for everyone to gather. Whether it's families going out for a Friday night dinner, a couple meeting up for a date, people chatting over a business lunch or students stopping by for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up after school, all are welcome at Milkman, she says.
“Ultimately, our goal is just to be fun and for everyone,” Schork says. “It's a really great place, and we're happy to be in OTR and the community.”
Milkman, 1106 Race St., Over-the-Rhine. Info: milkmanbar.com.
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