Location, location, location. It’s a phrase often used by house hunters and apartment browsers alike. This time, however, the themes of neighborhood and community were the driving factors for Daniel Souder, owner of the local Iris Read natural wine bar, as he searched for the best venue to house his new restaurant.
Danny Boy is the name Souder has chosen for his new establishment — a butcher shop, deli, restaurant and wine bar — in Columbia Township. Previously, he established himself in Cincinnati’s downtown area, first by working with Joanna Kirkendall to open Pleasantry in Over-the-Rhine. A few years later, Souder launched his first original spot, Iris Read, which continues to draw a strong clientele in the Walnut Hills neighborhood.
As time passed, Souder moved away from the downtown districts and settled into a more suburban setting with his family. When the idea for a new restaurant first came to him, opening something within his own community was key.
“Being something within the community where I live, where my family lives, where I will be raising my children — all of that became very important to me,” Souder said.
With a focus on community, Souder began searching for a location nearly two years ago.
Purchased from Columbia Township, the space at 6896 Murray Ave. will provide enough room to seat approximately 40 patrons, with both indoor and outdoor seating available. The two-floor venue will offer variety, with the downstairs operating as a traditional deli featuring a counter for walk-up and takeout orders, along with limited seating for quick lunches. The upstairs will function as a more refined wine bar, emphasizing sit-down dining for heartier evening meals.
The building’s versatility was another focus for Souder.
“We will have a deli and butcher, where you will be able to come in and get primal cuts of meat if you would like. We will have a lot of prepared foods as well,” Souder said. “Wine is my expertise in a way, so we will have plenty of retail wine, and you’ll be able to grab a bottle. Then we will also have a full liquor license and catering as well, so we are going to be utilizing as many revenue streams as we can.”
The goal is to open the space in late summer or early fall of this year after a few renovations to the space. Indio is the architect and designer Souder is working with on the venue.
Over the past two years, life has changed significantly for Souder. As he has spent more time outside the city center, he has recognized a need within his own community for a place like Danny Boy.
“The important things for me with this project were, first, owning the asset—that was top of mind for me,” Souder said. “Then the location, being immersed within my own neighborhood, being among my friends, neighbors, and peers, and really leaning into this as a neighborhood spot that serves multiple purposes.”
This article appears in Jan 22 – Feb 4, 2025.
