Foodie News You Can Use

Afterlife opens on Court Street, Ginworld comes to Cincinnati, Dutch Bros Coffee opens in Springfield Township, and more.

Afterlife Celebrates Grand Opening This Weekend
New Court Street bar Afterlife will celebrate its grand opening beginning at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 6, as part of the Court Street Blok Party. “It’s been incredibly fulfilling to see my vision come to life,” owner Tracy Liu said in a press release. “I’m beyond excited to share this milestone with the entire community.” Located at 44 E. Court Street, the bar will focus on an innovative flavor-driven cocktail menu and creating a space “where people can connect, unwind, and truly be themselves.” Afterlife will be open Tuesdays through Sundays.

Ginworld Comes to Cincinnati
National gin education platform Ginworld will commemorate its 10th anniversary starting with the Gin Jubilee Gin Festival from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday, September 6, at Norwood’s Factory 52. The event features spirits tastings from more than 50 brands (tickets are $30 at the door) and is one of several taking place through Monday, September 8. The celebration also includes events at HomeMakers Bar, Fifty Fifty Gin Club, and Uncle Leo’s.

Dutch Bros Coffee Opens in Springfield Township
Oregon-based coffee chain Dutch Bros Coffee opened its first tri-state location at 8670 Winton Road in Springfield Township earlier this week. Known for its customizable coffees, specialty drinks, sparkling sodas, and smoothies, the popular java joint has more than 1,000 locations in 18 states.

Island Frydays Opens in College Hill
Last week, Jamaican eatery Island Frydays opened in food truck form in the College Hill Business District at 5835 Hamilton Avenue. The restaurant closed its Short Vine location in Corryville at the beginning of the year, citing a slow recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic as a determining factor, but 2026 will see its return to a brick-and-mortar location in College Hill.  “Island Frydays is about more than cooking, we’re about bringing people together,” said owner Leo Morganin a press release. “We’re so thankful for the love and loyalty Cincinnati has shown us, and we can’t wait to share the joy of our food and culture with the entire City of Cincinnati.”

Wawa to Open Fourth Location
Wawa continues to roll out stores in the tri-state with the opening of the Pennsylvania-based convenience store chain’s fourth location. The new store is set to open at 4597 Dixie Highway in Fairfield on Wednesday, September 10. The celebration will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 8:30 a.m. with free t-shirts for the first 200 customers and free hot coffee (while supplies last). The chain plans to open eight to 10 other locations in the state by the end of the year. Over the next five to eight years, Wawa plans to build and open six to 10 stores per year in the state.

Flavor of Findlay Fund-Raiser Next Week
The Corporation for Findlay Market is hosting a fund-raiser from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 11. The event features more than a dozen tasting stations and wine pairings, raffles and games. Tickets are $115 for general admission and $165 for VIP admission.

Gold Star Celebrates Its 60th Anniversary This Month
Gold Star Chili celebrates its 60th anniversary all month long with regular three-ways or three cheese coneys for just $6. The $6 classic deals will be available via dine-in, drive-thru, delivery, and online or in the new Gold Star Rewards mobile app.