Kelly Adamson

interview by Bryn Mooth / portrait by Michael Wilson

The Executive Director of Over-the-Rhine’s Chamber of Commerce talks about how the neighborhood was built, and thrives on, food.

How do restaurants, coffee shops, and bars help create a sense of neighborhood?

There are little hubs on every single block. On Main Street where I live, I see a place like The Pony, which is a bar and also has great food; I’ll walk by and see people from every walk of life having conversations, and kids will be outside with barbecue sauce all over their faces. That’s a snapshot of the neighborhood.

What was the spark that ignited OTR as a food destination?

It’s hard to point to one thing; it’s been a collaborative effort. Everyone is making their mark on every single block. And Findlay Kitchen has become a haven for diverse food entrepreneurs; they can affordably test their food and get to know their customers before they open their own businesses.

How would you characterize the food scene in OTR today?

It’s such a melting pot; you can find whatever you’re looking for, and if you can’t find it you haven’t walked to the right block yet. The ethnic food opportunities have grown immensely in the past couple of years. When someone asks me for a recommendation, I always say, “What are you hungry for?”

Why is OTR such a cool place to open a business?

The beautiful thing is that the spaces are so unique because of the history we’ve preserved. The storefronts are small and quirky. Business owners come in and create this incredible culture within their four walls.

Why did you step into an advocacy role during the pandemic?

I felt like it was my duty to use the contacts we have. I realized that politicians want to hear from operators, not lobbyists; we could talk with senators about our real situations and explain how it was affecting our business. That’s a big reason why we were able to get PPP 1 and 2 passed.

What’s a lingering misperception?

People think there are just isolated areas like Vine Street or Main Street, but there’s so much more to discover. It’s 319 acres—the largest intact historic district in the country. You just have to wander a bit. Give yourself an extra hour or two to explore. Everyone knows about New Orleans; I’m excited to get to the point where people travel to Over-the-Rhine like they’d plan a vacation to the French Quarter.

What’s happening in OTR to make places and spaces accessible to everyone?

It’s something that we as the Chamber advocate for on a daily basis. Our job is to say, “You’re not just opening a business, you’re entering a community of all kinds of people with all kinds of incomes, and it’s your role to be a connector to the community in addition to running a successful business.”

The neighborhood seems to be on a roll after the pandemic.

There were over 40 business that opened just in the past year, so there’s been a lot of positive change. People will come down after not having been here for two years and be wowed. This summer is going to be OTR’s shining moment.

Vital Stats
Born: Cincinnati
Lives: Over-the-Rhine
Career: Grew up in a family that emphasized community service, including volunteering at a local soup kitchen. Bachelor’s degree from University of Dayton. Worked in development for Society of St. Vincent de Paul, then for Strategies to End Homelessness. Became OTR Chamber Executive Director in 2016. Named to Cincinnati Business Courier’s 40 Under 40 list in 2020. Corporation for Findlay Market Board of Directors member.