Rhinegeist Brewery is expanding its food offerings with a new pizza restaurant inside its Over-the-Rhine taproom, according to the Cincinnati Business Courier.
Pizza Time, a 450-square-foot standalone eatery, is expected to open by early October at 1910 Elm St. The new concept will serve classic and specialty pizzas, salads and sides, with a design inspired by the nostalgic look and feel of American pizza parlours from the 1980s and 1990s.
The project is part of a broader effort by Rhinegeist to enhance the taproom experience and provide guests with a dedicated food option.
According to the publication mentioned above, Pizza Time will become the fifth restaurant concept to operate within the brewery’s space. Previous food and restaurant options have included a Mac’s Pizza Pub vending machine, Local Cantina, OTR Chili and Sartre.
Ben Castle, Rhinegeist’s vice president of hospitality and finance, told the Business Courier that customers have been asking for a consistent food option specifically designed for the taproom.
The new restaurant will initially be available only to guests inside the brewery, although Rhinegeist said it could eventually be offered through third-party delivery platforms such as DoorDash.
Pizza Time is part of a larger food initiative that includes the launch of an in-house catering program for Rhinegeist’s private events.
Rhinegeist Culinary Director Luke Anzano is leading both efforts. Anzano previously worked as an executive chef at Jeff Ruby’s Lempicka and with Boca Restaurant Group.
The brewery plans to make it easier for customers hosting private events to book food directly through Rhinegeist rather than arranging outside catering.
The taproom is also receiving other improvements. Rhinegeist has more than doubled the building’s air-conditioning capacity following customer complaints about high temperatures during busy periods.
Construction is being handled by Furlong Building, based in Crescent Springs, while Drawing Dept is serving as the architect for Pizza Time. FG Schaefer is providing the food-service equipment.
Rhinegeist has also been working on a facade project at the brewery, which is expected to wrap up this year.
The brewery did not disclose the investment for Pizza Time.
WhatNow reached out to Rhinegeist Brewing for additional comment and information about Pizza Time but did not receive a response at the time of publication.
