Che is set to return to its original home in O’Bryonville, while its former space will also welcome a second location of Butcher and Barrel, giving the neighborhood two dining concepts from Ignite Entertainment.
WhatNow spoke with Ignite Entertainment owner Juan Imeroni about the upcoming reopenings, the decision to bring Che back to O’Bryonville, the streamlined menu and what guests can expect from the new Butcher and Barrel location.
The Che reopening is expected at the beginning of September, followed by the opening of Butcher and Barrel around mid-October. Both concepts will operate from the same corner, offering different dining experiences while sharing a connection to the neighborhood.
Imeroni said Che has always been a personal concept, with its food and flavors inspired by his Argentinian heritage. Bringing the restaurant back to O’Bryonville allows the brand to return to where its local story began while making room for Butcher and Barrel.
“It gives us an opportunity to have two different experiences on one corner,” Imeroni said. “Che can continue to be that fun, approachable concept that people know and love, while the Butcher and Barrel gives us the opportunity to offer a more elevated dining experience.”
The two concepts will provide different experiences. Che will remain a casual and approachable restaurant, while Butcher and Barrel will bring a more elevated steakhouse experience to the neighborhood, along with casual options.
The returning Che will feature a streamlined menu centered on some of its most popular offerings, particularly the restaurant’s empanadas. The restaurant will also introduce a few new empanada flavors, with additional varieties potentially appearing as specials.
Imeroni said the streamlined menu will allow the restaurant to focus more on what customers enjoy most.
“We’re focusing on what our customers enjoy and like the most,” Imeroni said, noting that the empanadas will remain a key part of the concept.
The restaurant will maintain the design and character associated with Che, which reflects Imeroni’s Argentinian culture and upbringing. Guests will also continue to have options for dine-in, carryout and delivery.
Meanwhile, the new O’Bryonville Butcher and Barrel will feature a menu very similar to the existing downtown location. Imeroni said the goal is to bring the established steakhouse concept to a neighborhood setting and offer it to O’Bryonville residents.
“We believe in O’Bryonville, and we believe in that location,” Imeroni said.
The O’Bryonville location will have a similar atmosphere to the downtown restaurant but will accommodate fewer guests because it does not include the downtown location’s back room.
Imeroni described O’Bryonville as a “hidden gem,” noting its location among neighborhoods such as Walnut Hills, Hyde Park, Oakley and Norwood. He said the area’s village-like atmosphere, quiet setting and accessible parking make it an appealing place to operate.
The company views the two concepts as an investment in O’Bryonville and hopes their presence will help demonstrate the neighborhood’s potential to other restaurant owners, coffee shops and retailers.
Imeroni said he hopes the restaurants can help attract more businesses to the area and showcase what O’Bryonville has to offer.
For now, the focus is on opening both concepts. Che is targeting a September reopening, while Butcher and Barrel is expected to follow in October.
