“We’ve needed the space,” he said. “We’ve needed the kitchen, the seating.”
The couple said when large events happen around the area, like concerts at RiversEdge or events at Marcum Park, the line is out the door. But among all the restaurants and bars in this stretch, Pour House has the smallest footprint.
They have room for 90 patrons, and expanding would increase capacity by about 40 or 50 seats, which includes adding bar seating, something they say guests from the Courtyard by Marriott and single patrons have been wanting.
“It can be awkward for some to sit at a table by themselves,” Rafael Salem said.
The renovation is meeting demands, including ones requested, like single seating options, and demands that have devolved, like having business walk away because of a lack of space for large private gatherings.
Expansion will come with an expanded lunch and dinner menu, which requires a renovated kitchen. Also, the couple wants to have the establishment open for more daytime hours.
The Pour House kitchen, though, will need to shut down for a couple of weeks during the renovations, but the bar will still operate. The Salems said they will have snacks or finger foods during those couple of weeks, but are also looking at partnership options for those wanting to eat while at the Pour House.
Credit: Michael D. Pitman
Credit: Michael D. Pitman
Also, this spring will be the launch of the Pour House Pedal, a state-of-the-art pedal wagon. The city of Hamilton last year approved a pilot program for vehicles known as a commercial quadricycle.
“It’s designed to bring people to the city,” said Toni Salem. “It will bring people to all the businesses and it’s an experience.”
Many big cities, like Cincinnati and Dayton, and Covington in Northern Kentucky, have pedal wagons navigating their streets. This Hamilton pedal wagon, which has an electric assist and a driver, offers up to 14 people (10 stools and four seats in the back) a 90-minute to two-hour tour of the City of Sculpture.
“We don’t have to go to Cincinnati. We don’t have to go to Dayton. We have enough of everything here to support a pedal wagon,” said Rafael Salem. “We have the art, the sculptures, the shops, the bars and restaurants. We have the events and attractions. We have it all.”
Hamilton City Council in 2023 allowed the ability to have a pedal wagon navigate the streets, and then amended the legislation, which they call a pilot program. If it’s successful and does not have a negative impact on the city, they have the option to extend the pilot program or make it permanent.
The Salems are hopeful of the success, not just for their business, but their hometown city.
Although the wagon is designed for adults of drinking age, the wagon permits children (though there is a height restriction). Alcohol will not be permitted on the wagon for that tour if any child is on the wagon for that time.
The pedal wagon will make the stops at many of the city’s bars and restaurants, shops, and attractions, and loading and unloading will not be on Main and High streets. And there will be limited access to the main corridor during rush hour periods.
“What better way to take an hour and a half, two-hour ride to see the city,” Rafael said.
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