Water Damage Restoration in Covington, KY

COVINGTON, Ky. — Addie Von Den Benken was at a career crossroads. As a communications professional, Von Den Benken sought a path that allowed her to be closer to her family.

But then, she thought, what the heck.

So she and her father, Tom, decided to open a restaurant. In 2020, the duo founded Eishaus – a walk-up ice cream shop located at 115 Park Place in Covington’s Roebling Point neighborhood. Its signature dish was Spaghettieis, a popular German ice cream dish that resembles a plate of spaghetti.

“We decided to open a walk-up window to serve the needs of that time. We didn’t want to do anything inside, she told our news partner LINK nky. “We wanted to make sure we were meeting the needs of COVID times.”

Despite the challenging conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Von Den Benken’s felt like they had more to offer. One year later, they opened Frosthaus, a restaurant that served frozen cocktails and food. Prior to its debut, the Von Den Benken’s used the Frosthaus space for storage.

For years, the sister-businesses hummed along, becoming synonymous with the Roebling Point neighborhood. Customers usually grabbed an ice cream or frozen cocktail during the summer months, enjoying it while sitting at their outdoor patio next door to Molly Malone’s, Von Den Benken said.

However, as time went on, she began to notice a theme — one that she felt was limiting their potential.

“We had people getting ice cream at Eishaus and frozen drinks over here, and that was really fun,” she said. “I think as time went on, we realized that, really, to be successful in this industry. It’s very challenging. This is a tough industry, and being seen as just a frozen drink bar is really hard.”

Von Den Benken felt their restaurants’ branding was disjointed. It already utilized a standard naming convention in the Greater Cincinnati area by using the German word ‘haus’ as a suffix in their restaurant titles. The Von Den Benken’s, themselves, are of direct German origin.

The Von Den Benken’s hired BLDG, a Covington-based branding consultancy, to reinvigorate their brand.

“They were like – we don’t know what you are,” she said. “People drive up and they’re like, are you an ice cream shop? Are you just frozen drinks? For the last couple years, we’ve been hearing like, ‘do you guys even have food? We didn’t know you had food.’”

The Von Den Benken’s took the advice to heart, reinventing their restaurant as The Hum. Its name and bright orange and yellow color scheme pay homage to the building’s past as the Union, Light, Heat & Power Co., a predecessor to Cinergy and later Duke Energy of Ohio and Kentucky. The name “The Hum” comes from the subtle buzz of electricity.

Besides the rebrand, Von Ben Benken overhauled its menu, which will continue to feature Frosthaus’ signature cocktails, as well as dinner plates like chicken and waffles, barbecue short rib and a Kentucky hot brown. The signature menu item is ‘The Pocket’ – a contemporary take on the Hot Pocket.

Newly hired executive chef Rex Herald, previously of Ripple Wine Bar, believes the new menu will expand The Hum’s client base. He said people typically view the restaurant as a “before-or-after dinner place.”

“I think there’s a little something for everybody,” Herald said. “I mean, we actually have dinner plates now, too, so that’s a brand new thing for us. I think that people will like, check that out right now.”

The walkup window will no longer serve Spaghettieis, but will offer a curated selection of quick bites and cold drinks. The Hum window will open in mid-June, according to a press release.

For Von Den Benken, the rebrand allows her family to reestablish itself in the Roebling Point business community, one that has accepted them since they started.

“We are in a really great community where we want people to come down to Roebling Point and really hang out here for a full day,” she said. ”We have some great businesses around us, and we all work together, which is what this community is about.”

A Kentucky suburb of Cincinnati, often overshadowed by its neighbor across the Ohio River, recently got a nod from Food & Wine magazine as part of its 2025 Global Tastemakers awards.

The magazine recognized Covington, which has about 40,000 residents, as a small city that punches above its weight for its dining scene.

Other standout cities featured on the June 4 report include Asheville, N.C., Santa Fe, N.M., and others known for their talented chefs and regional flavors.

Food & Wine’s Wendy Pramik, a travel writer and photographer based in Ohio, crafted the list through research, local insights and recommendations from fellow travel writers and editors.

Pramik describes Covington as a crossroads between cultures, which makes sense given its history as a prosperous port town. Founded in 1815 and named after a hero of the War of 1812, Covington initially flourished as a market for tobacco and cigars. It was later home to a large ironworks, glassworks, distilleries and other industries.

These small towns stand out with all kinds of cuisines and distinct local flavors. https://t.co/XgB3rOvbal

— Food & Wine (@foodandwine) June 5, 2025

In the 19th century, large numbers of Catholic Germans immigrated to Covington, as well as in Cincinnati and Louisville. By the 20th century, Covington had grown to become the second largest city in Kentucky after Louisville, but went into decline after the Great Depression. In more recent decades, Covington has seen an era of redevelopment given its location and historic neighborhoods.

Pramik describes Covington as a place “where smooth bourbon meets savory goetta, and North meets South.”

“This walkable river town blends Appalachian, German, and Southern influences into a culinary identity all its own. Classics like Anchor Grill and Otto’s keep things comforting, while Bouquet and Carmelo’s highlight nearby sourcing and modern flair. The city’s on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail’s B-Line and is the site of the beloved Goettafest. Set against a backdrop of cobbled streets and a restored Mainstrasse Village, Covington combines small-city soul with big character,” Pramik wrote for Food and Wine.

Dan Wohler, communications manager for the city, shared a statement via email from Covington Mayor Ron Washington, which reads: “Visitors from across the country are discovering Covington’s vibrant food and drink scene, a testament to the creativity and dedication of our local small business owners. Covington is a city where you can enjoy ravioli that evokes the flavors of Rome while seated in the charm of a historic German-style neighborhood. We invite you to experience for yourself what makes our city such a unique and compelling destination.”

The full Food & Wine list of the top small cities in America for dining include:

Do you have a question about the food or dining scene in Lexington or Kentucky for our service journalism team? We’d like to hear from you. Fill out our Know Your Kentucky form or email ask@herald-leader.com.

COVINGTON, Ky. – An art gallery … a home to doulas … a new restaurant … a corner building … a historic electric sign … a vintage clothing shop … a vintage retail furniture and décor shop … a Pilates studio … and a wellness studio … are among the nine businesses receiving support from the City by way of its Small Business Program.

The Covington Board of Commissioners recently approved rent-subsidy, façade improvement, and historic electric light incentives that will nurture private investment, the creation of new jobs, and a more attractive business environment in The Cov.

The incentives came during the fourth round of funding this fiscal year under the City’s Small Business Program, which sets aside $150,000 a year to help fledgling businesses with first-year rent and help commercial property owners upgrade their exteriors or restore a historic electric business sign.

“Our Economic Development team works hard to make it easy to do business in the city and we want to help businesses continue to thrive and grow.” said Covington Business Retention and Expansion Manager Patrick Duffy.

Helping small businesses grow

Business owners said the funds will be impactful in growing their business.

“I am beyond grateful to be a beneficiary of the program,” said Meredith Frickey, who owns Pilates on Pike. “The contribution to my rent alleviates the financial burden for the first year, allowing me to allocate those resources towards growing my business through marketing efforts, studio supplies, and extra touches that will make Pilates on Pike a go-to studio right in the heart of Covington.”

The ease of the application process for the funds was helpful too, said Frickey.

“The rent subsidy program application process was straightforward,” said Frickey. “Patrick [Duffy] communicated transparently about what to expect as my application was under review.”

Lindsey Whittle, co-owner of Pique Art Gallery at 210 W. Pike St. said the funds will help the gallery’s exterior reflect the vibrancy within.

“A façade makeover at 210 W. Pike St. generously supported by the City of Covington, will help Pique reflect the creativity and community we cultivate inside,” said Whittle. “As both a contemporary art gallery and a bed & breakfast, we welcome neighbors and visitors alike to connect through exhibitions, workshops, and shared experiences. This update lets the outside match the vibrant energy within.”

In all, the incentives awarded Tuesday totaled $55,500 for four façade projects, four rent subsidies, and a historic electric sign, and include:

Façade Incentives:

$6,000 to Sparkezilla. The $23,400 project at 210 Pike St. includes tuckpointing and painting the building’s façade. Home to Pique Art Gallery, the building will undergo improvements that align with historic preservation guidelines. The business is located in the MainStrasse Village neighborhood.

$6,000 to Mugsy Development. The $29,550 project at 326-328 Pike St. involves replacing storefront windows, tuckpointing, paint, and right entryway repair. The building is home to Doulas of Cincinnati. The building is located in the Westside neighborhood.

$6,000 to 341-343 Pike St. The $27,951 project includes replacement of storefront windows and trim. The project will attract a new restaurant or bar tenant to this attractive corner building. The building is located in the Mutter Gottes neighborhood.

$6,000 to 701 Madison Ave. The $47,868 project includes pressure washing, tuckpointing and painting, new trim and flashing, downspout repair, and repainting and reconfiguring of the historic electric sign. The building will be the future home of a new restaurant, and is located in the Westside neighborhood.

Rent Subsidies:

$6,000 Feel Something, LLC. The dynamic vintage retail store is located in the heart of Ritte’s Corner. Specializing in mid-century vintage furniture and décor, the store will feature products from up to 10 vendors with curated offerings of vintage goods. The retail store will support local vendors from across Covington and the surrounding local communities. The business is located at 3706 Decoursey Ave., in the Ritte’s East neighborhood.

$6,000 to Pilates on Pike. A cutting-edge Pilates studio dedicated to promoting physical wellness through reformer Pilates. Pilates on Pike will offer group and individual classes catering to all experience levels utilizing cutting edge technology. The business is located at 33 Pike St., in the Mutter Gottes neighborhood. Owners submitted a business plan with future projections.

$6,000 to Goods. A vintage shop for all sixes, genders, and ages, Goods offers premium, handpicked vintage clothing and goods that are mean to last for generations. This retail space will add another retail store to the 7th and Pike street corridor. This is the second retail store for owners Ray Vietti and Kyle Wolff, who provided a business plan and three-year projection for the store. Goods is located at 33 Pike St. in the Mutter Gottes neighborhood.

$6,000 to Breathe Wellness Studio. Breathe Wellness Studio bridges the gap between ancient wisdom and traditional wellness practices by offering traditional practices such as yoga and massage as well as breathe work, sound healing, and other supportive therapy, and is tailored to each client’s specific needs. The studio is located at 118 W. Pike St., on the second floor, and is in the Mutter Gottes neighborhood.

Historic Electric Sign:

$7,500 to NKY Port Authority dba Sparkhaus. In October 2024, the NKY Port Authority became engaged in the adaptive reuse of the Sims Furniture building into the future home of Sparkhaus. In order to preserve the 1950s Sims Furniture electric sign, Urban Sites has worked with Klusty Sign associates, the American Sign Museum, and Durham Brands to restore the sign to reflect its modern-day tenant which will be Northern Kentucky’s entrepreneurial hub. The building is located at 721-731 Madison Ave., in the Westside neighborhood.

About the program

Since the Small Business Program’s inception in 2017, the program has assisted 172 businesses or projects.

For information, contact Patrick Duffy at (859) 292-2141 or PDuffy@covingtonky.gov.

Strategic plan clarifies priorities and advances City’s bold vision

COVINGTON, Ky. – Covington’s 2025 economic development strategy reflects the City’s notable accomplishments of the past five years and looks ahead to the next five with specific recommendations and sound tactics to achieve the stated goals.

Camoin Associates, a Richmond, Virginia-based economic development consulting firm, presented its Action to Impact: Building on Momentum, 2025-2030 strategic plan to the Board of Commissioners on Tuesday. The Commission voted to adopt the plan and directed staff to implement its recommended actions.

The multi-year, city-wide economic development strategy charts the city’s next chapter. It comes on the heels of the 2019 strategy developed by Atlanta-based Garner Economics, From Opportunity to Action, which set the course for transformational change over the last five years. Camoin’s Action to Impact: Building on Momentum, 2025 – 2030 strategic plan, builds on that plan and prioritizes Covington’s bold vision for the next five years.

“Over the last five years, Covington’s economy has experienced sustained growth – even in the face of a national epidemic,” said Mayor Ron Washington. “This new economic development strategy builds on that momentum by doubling down on the unique strengths that make Covington an exceptional place to work and live. From venture capital leaders and life science researchers to our local small business owners, Covington’s business community is thriving – and the best is yet to come.”

Covington Economic Development Director Tom West said the timing is right for a new strategic plan.

“We’re doing this at a really good time for Covington.” said West. “We’re in a very different place than a lot of our neighbors, as well as the rest of the country, in that while they’re trying to find uses for vacant office space – we’re trying to find vacant buildings to turn into office space.”

West said the city is fortunate that office space is in demand, and credits much of that to the city’s authentic appeal to young, creative, and talented people, who, in turn, attract businesses to Covington.

“Jobs follow people, people don’t follow jobs like they used to,” said West.

‘Big ideas … things to achieve’

Grounded in data analytics and insights from those who live, work, and invest in the city, and those who lead the city, Camoin engaged with more than 60 stakeholders who participated in focus groups, steering committee meetings, and interviews. The feedback and market data shaped the direction of the strategy, and identified the city’s strengths and competitive advantages to navigate its forward trajectory.

Camoin’s strategic plan identified six goals, along with strategies and tactics – the “on-the-ground” work to achieve the goals – that the report states will increase investment opportunities and advance prosperity in the city; it also modified the existing industry sectors to include Digital and Creative, and Professional Services sectors:

“Covington is charting an inspiring and bold course with their 2025 Economic Development Strategy. I was honored to join the steering committee, working side by side with community leaders, business champions and policy makers to continue Covington’s growth trajectory,” said Julie Kirkpatrick, President & CEO of meetNKY. “This plan is not just about economic numbers. It is an exciting plan to continue to grow this vibrant and dynamic city for our residents, businesses, and visitors.”

Job growth

Camoin found that the total number of jobs grew in Covington by 7% between 2019 and 2024, during the pandemic and early post-pandemic years. Job growth in The Cov’s target industries during that time include:

Notable accomplishments

The new 2025 strategy credits the 2019 development strategy with laying the groundwork for transformational change over the past five years, and notes ways the City put its vision into action. Among the notable accomplishments;

The competitive edge

Citing the city’s competitive advantages, Camoin found:

“There are exciting initiatives throughout the entire report,” said Kirkpatrick. “These are the critical elements that continue our partnership with city and county leaders to position Covington as where a phenomenal entrepreneurial hub meets a potential UNESCO ‘Creative City’.”

Free event Friday for kids up to 6 years old

COVINGTON, Ky. – Read Ready Covington’s annual Early Childhood Fun Fest has moved from fall to summer this year, but families and kids can count on the same engaging activities, learning, and community spirit.

The Early Childhood Fun Fest happens on Friday, June 20, at the David Housley Pavilion in Randolph Park (Prospect Avenue & E. 10th Street), from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. The event is free and open to families with young children six years or younger, and is aimed at helping Covington children get a strong start in their school careers.

Read Ready Covington Director Mary Kay Connolly said the event was moved to offer timely developmentally appropriate activities, and better prepare children for the school year. In addition, she said, the June date gives programs like HeadStart, preschools, and kindergartens more time to register early.

The Fun Fest is a passion project for Connolly.

“This is an opportunity for families to engage in developmentally appropriate games and activities with their children,” said Connolly. “Be ready to have fun participating in activities with your children in mind, and take some cool stuff to do at home.”

Connolly said birth to 6 years old is a highly crucial time for families to impact child development, and is the suggested age range for children participating in the event.

Here’s a sampling of what families and children can look forward to at Fun Fest:

Mobile Learning Adventure sponsored by PNC’s Grow Up Great. The Mobile Learning Adventure (MLA) is a traveling exhibit that provides an opportunity for parents and caregivers to learn about the importance of early childhood education while they engage in fun activities with their children. The MLA is part of PNC Grow Up Great – a $500 million, multi-year bilingual initiative that began in 2004 to help prepare children from birth to age 5 for success in school and life. The MLA leads families through different activities, like a Match Board, Making Choices Disc Run, and Costume Wall. Families receive a Passport Book that guides them through the activities, earning sticker badges throughout the exhibit.

Funshine-hosted Box Play activity: children can build, knock over, and redesign different cardboard boxes; this demonstrates creativity, testing ideas, and problem solving.

James E. Biggs Early Childhood Center hosted Keep the Beat activity: pots, pans, utensils, and drumsticks are given to children to make music; this helps the brain and body grow to compare sounds and continue to learn through play.

Free Family Guides provided by the Kentucky Department of Education, while supplies last.

Animal Adventures: Hillview Farms petting zoo and Northern Kentucky Community Action Commission (NKCAC) HeadStart’s Ms. Kim will bring her popular bunnies.

Plus, there will be pizza, popcorn, and beverages, sponsored by NKCAC HeadStart, Read Ready Covington, and Kroger on Madison Ave. in Covington.

About RRC

The Read Ready Covington family and community literacy initiative is led by a collaboration of literacy champions across the city and region, working together so that today’s young children will be tomorrows educated and engaged citizens. For more information, see the RRC webpage.