Above the Fold

Cincinnati Business Courier

Business news shouldn't be boring. Above the Fold is a weekly podcast by the Cincinnati Business Courier, bringing you the week's top news and interviews with the biggest names in Cincinnati.

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61 episodes
Updated Monday

Episodes61

Newest first

Monday · 46 min
Port reveals new plan for Crosley Building and Kona Ice CEO chats complexity of shaved ice business
Hosts Andy and Tom talk about why Cincinnati’s new $540 million convention center headquarters hotel will not be a JW Marriott, as well as the Port’s plans for Camp Washington, a robotic welding company that was launched by Space X alumni, the most significant moment in a local unicorn’s history and how cool it would be to have a car condo. Plus, we sit down with Kona Ice CEO Tony Lamb who shares how he turned a simple shaved ice concept into the largest mobile food vendor in the world, with thousands of Kona Ice and Traveling Tom’s trucks on the road, by leaning into mobile operations, a patented “flavor wave” system that lets customers create their own combinations and proprietary routing and staffing software born during Covid-19.
July 20 · 47 min
Historic OTR Church Acquired and how New Riff Navigates the Bourbon Bubble
Hosts Andy and Tom talk about plans for 3CDC to buy the historic St. Francis Seraph church in Over-the-Rhine, as well as the closure of legendary chef Jean-Robert de Cavel's last restaurant, Kroger axing plans to open more Harris Teeter stores and a Krazy new retailer. Interview starts at (18:42). Bourbon is a tricky business. It has to age for several years – New Riff's minimum is four – before it can be bottled and sold, so distilleries have to be very good at forecasting demand well in advance. With so many producers investing billions in ramping up production in recent years, that's led to a glut of product. New Riff CEO Hannah Lowen talks about how her distillery has navigated that, and what's new at the region's largest bourbon producer.
July 13 · 46 min
Decks Coming to Fort Washington Way, and 50 West's CEO Talks the Fight for THC
Hosts Andy and Tom talk about the latest on plans to cap Fort Washington Way, including which funds cannot be used to complete the $50 million first phase, as well as a pair of big projects that got state funding, one of the region's largest construction firms going employee-owned and a former P&Ger who bought a gun range. Interview starts at (21:55). Fifty West Brewing CEO Bobby Slattery says people’s views on who drinks THC seltzer is wrong. It's not hippies or stoners drinking his Sunflower brand, but soccer moms. And Ohio's ban on their production is costing his brewery millions, and the state tons of jobs. Bobby is one of the leading voices pushing to overturn Ohio’s ban. https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2026/07/09/husted-funding-fort-washington-way-highway-c… https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2026/07/01/atrium-1-fourth-walnut-centre-tmud-office-co… https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2026/07/07/miller-valentine-construction-employee-owned…
July 6 · 43 min
Kroger making $1.7B acquisition, and a chat with 3CDC CEO Steve Leeper
Above the Fold is back! Hosts Andy and Tom talk about Kroger's plan to make a $1.7 billion acquisition of Giant Eagle, losing the main sponsors of Cincinnati's LPGA tournament, and just what is a kolache? Interview starts at (19:28). Steve Leeper has shepherded 3CDC, which is responsible for more than $2 billion in investment into Cincinnati's urban core since, 2006. Fresh off of the $264 million renovation of the First Financial Center, we talk with Steve about connecting the various parts of the urban core, and whether his work will ever truly be done. https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2026/07/01/kroger-acquiring-supermarket-chain-for-1-7-billion.html https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2026/06/30/lpga-kroger-queen-city-championship-sponsors-drop.html https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2026/06/26/shipley-donuts-kolache-pastry-franchise-koetting.html
Dec 25, 2023 · 43 min
Business Courier's year in review: The biggest stories of 2023
Hosts Andy and Tom are joined by Business Courier reporters Brian Planalp, Abby Miller and Steve Watkins to dissect some of the biggest local news stories of 2023. Those include a record number of restaurants closing in Cincinnati – more than when Covid-19 broke out in 2020 – as well as an unassuming local millionaire leaving $270 million to local organizations; Cincinnati gaining a new Fortune 500 company; what's going on with downtown real estate as companies figure out what to do about remote and hybrid work and their physical office space; and the Western & Southern Open selecting Cincinnati as its permanent home following a $400 million bid by Charlotte, N.C., to lure the tournament there. Above the Fold will go on hiatus after Dec. 25, 2023. Above the Fold is a podcast by the Cincinnati Business Courier.
Dec 18, 2023 · 46 min
Kroger bringing workers back to the office, and a talk with Rich Graeter
Hosts Andy and Tom talk about Kroger's plans to bring its office workers back in four days a week, a public company re-establishing its headquarters in Cincinnati, Coney Island's sale to a music organization to make was for a $118 million concert venue, a badly needed parking garage at Findlay Market and Taste of Belgium's reboot. Interview starts at (21:20). Graeter's became an ice cream empire and a brand synonymous with Cincinnati by not embracing new technology. At a time when the new continuous process ice cream makers were putting neighborhood parlors out of business by making fast, cheap desserts, Graeter's doubled down on doing things the old fashioned way, and that's what makes it special. But that's not to say the chain isn't innovating. Graeter talks about his company's collaboration with other local brands, and how it comes up with each year's unique bonus flavors. Above the Fold is a podcast by the Cincinnati Business Courier.
Dec 11, 2023 · 43 min
What's going on with downtown Cincinnati real estate?
Hosts Andy and Tom have a look at the uncertain future of the office market downtown, starting with a story on the potential foreclosure of an office tower, followed by GE pulling all of its employees out of its onetime Global Operations Center at the Banks, and then a potential new buyer for an iconic Camp Washington building and new rules banning surface parking lots downtown. We finish, as all good things do, with a burger. Interview starts at (22:02). When you think of the yellow school bus, you probably don't think of innovation. First Student CEO John Kenning wants to change that, and he has the background for it. Tesla is the name that comes first to mind when thinking of electric vehicles, but Kenning wants his buses in that conversation. He talks about how he brings technology to the school bus industry, and why his company moved its headquarters to the GE building at the Banks and consolidated from five floors to one. Above the Fold is a podcast by the Cincinnati Business Courier.
Dec 4, 2023 · 43 min
Eastgate Mall's new owner and an interview with serial entrepreneur Rachel DesRochers
Hosts Andy and Tom talk about the sale of Eastgate Mall to a new owner, a Cincinnati marketing exec who was slated to live on a cruise for three years, a local restaurant being named one of the best new eateries in America, the uncertain future of Reds games broadcasts locally and the Queen City's newest B Corporation. Interview starts at (21:49). Rachel DesRochers started out with $1,000 and a vegan graham cracker recipe. Today, she runs a successful baking company, a restaurant incubator that has graduated some of the region's biggest names and is two years into running a conference for women's empowerment that is backed by P&G. She talks with us about how she got her start and using gratitude to grow her businesses. Above the Fold is a podcast by the Cincinnati Business Courier.
Nov 20, 2023 · 47 min
Inside FC Cincinnati's plans for the West End
Hosts Andy and Tom talk about three new retailers with cult followings opening in the Cincinnati region, a fumble in the $1.6B sale of the Cincinnati Southern Railway, NKU adding six new varsity sports while facing a multi-million dollar deficit, the closing of one of OTR's oldest breweries and the shuttering of a historic downtown eatery. Interview starts at (23:28). Chad Munitz wasn’t a big soccer fan before joining FC Cincinnati, but he did geek out about real estate. His career spans stints as the economic development director of the city of Cincinnati, executive vice president with 3CDC and VP with Towne Properties, and when Cincinnati’s major league soccer team needed someone to focus full-time on real estate as it embarked on a massive, $300 million mixed-use project surrounding its West End home in TQL Stadium, they turned to Chad. He talked with us about what’s planned for that project and how it will reshape that urban neighborhood. Above the Fold is a podcast by the Cincinnati Business Courier.
Nov 13, 2023 · 53 min
Rhinegeist's new CEO talks possibility of opening new taproom
Hosts Andy and Tom talk about the results of the Nov. 7 election and the surprise passage of the sale of the Cincinnati Southern Railway to Norfolk Southern, objections to new apartment projects near popular neighborhood business districts, FC Cincinnati's Cinderella season, the closing of a sports betting site inside of Taft's Ale House and Kings Island's big merger. Interview starts at (23:15). Rhinegeist is not only the largest brewery in Cincinnati, but the 23rd-largest in the nation. It's done all of that with only one brick-and-mortar taproom to serve customers from, while other local breweries open second, third and even fourth locations. New CEO Adam Bankovich talks about the possibility of Rhinegeist opening a new taproom, as well as the return of a fan-favorite beverage and how the brewery manages growth as the broader craft beer market flattens. Above the Fold is a podcast by the Cincinnati Business Courier.
Nov 6, 2023 · 51 min
Black Owned founder Means Cameron talks post-Covid downtown Cincinnati, overcoming impostor syndrome
Host Andy Brownfield and special guest host Chris Wetterich talk about the campaign to convince voters to allow the city to sell the Cincinnati Southern Railway, and its chances of passing; a planned overhaul of Central Parkway into a Champs Elysee-style boulevard; the purchase of a historic downtown building to partially demolish for the new Brent Spence Bridge companion; a new food hall at Newport on the Levee; and resort-style apartments coming to the East Side. Interview starts at (24:35). Means Cameron felt a lot of impostor syndrome at Miami University, where he was one of very few Black students at a 97% white college. His straight As in high school in the West End translated to Cs in college, but the experience, while alien, was transformative and informed the creation of his clothing brand Black Owned. Means talks about growing the brand from selling out of the trunk of his car to a downtown retail store and adjoining coffee lounge, as well as high-profile collaborations with the Cincinnati Bengals, FC Cincinnati and the University of Cincinnati. Above the Fold is a podcast by the Cincinnati Business Courier.
Oct 30, 2023 · 49 min
The health of Cincinnati's downtown, and Elizabeth Pierce of the Cincinnati Museum Center
Hosts Andy and Tom talk about how Cincinnati's downtown hasn't returned to normal since the Covid-19 pandemic, and is faring worse than most other cities; as well as how FC Cincinnati's payroll stacks up against the MLS; a lawsuit against the city's largest single-family landlord; the staggering number of $1 million home listings across the city; and how two of Time Magazine's top inventions of 2023 came from the Queen City. Interview starts at (23:55). Elizabeth Pierce leads the Cincinnati Museum Center at arguably the city's most iconic building: Union Terminal. She talks with us about how the building is a museum transformed since the nearly $200 million overhaul in 2018, celebrating America's 250-year anniversary and Ohio's place in it, as well as preserving our local history. Above the Fold is a podcast by the Cincinnati Business Courier.
Oct 23, 2023 · 43 min
Rhingeist's new CEO, minor league soccer coming to Cincinnati and the Mercantile Library plans to double in size
Hosts Andy and Tom talk about a new minor league soccer team coming to the region, Rhinegeist's new CEO, an update on Xavier University's plans to bring football back, the more than 200 letters written about P.G. Sittenfeld ahead of his sentencing on corruption charges and a wave of philanthropy benefitting local museums. Interview starts at (20:43). John Faherty was a journalist for 25 years – he spearheaded the Storytellers series for the Enquirer most recently – but now as the executive director for downtown’s Mercantile Library, he says he’s in the last job he will ever have. The Mercantile is in the midst of doubling in size, taking over the 12th floor of the building it has called home for 183 years. Faherty talks about his career in journalism, the library’s expansion and how it secured a 10,000-year lease, brokered by the father of an American president. Above the Fold is a podcast by the Cincinnati Business Courier.
Oct 16, 2023 · 50 min
Western & Southern Open here to stay, Sittenfeld sentenced and how to overcome a fear of public speaking
Host Andy Brownfield and special guest host Chris Wetterich talk about the decision to keep the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati, P.G. Sittenfeld's sentence for his two corruption convictions, a new hotel tax bringing Hamilton County among the most expensive in the nation, the more than 30 restaurants that have closed this year and a BBQ place beloved by President Biden that's expanding. Interview starts at (25:07). Regina Russo is no stranger to having all eyes on her. She began her career in the broadcast radio world before becoming a TV news reporter and anchor. Now she runs her own communications and coaching firm. When she heard that host Andy Brownfield was terrified of public speaking – before a group of college students, no less – she offered to come on the podcast to talk him down. Above the Fold is a podcast by the Cincinnati Business Courier.
Oct 9, 2023 · 48 min
Judge rules against TQL in big class action, meet the Bengals' sweetest sponsor
Hosts Andy and Tom talk about the more than 50 new restaurants that have opened so far this year in Cincinnati, a class action lawsuit accusing TQL of underpaying employees, protestors striking out against P&G's forestry practices, Amazon getting even bigger at CVG and the Foo Fighters coming to Great American Ball Park. Interview starts at (25:17). Nancy Aichholz has always had a thing for baking. She started Nan Cakes after her carrot cake recipe caught fire with her friends. Her newest company, That's So Sweet, is now the official cookie of the Cincinnati Bengals, sold inside of Paycor Stadium. She talks about growing that company, how she got in with the Bengals and what the end game is for the cookie company. Above the Fold is a podcast by the Cincinnati Business Courier.
Oct 2, 2023 · 46 min
Sparring over Sittenfeld's prison sentence, and Main Street Ventures looks at changing how it awards grants
Hosts Andy and Tom talk about the potential sentence former Cincinnati City Councilman P.G. Sittenfeld faces when he is sentenced on Oct. 10, as well as Grippo's buying another chip company, the Margaritaville Hotel moving forward, the Bengals' valuation going way up and an opera written by Sir Paul McCartney making its world premier in Cincinnati. Interview starts at (23:53). Sean Parker is an entrepreneur at heart – he started his first business at age 13 – but he also has experience at some of the largest companies on the planet, like Nike and P&G. He brings that to his new role at Main Street Ventures, a group dedicated to boosting businesses at a stage where most sources of capital won't typically touch. And he's taking a good hard look at the types of businesses MSV funds and how. Above the Fold is a podcast by the Cincinnati Business Courier.
Sep 25, 2023 · 40 min
CVG adds transportation service, and Scripps new COO is overseeing the media firm's reorganization
We're back after a brief hiatus! Hosts Andy and Tom talk about a new on-demand taxi service coming to CVG, an iconic Cincinnati ice cream brand gets a revamp, two downtown skyscrapers take moves toward residential conversions and P&G faces a lawsuit over a cold medicine. Interview starts at (20:34). Lisa Knutson is the person you want in charge if you're making big changes. Prior to her joining the E.W. Scripps Co., one of Cincinnati's largest public companies, she oversaw a large-scale transformation of a major department at Fifth Third. When she made the move to Scripps, she led the spin-off of its networks business. Now as chief operating officer, Knutson is in charge of a major reorganization at the local media giant. Above the Fold is a podcast by the Cincinnati Business Courier.
Sep 4, 2023 · 45 min
Cincinnati group aims to become national standard to gauge companies' social impact
Hosts Andy and Tom talk about legal troubles facing a Cincinnati university, a successful office development in a highly uncertain era for offices, an early legal victory notched by a local developer suing Huntington National Bank, a supersonic jet being developed with the help of GE Aerospace and a bad summer for Queen City restaurants, many of which have permanently closed in recent weeks. Interview starts at (20:58). Tom Fernandez, CEO of architecture firm Elevar Design, had a full-time employee devoted to maintaining the company's status as a minority business enterprise. Had. The designation was costly to maintain, and accounted for less than 1% of new business. Fernandez partnered with African American Chamber CEO Eric Kearney to create Mivie, a new organization that seeks to become the national standard for measuring companies' social impact. NOTE: Above the Fold is going on a two-week hiatus, returning Monday, Sept. 25. Above the Fold is a podcast by the Cincinnati Business Courier.
Aug 28, 2023 · 52 min
Big plans for Cincinnati's malls, and Neal Mayerson, president of the Mayerson Group and founder of positive psychology
Hosts Andy and Tom talk about big plans for Cincinnati's six largest shopping centers, a $100 million project coming to the University of Cincinnati, an overhaul to a busy business corridor in Madisonville, Cincinnati Public Radio's new headquarters and a brick-and-mortar bookstore that closed up shop only to relocate across the Ohio River. Interview starts at (22:25). Neal Mayerson can make a claim not many Cincinnatians can: His family owns a piece of the Queen City's skyline – the Scripps Center at 312 Walnut St. He is also a clinical psychologist, philanthropist and one of the founders of the field of positive psychology. Neal talks with us about the 24 universal strengths found in every human being, and how he created the VIA Institute around them and its recent merger with the Mayerson Academy. Above the Fold is a podcast by the Cincinnati Business Courier.
Aug 21, 2023 · 42 min
Keeping the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati, and the Hard Rock Casino's new president
Hosts Andy and Tom talk about Cincinnati's odds at keeping the Western & Southern Open in the region, Ohio's first Buc-ee's, a startup that promises a personal flying vehicle and what's new at Kings Island for the 2024 season. Interview starts at (20:09). Justin Wyborn got his start in the hospitality industry, on the opening team of the famed Nobu restaurant as it expanded for the first time outside of New York City. He was even asked twice to appear as a judge on Chef Gordon Ramsey’s Hell’s Kitchen. His career took a shift into the casino business in 2013, when he joined the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. Justin updates us on the push to make a name for Cincinnati’s casino as a music venue, and where things stand on a local Hard Rock Hotel. Above the Fold is a podcast by the Cincinnati Business Courier.

Above the Fold

Port reveals new plan for Crosley Building and Kona Ice CEO chats complexity of shaved ice business

Historic OTR Church Acquired and how New Riff Navigates the Bourbon Bubble

Decks Coming to Fort Washington Way, and 50 West's CEO Talks the Fight for THC

Kroger making $1.7B acquisition, and a chat with 3CDC CEO Steve Leeper

Business Courier's year in review: The biggest stories of 2023

Kroger bringing workers back to the office, and a talk with Rich Graeter

What's going on with downtown Cincinnati real estate?

Eastgate Mall's new owner and an interview with serial entrepreneur Rachel DesRochers

Inside FC Cincinnati's plans for the West End

Rhinegeist's new CEO talks possibility of opening new taproom

Black Owned founder Means Cameron talks post-Covid downtown Cincinnati, overcoming impostor syndrome

The health of Cincinnati's downtown, and Elizabeth Pierce of the Cincinnati Museum Center

Rhingeist's new CEO, minor league soccer coming to Cincinnati and the Mercantile Library plans to double in size

Western & Southern Open here to stay, Sittenfeld sentenced and how to overcome a fear of public speaking

Judge rules against TQL in big class action, meet the Bengals' sweetest sponsor

Sparring over Sittenfeld's prison sentence, and Main Street Ventures looks at changing how it awards grants

CVG adds transportation service, and Scripps new COO is overseeing the media firm's reorganization

Cincinnati group aims to become national standard to gauge companies' social impact

Big plans for Cincinnati's malls, and Neal Mayerson, president of the Mayerson Group and founder of positive psychology

Keeping the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati, and the Hard Rock Casino's new president