Loveland locals will always have plenty to celebrate, and now a new event space is adding to downtown’s charm and hospitality.
Kevin Malof and Matt Snyder, owners of Bond Furniture and Design, first discussed renovating their nearby warehouse on Karl Brown Way in February 2019. With more than 11,000 square feet of interior and 4,000 square of patio space, the development now includes The Landing Event Center (which alone boasts a 4,200-square-foot event space and adjacent 1,400-square-foot patio) along with two new restaurants—Rodi Italian and Tahona Kitchen + Bar. The Landing has also struck a partnership with many area restaurants to ensure every event menu is perfectly matched to each party-giver’s preferences.
“Kevin and Matt felt strongly about ‘looking for ways to utilize businesses here in Loveland so everyone can benefit,’” says Jodi Taylor, The Landing’s event manager. “It’s so fun to work with guests and say, ‘our partners are Bishop’s Quarter, Tano Bistro, Ramsey’s Trailside, The Works, Paxton’s, Hometown Cafe, All the Ingredients, Cocoa Bites, Trailside Provisions …’ They’re all with us in this endeavor.”
The Landing was named to reflect Loveland’s strong tendency to attract travelers—and devotees.
A river landing, after all, is the spot where passengers begin new journeys—and eventually return home. “We grow up, we go to college, we move away—it’s funny how we come back,” Jodi says of Loveland’s culture. “That’s why The Landing is a great place for weddings and birthdays ... Loveland should be proud to be known for that sense of community.”
She hopes The Landing will also be a way to boost business its partners. “For many of these restaurants, catering will be new, but they’re on board. And it’s great exposure for Loveland! For guests to come downtown, walk around … that’s going to be huge for the economy.”
The phones are already ringing with families and corporate groups eager to plan their next events in Loveland. “Especially because of our patio, our high warehouse ceilings inside—guests are excited about those ... it's a place where they can ensure social distancing.” Even though events have been put on hold for many, there will be a sense of catch-up that The Landing is happy to accommodate. “A lot of brides I talk to have already gotten married, but still want to have that family celebration.”
August’s grand opening, planned long before COVID restrictions needed to be considered, also served as a benefit for NEST Community Learning Center. “We had fun with it that night—admitting that from a construction standpoint, we weren’t quite ready. But we felt like that was a commitment that needed to be honored,” she says, adding that many of their restaurant partners were also able to be showcased. “It was like a mini ‘Taste of Loveland.’”
Those local partners make all the difference in what The Landing will offer clients. “It’s almost like you’re renting a place with your own event planner,” Jodi says. “We find the vendors that complement your vision, and what you’re trying to do. That’s what makes us unique.”
For guests to come downtown, walk around … that’s going to be huge for the economy.
A Powerful Pair
Adding to The Landing’s buzz are two restaurants, both of which will operate as restaurant partners: Rodi Italian and Tahona Kitchen + Bar.
Construction is in full swing, and changes can be seen daily in and around these two new in-house dining destinations. Rodi hopes to be open in late October or early this month; Tahona hopes to open in early 2021.
“It was important we partnered with restaurants that didn’t directly compete with other local businesses,” Jodi says. “But that offered something unique for Loveland residents and visitors.”
A Touch of Italy
Rodi’s owners “moved back to Loveland specifically to open this restaurant,” Jodi points out. “We believe Rodi’s food selection and location on the Little Miami River will create an ambiance unlike anything else in Loveland.”
“We’re excited to serve and to be a part of the Loveland community!” Rob Peloni, Rodi’s chef, enthusiastically adds. “When we found this venue, we knew its riverside proximity was special. We can’t wait to share it with everyone when we open.”
This will be Rodi Italian’s debut, and the restaurant will be utilizing both local farmers and Italian specialists for ingredients. “I pushed hard to keep our menu true to Italian traditions, but fun and modern,” Chef Rob says. That includes pasta made fresh every day and house-made gelato. One house specialty will be Sacchetti (“Beggar’s Purse”), a purse-shaped dough stuffed with roasted garlic, herbs and olive oil.
“We had our pizza oven—100% wood-fired—shipped to us in May. It’s an incredible beast! It’ll do 180 pizzas an hour if it gets that busy.”
“I’m hoping that each customer has a better and better experience every time they come in, and can find something different each time.”
A Dash of Mexico
That awareness of Loveland being a rare and special community is a sentiment echoed by Nancy Parrott of Tahona Kitchen + Bar. “Downtown Loveland is a popular area—we’re excited to be part of this thriving community,” she shares.
Tahona Kitchen + Bar is also locally owned, and will offer fast-casual Mexican dishes, as well as an outdoor dining area. Jodi says it will be a hit “for those who enjoy a slower pace of life.”
Tahona, which already has one location in Blue Ash, is known for its margaritas, craft cocktails and scratch-made tacos. “Inspired by Mexican street food, all of our menu items are made in-house,” Nancy says. “Our meats are slow-roasted and we use fresh ingredients for everything. We also have some great options for vegetarians, and those looking for gluten-free meals.”
