A notice had been placed on the front door of the restaurant indicating it would be temporarily closed due to a mechanical issue. However, news started circulating on Tuesday that the restaurant would be permanently closed.
Credit: Nick Graham
Credit: Nick Graham
Tano Bistro, an award-winning restaurant, opened its 100-seat dining space in August 2019 at 150 Riverfront Plaza, at the corner of Dayton Street and Riverfront Plaza, and across from Marcum Park, RiversEdge and the Courtyard by Marriott.
“We’re grateful for Tano being one of the first to take a chance on downtown Hamilton,” said Aaron Hufford, Hamilton’s executive director of Development. “This is a much different Hamilton than when Tano first opened. The city is in a strong position, and this is a great spot for the next opportunity.”
Hamilton Chief of Staff Mallory Greenham said rumors of the closure began circulating Tuesday, and calls have given indications the space won’t stay vacant for long.
“Word travels fast. We’ve already had people reach out with ideas and interest in the space,” she said. “We’re excited to see what’s next for this location.”
With Tano’s closure, it’s one less fine-dining experience in Hamilton.
Jim Goodman, co-owner of Municipal Brew Works and a member of the Hamilton Amusement and Hospitality Association, said “sometimes things just don’t work out.”
“They were such a great contributor to the community as well. I think that is what’s really going to be missed,” he said. “It’s a great place for fine dining, but what they gave back to the community was pretty amazing.”
Greater Hamilton Chamber of Commerce Dan Bates said location is important to a business, and the corner of Dayton Street and Riverfront Plaza is a prime location in the city.
“Obviously, we hate to see any business close in Hamilton,” he said. “I do believe that’s an extremely viable location, and we anticipate someone will be going into that location relatively soon.”
Goodman agreed that a new venture would occupy the corner location, saying Tano’s DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area) window had a queue of a dozen or more people during park events.
“It was practically an ATM during concerts,” he said.
Hamilton’s fine-dining options are set to expand when Carmagnola and The Grey are expected to open later this year, joining Basil 1791 as downtown Hamilton fine-dining restaurants.
“It’s sad to see Tano’s go, especially having done some various beer and food pairings with them,” said Goodman. “They’re great people. They put so much effort into the dining experience, just in terms of the quality of food but the presentation, the creative drink menus that they’d put together. It was always a fun experience going there.”
Tano Bistro opened its first location in 2009 in Loveland and, a decade later, opened the Hamilton location. The restaurant won the Best Chef category in Cincy Magazine’s Best of the East contest and Best Caterer in the magazine’s Best of the North.
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