Tuckers: Yes! They're Open!
Not many places in Cincinnati have as much history and character as Tucker's. This eclectic little diner has been serving the residents of Over-the-Rhine for over 60 years, and we were honored to be a part of the team to get them back open. Polly Campbell at the Enquirer did a great job capturing the unique challenges and history behind rebuilding such an iconic neighborhood institution. Please read her article below:
Read the Tucker's Article here
While we are used to renovating historic Italianate buildings in OTR, designing amazing restaurants, and working with clients of all walks of life, this project was unique in that it combined all of these issues and had the added challenge of preserving a place that meant so much to so many people.
We cannot stress enough what an amazing job Urban Fast Forward, Brother Tim, Jim McMahon, John Lowe, and everyone else who contributed time, knowledge, skill, and money did to keep this project afloat. Our role was largely ceremonial, trying to guide the project and help navigate the complexities of the building code. The one thing we made sure to emphasize was the value of getting Tucker's back on their feet, without compromising the character and history of Tucker's. The grease may be gone, but the place still feels untouched.
The rear kitchen was badly fire-damaged, and almost entirely rebuilt, along with the bathroom. The front was mostly unscathed, and we worked to carefully preserve and restore much of the old equipment and fixtures. A new hood and safety equipment were badly needed though.
Tucker's is a melting pot of people from all socioeconomic backgrounds, all unified in their love of delicious, comforting food. Thanks to the efforts of so many, the Tuckers' doors are open again!
Before the fire, Tucker's was a hidden gem right on Vine St., mostly overlooked but greatly appreciated by those who knew it. The restaurant has been a constant in a neighborhood which has seen many changes, and will soon be transformed again. But we're so glad that it returns again to be discovered and loved by a new generation, who may or may not know the history of such an important landmark. They'll know about the biscuits though, and that's what's most important.
Photography by Tamer Azzazi
