Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Why so many Cincinnati restaurants still can’t find enough workers

Spotted on the Cincinnati calendar: THE WORKSHOP presented by Commonwealth Commonwealth Comedy Club

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Monday December 22nd Patch AM
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Cheers Cincinnati! We’re back, helping you stay up to date with what’s happening. Let's take on the day together! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why so many Cincinnati restaurants still can’t find enough workers
  • Which beloved Cincinnati restaurants quietly served their last meals this year?
  • Why are Westwood mom-and-pop shops pleading for more protection?

Also on today's calendar: THE WORKSHOP presented by Commonwealth Commonwealth Comedy Club and 5 more events.

Find out what's happening in Cincinnatifor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did the windowsill say to the glass? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Cincinnatifor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Monday: Some sun, then turning cloudy, with a high of 50 and low of 46 degrees.
  • Tuesday: Cloudy with spotty drizzle, temps: high: 58, low: 34.
  • Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high of 54 and low of 50 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Cincinnati restaurateurs face staffing struggles ahead of busy holiday season (local12.com) — Cincinnati restaurant owners are heading into one of their busiest seasons still struggling to hire enough staff, a problem they say has lingered since the pandemic. One Holland Group’s Gary Holland, whose brands include Skyline Chili and LaRosa’s, describes hiring challenges across fast food, casual, and fine dining locations, raising concerns about service levels during the holidays.
   

2. The Greater Cincinnati and NKY restaurants we lost in 2025 (cincinnati.com) — Cincinnati diners saw more than 40 beloved restaurants, bars, and cafes close in 2025, from long-running icons like China Gourmet and North College Hill Bakery to newer favorites in Over-the-Rhine, Pendleton, and Covington. The roundup walks through notable closures, neighborhood by neighborhood, and notes which local concepts and locations are still operating.
   

3. Westwood business owner speaks out after thief targets shop in smash and grab (wlwt.com) — A Westwood shop owner is speaking out after burglars smashed into her month‑old Montclair Street business early Friday, stealing a cash box and rattling nearby mom‑and‑pop stores. She says at least four Westwood businesses were hit in a week and wants more visible support from Cincinnati police and city leaders as the holiday shopping season peaks.
   

4. Ohio ICE agent accused of strangling woman now facing federal charge (whio.com) — A suspended ICE official based in the Cincinnati region now faces a federal charge for allegedly lying to investigators after an earlier domestic violence arrest tied to a Corryville apartment incident. Court documents say he’s accused of misleading a Homeland Security inspector general agent and Cincinnati police about his contact with the woman and a witness on the day in question.
   

5. Community rallies to support longtime Skyline employee after loss of her husband (local12.com) — Cincinnati regulars at the Clifton Skyline Chili have rallied to raise $27,000 for longtime waitress Tammy Hammonds after the recent death of her husband, who had supported her daily commute. Former University of Cincinnati students and other loyal customers organized in-person tipping and an online fundraiser to help cover her lost household income and ongoing needs, returning decades of kindness she’s shown them.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • OAR Alley Cat in Merimont offers free kitty litter, food, toys, litter box, medical services on a sliding scale to free if you foster your pet and one of their kittens.
    If you choose to adopt a kitten OAR asks if you will take 2. They will assist with food, litter, vaccines to low income families. Loads of pets given… (Nextdoor Summit Estates)
  • Hi, Found!
    Thank you ! we’re missing our dog Brogan as of 6:20 pm Saturday. She’s age 15 Jack Russell terrier mix. Weights about 17 lbs. She is hard of… (Nextdoor Wyoming in Cincinnati)
  • PNC Bank posted a job opening for Lead Teller in Cincinnati. Apply here.
  • The Guitar Center posted a job opening for Music Teacher Store 613 in Cincinnati. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Cincinnati here.

Ok Cincinnati! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I feel your pane.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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