The 2025 Taste of Cincinnati celebrates Memorial Day weekend by highlighting the remarkable diversity of Black-owned culinary businesses that contribute to the city’s vibrant food scene. More than a dozen Black entrepreneurs will showcase their specialties across downtown Cincinnati, offering festival-goers authentic flavors and innovative dishes that reflect the rich cultural heritage of African American cuisine.
The festival’s commitment to featuring Black-owned establishments demonstrates Cincinnati’s recognition of these businesses as integral parts of the local culinary landscape. From traditional soul food to international specialties, these vendors represent the entrepreneurial spirit and culinary creativity that defines modern American food culture.
Traditional and innovative dessert offerings dominate
The 1st Davis Cookie Collection brings creative cookie artistry to the festival with specialty items including banana pudding cookies and monster strawberry doughnut cookies priced at $4 each. Their monster ice cream parfait and ice cream sundae cups offer indulgent treats at $8, while the monster ice cream sandwich provides a premium dessert experience at $10.
The 2nd Eliza Jane’s Bakeshop elevates festival desserts with sophisticated options like peach cobbler blondie sundae for $6 and strawberry crunch cupcakes at $4. Their banana pudding cheesecake cookies and black raspberry cheesecake cookies demonstrate fusion approaches that blend traditional flavors with contemporary presentation techniques.
These dessert specialists showcase how Black entrepreneurs are reimagining classic treats while maintaining connections to cultural food traditions. Their presence at the festival provides opportunities for visitors to experience artisanal approaches to familiar flavors and discover new combinations that reflect contemporary culinary innovation.
Southern comfort food meets festival atmosphere
The 3rd Eddie’s Southern Style BBQ delivers authentic barbecue experiences with beef brisket sandwiches and BBQ ribs priced at $9 and $10 respectively. Their menu includes traditional sides like roasted corn on the cob for $4 and pulled pork sandwiches that provide classic barbecue satisfaction alongside chicken tenders and fries at $8.
The 4th Paityn’s Place Soul Food Catering brings sophisticated soul food to festival settings with signature items including famous soul rolls for $9 and Southern-fried white fish at $10. Their loaded macaroni and cheese and Southern-style savory mixed greens with smoked turkey demonstrate how traditional recipes can be adapted for festival service while maintaining authentic flavors.
These establishments represent the evolution of Southern cuisine from home kitchens to professional food service, maintaining cultural authenticity while adapting to contemporary dining preferences and festival logistics.
Food truck innovation expands culinary boundaries
The 5th AJ’s Cheesesteaks transforms Philadelphia classics with creative presentations including cheesesteak sliders for $8 and cheesesteak eggrolls at $5. Their wing offerings and Philly water ice provide complete regional food experiences that transport festival-goers to different culinary traditions within American food culture.
The 6th City Belle Fried Pies showcases regional specialties with both sweet and savory options, including apple and blueberry fried pies at $6 each alongside buffalo chicken fried pies for $7. Their bourbon pecan fried pie represents sophisticated flavor combinations that elevate traditional fried pie concepts.
The 7th Mama Afrique Nigerian Cuisine introduces international flavors through authentic dishes including jollof rice and stewed oxtail at $10 each. Their puff-puff, suya, and meatpie offerings provide festival-goers with opportunities to explore West African culinary traditions while their jerk chicken bridges Caribbean and African flavor profiles.
Findlay Market vendors bring established expertise
The 8th Dats Old School operates from the established Findlay Market location, offering comprehensive menus including fish, burgers, pasta, chicken, and desserts. Their presence at the festival extends their regular market operations to reach broader audiences during the Memorial Day weekend celebration.
The 9th Honey Child Artisan Pops specializes in frozen treats made with whole-blended fruits, providing healthy alternatives to traditional festival desserts. Their artisanal approach to frozen treats demonstrates how Black entrepreneurs are addressing contemporary health consciousness while maintaining flavor excellence.
The 10th Magnificent Morsels offers diverse options including sliders, pasta, fruit platters, pastries, and sweets, demonstrating the versatility that successful food entrepreneurs must maintain to serve varied customer preferences and dietary requirements.
International flavors expand cultural representation
The 11th Makers Bakers combines traditional American favorites like cinnamon rolls and cheesecake with unique offerings including corndogs, representing the fusion of different food traditions within single establishments. Their fruit cobblers maintain connections to Southern dessert traditions while their diverse menu appeals to broad festival audiences.
The 12th The Arepa Place introduces Latin American specialties through empanadas, cheese and stuffed arepas, and fried plantains, alongside beverage options including beer and wine. Their salsas and authentic preparation methods provide festival-goers with genuine cultural food experiences.
These international vendors demonstrate how Black entrepreneurs are expanding beyond traditional African American cuisine to embrace global food traditions, reflecting the diverse cultural influences that shape contemporary Black culinary entrepreneurship.
Musical performances complement culinary experiences
The festival features more than ten African American musical acts across three performance stages throughout the weekend. P. Ann Everson-Price and the All-Star Band opens Saturday programming on the Main Stage from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by the Ingrid Rachel Project from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Tracy Walker performs at the Findlay Market Stage Saturday morning, while the Mojo Blues Cat Band provides evening entertainment from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday programming includes Imanii Productions at the Food Truck Zone Stage and Chandler Carter at the Findlay Market Stage.
Monday’s Memorial Day programming concludes with Brittany Marie performing at the Food Truck Zone Stage from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. These performances create comprehensive cultural experiences that celebrate Black artistic contributions alongside culinary entrepreneurship.
Economic impact extends beyond festival weekend
The participation of Black-owned businesses in Taste of Cincinnati provides significant marketing exposure that extends beyond the three-day festival period. Many vendors report increased customer awareness and ongoing business relationships that develop from festival participation.
The festival’s free admission structure removes barriers to discovering these establishments, allowing visitors to sample offerings and build familiarity with businesses they might not otherwise encounter. This exposure particularly benefits smaller entrepreneurs who lack extensive marketing budgets.
Social media documentation and word-of-mouth recommendations generated during the festival often translate into sustained customer relationships throughout the year. The festival serves as a launching platform for businesses to expand their customer base and establish recognition within Cincinnati’s competitive food market.
Cultural celebration reinforces community connections
The prominence of Black-owned businesses at Taste of Cincinnati reflects the festival’s evolution beyond simple food sampling to become a celebration of cultural diversity and entrepreneurial achievement. These businesses represent dreams realized and communities supported through economic development.
The festival weekend provides opportunities for Black entrepreneurs to showcase their skills and creativity to diverse audiences while building networks with other business owners and industry professionals. These connections often lead to collaboration opportunities and business development beyond the festival context.
The integration of culinary offerings with musical performances creates comprehensive cultural experiences that honor African American contributions to Cincinnati’s arts and business communities, demonstrating how food festivals can serve broader community development goals while entertaining visitors.
