Culinary Schoolmates Reunite to Open New Downtown Restaurant

Crown Republic Gastropub Signs Lease for 8^th & Sycamore Space 

CINCINNATI (April 10, 2018) – A group of friends who met in culinary school has reunited to open a new restaurant in downtown Cincinnati. Crown Republic Gastropub recently signed a lease for a 3,290-square-foot space located at 720 Sycamore Street. The restaurant, which will feature rustic American fare with Italian and Mediterranean influences, is scheduled to open this summer.

Owner/Manager Anthony Sitek said his wife, Haleyrose Nutter-Sitek, played a huge role in selling the team – which also includes Pastry Chef Ben Arington – on the potential of Cincinnati. A native Cincinnatian, Nutter-Sitek recognized the opportunity in the city, and convinced her husband, and the rest of the Crown Republic team, that this was the place to open their concept. After connecting with Cincinnati Center Development Corp. (3CDC), who owns the space they are leasing, the Siteks knew it was the right location.

“Between the parking, which was a huge selling point for us, and the residential and business traffic, it was a no brainer,” Sitek said. “We really want to expand the food scene in this area and this is the perfect spot to bring people to.”

Crown Republic will focus on creating a “gathering” dining experience, with a goal of getting people to expand their palates and talk about the food they are consuming. The menu will range from small shareable plates to pastas and large entrée dishes.

“Everything is made in house, from scratch, daily,” Sitek said. “Our menu will change with the seasons to ensure that patrons are always getting the best product. Our pastas are sure to be a favorite among patrons, along with our small plates, which will contain our Everything Garlic Knots with vegetable butter and Moroccan smoked pork ribs with a blueberry ginger barbeque.”

In addition to its delicious lunch and dinner menus, Crown Republic will also serve breakfast items in partnership with Fat Ben’s Bakery. Through a grab-and-go window, coffee, pastry pockets, scones, popovers and cinnamon rolls will be available each morning from 7 AM until 11 AM. Then, at 11 AM, the restaurant will open its doors for brunch and lunch goers until 3 PM, opening again for dinner at 4 PM. A small snack menu will be available for the 1-hour gap in between.

Drinks at Crown Republic will also change quarterly, but they will always feature a weekly $20 bottle of wine, $3 tall boys and $5 house wine pours. Crown Republic’s goal is to get people to come hang out after a long day at work, and the restaurant’s price point encourages weekly, or even daily, dining.

After years apart honing their skills separately, the Siteks and the rest of the Crown Republic team couldn’t be happier to once again be working together, and they’re thrilled to be opening a restaurant in the Queen City.

“The growth in the Midwest food and hospitality scene has exploded over the past few years and we are excited to be on the frontend of its growth,” Sitek said. “We can’t wait to see where the future of Cincinnati goes – and Crown Republic along with it!”

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