European-Style Café to open in Over-the-Rhine

CINCINNATI (July 15, 2019) – A new European-style café opening later this year in Over-the-Rhine will transport Cincinnatians to the Greek Isles, serving up flaky pastries, specialty coffee drinks, and cocktails.

Entrepreneur Evan Papanikolaou recently signed a lease agreement with the Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation (3CDC) to open Fillo Bake Shop, a day-to-night café concept. The Greek bake shop is expected to open at 1505 Race St. in mid-November, Papanikolaou said. Build-out on the 2,300-square-foot space, located on the ground-floor of 3CDC’s recently completed Rennen & Beecher Flats project, has started.

With a name inspired by phyllo – a pastry dough made in very thin sheets – the café will serve exclusively Greek-inspired food, drinks and baked goods. With a long row of display cases of sweet and savory pastries and a contemporary and clean interior, Papanikolaou’s goal is to make customers feel like they’re relaxing in a European café.

“We’re bringing a piece of Greece to Over-the-Rhine,” he said. “When you walk into Fillo, you’ll feel like you’re in Greece.”

Fillo will be open seven days a week, transforming from a bakery during the day to a café that sells small plates of Greek dishes, cheese plates, cocktails, wine and beer. The bake shop will include a full espresso bar, making it easy for customers to dine in or take their drink and pastry to go.

Fillo is a family affair with Papanikolaou’s oldest daughter, Angelina Papanikolaou, assisting with menu design and recipe development. His two other daughters will also work in advertising and public relations roles.

Whether patrons are sipping a cappuccino and working on their laptop or indulging in a dessert and a glass of wine after dinner, the Papanikolaou family wants customers to get a taste of leisurely dining culture.

“We don’t want people to feel rushed out. This is a place that we feel is really missing in Over-the-Rhine,” he said. “Our family has enjoyed what’s happening in the neighborhood. How great it is to be part of it now.”

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