New restaurant coming to vacant Hamilton storefront

Credit: Nick Graham

Credit: Nick Graham

A Cincinnati group plans to open a restaurant offering hand-crafted burgers and cocktails in Hamilton.

Billy Yanks is expected to open at 201 Main St. in the spring and offer specialty burgers and a build-your-own custom menu, plus mac-and-cheese in a variety of flavor combinations.

The restaurant also will offer appetizers, desserts, fresh soups, salads and sandwiches.

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Located at the southwest corner of Main and C Streets, it will be run by the Cafeo Hospitality Group, known for Jefferson Social (The Banks Riverfront Entertainment District), Incline Public House (Price Hill), Press on Monmouth (Newport, Kentucky), Somm Wine Bar (Price Hill) and The Bell Event Centre (Over-The-Rhine).

Cafeo Hospitality Group has focused on creating recognizable and high-performing destination venues in growing Greater Cincinnati communities since 1995, according to Christy Cafeo, the group's president.

The new restaurant is named for the sculpture that stands atop the iconic Butler County Soldiers, Sailors, and Pioneers Monument, one that depicts Billy Yank, a common name for Union soldiers during the Civil War.

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Cafeo Hospitality Group co-owner Tony Cafeo said the group has “an appreciation for craft beer and classic comfort food with a unique spin.”

“Our goal is to provide a unique local community gathering place for the residents of Hamilton and the region as a whole,” Cafeo said.

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Billy Yanks signing a 10-year lease for the site is the latest development in Hamilton’s revitalization efforts. Recently, other high-profile Greater Cincinnati restaurants have found a home in the city. Tano Bistro and the Casual Pint opened this summer at The Marcum, a newly built luxury apartment complex along Riverfront Plaza.

Last week, Fretboard Brewing and Looking Glass Hospitality Group announced they would open Fretboard Brewing & Public House at 103 Main St., possibly as soon as next month, bringing rooftop dining back to Hamilton.

Hamilton City Manager Joshua Smith said Billy Yanks will be “a great addition” to the city’s burgeoning Main Street Business District.

“We are thrilled to announce that yet another great restaurant is investing in Hamilton,” Smith said. “The fact that Cafeo Hospitality Group chose Hamilton to open their newest location signals that our community is becoming a regional destination.”

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