The vibe of the Pleasant Ridge community business district was recently threatened when rumors began surfacing of corporate intentions to purchase the defining block of the neighborhood to demolish the buildings, making way for a new, deluxe Walgreens including a drive-thru pharmacy. Those affected would include long-standing Everybody’s Records, the Gas Light Café, Ridge Jewelers, Royal Barbers and others.   

Rumors surrounding the fate of beloved Pleasant Ridge small businesses including Everybody’s Records and Gas Light Café have been bubbling as of late, ignited by claims that drugstore chain Walgreens has expressed interest in purchasing the property in favor of demolishing the existing architecture to make way for a new, deluxe Walgreens location.   

Cincinnati officials last week approved the city's first “community entertainment district” designation for this neighborhood. The new zoning will make it easier for a nonprofit like the Pleasant Ridge Development Corp. to revitalize its business district and create a “restaurant row” of ethnic-oriented eateries anchored by Emanu, an Ethiopian restaurant.  

As with any cuisine not executed well, vegetarian and vegan food can be underwhelming. And overcompensating for meat-based proteins with tofu and soy simulations can be an even more dangerous culinary game. Such are the challenges that The Loving Cafe in Pleasant Ridge struggles with: to offer healthy and ethical fare that's fresh, flavorful and satisfying.