What's New in West Chester! | |
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KEMBA CREDIT UNION CELEBRATES 90th ANNIVERSARY
This year, Kemba Credit Union celebrates its 90th anniversary! While a lot has changed in the financial services world during the past 90 years, Kemba’s purpose and mission to serve its members has not.
“We are very grateful for the current 128,000-plus members who turn to us for their banking needs. And we are very thankful for the members before them, who invested in us and helped make us who we are today. It has been an honor to serve the greater Cincinnati community for the past 90 years. We remain committed to our members, our small businesses, and the communities we serve. We look forward to serving them for the next 90 years,” said Kemba Credit Union President and CEO Dan Sutton.
Kemba’s strategic business plan for future growth includes a heavy emphasis on branch development, digital banking enhancements, small business solutions, and continued investment in its employees. Kemba’s Board of Directors and management team continue to invest in products, services, and delivery solutions to enhance their members’ banking experience.
Kemba first moved to West Chester in 2006 when it constructed its four-story, 34,000 square-foot building at 8763 Union Centre Boulevard in Chappell Crossing. In March 2020, Kemba began construction on its new $35 million, state-of-the-art, 150,000 square-foot corporate headquarters adjacent to its existing facility. In 2021, the new eight-story building opened—now the tallest building in West Chester. In addition, Kemba has added more than 70 jobs to its workforce at the new location.
Kemba now operates 13 branches in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky to serve its members. The West Chester branch is located on the first floor of the four-story office building on Union Centre Boulevard.
Congratulations on 90 years Kemba!
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WEST CHESTER COMMERCIAL MARKET CONTINUES TO PROSPER IN 2024
West Chester Township is known to be a great place to eat, shop and play with its wide variety of first-class commercial developments. The attraction just grew with the opening of the new Bass Pro Shops at The Streets of West Chester. The Bass Pro Shops building has changed the landscape along Interstate 75 at Union Centre with its phenomenal visibility. Interstate 75 is one of the nation’s most heavily traveled highways in the U.S. with nearly 144,000 cars a day driving by the interchange.
The Streets of West Chester retail, restaurant, and entertainment complex is the talk of the town and people come from all over to visit the super-regional destination location. The nearly 90-acre commercial development, which first opened in 2005, now includes nearly half million square feet of commercial development with a total valuation of $71.5 million in 2023.
The Streets sets itself apart as a regional entertainment hub with high-quality attractions such as TopGolf, AMC West Chester 18 Theatre, Main Event Entertainment and Zero Latency VR. The Streets also offers a wide variety of restaurants and dining options including PF Changs, Bravo Cucina Italiana, Flame Indian, Voodoo Brewing (coming soon), Twin Peaks, Red Robin, Panera Bread, Chick-fil-A (coming soon), Smokey Bones, Original Pancake House, Chuy’s, Matt the Miller’s Tavern, King Corona Kitchen & Cantina, Holtman’s Donuts and Sonder Brewing.
The Streets does not lack for shopping opportunities either. In addition to the new 125,000 square-foot Bass Pro Shops, visitors will find Barnes & Noble, the LOFT, Duluth Trading, Function Boutique and service businesses such as Avalon Nails, My Salon Suite, Urgent Dental Care and Third Federal Savings & Loan.
Looking for space at The Streets—it’s not too late. More than 16,000 square-feet is still available for lease and three outlots are ready for development.
Union Centre is not the only area of West Chester Township booming with new commercial development. The Voice of America Centre/Liberty Way and surrounding areas continue to be a huge draw for retailers small and large.
A new 123,000 square-foot Kroger Marketplace is being built on Cox Road to replace its current store. A new First Financial Bank is nearly complete with the construction of its new and improved facility at Cox and Tylersville Roads (opening April 25th). Outback Steakhouse is nearing completion in the Oaks of Wetherington. Target just completed a massive interior renovation and update to its popular Voice of America Centre store. VIVA Cincy Restaurant & Bar will open soon in the former Fricker’s location. Casablanca Mediterranean Foods is in the process of relocating and expanding its existing West Chester store. Floor & Décor will be opening in the former Cabela’s building. Whole Foods Market is coming to the new Village North commercial development. And of course, the Pickle Lodge which opened off Interstate 75 with Two Cities Pizza.
The Princeton Glendale/SR 747 corridor continues to see growth too. With the development of Beckett Crossing which includes Kroger Marketplace at SR 747 and Tylersville Road, more retail development is popping up. Additional sites for commercial developments are available now adjacent to Kroger Beckett Crossings. Just south of this area Rockin’ Jump, a recreational and fitness destination is under construction, and Hamilton Bob’s is also nearing completion off Port Union Road.
Small business continues to thrive throughout the township as well with three new coffee and wine bars opened (or opening soon)—Coterie Lounge & Café, Charis Coffee & Creamery, and Café Vino & Expresso. West Chester Toys relocated and expanded its popular toy shop to Beckett Commons off SR 747 too.
“We are excited to see new retail and dining experiences across the township. We created two additional Community Entertainment Districts (CEDs) adding available liquor licenses and helping to draw new investment. West Chester Township has four CEDs—one at the Voice of America Centre, one at Towne Centre, one at SR 747 and Union Centre Boulevard, and one at The Streets of West Chester. It’s particularly exciting to see the opening of Bass Pro and all the new activity. The Streets are HOT!” said acting Community Development Director Katy Kanelopolous.
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RESILIENCE WINS JAMES A. WUENKER GROWTH AWARD
In December 2023, National Resilience, Inc. (Resilience) announced an expansion expected to create 440 new jobs and a $230 million capital investment at its West Chester Township headquarters. Resilience is a technology-focused bio manufacturing company specializing in the production of novel medicines.
The project includes the renovation of its current West Chester facility to operate more efficiently, increase production and deliver on its goal of implementing efficient manufacturing processes and supply chain solutions to improve access to its pharmaceuticals and therapies for patients in need.
“Resilience is excited to continue to expand our commercial drug product manufacturing capacity and workforce in the region in collaboration with REDI Cincinnati and JobsOhio,” said Josh Matson, VP, GM & Site Head, Resilience. “We look forward to further embedding our facility into the already thriving life sciences ecosystem in Cincinnati and offering meaningful job opportunities aimed to bring life-saving therapies to patients.”
REDI Cincinnati was thrilled to announce 14 distinguished companies across the region as finalists for the prestigious James A. Wuenker Growth Awards. In addition to Resilience, West Chester manufacturer Republic Wire and Oats Overnight also received recognition for powering growth in the Cincinnati Region through investments made during the 2023 calendar year.
Named in honor of renowned economic developer James A. Wuenker, who helped shape the future of the Cincinnati region through his efforts, the Growth Awards are annually conferred to companies whose projects announced in the previous year significantly enhanced the economic strength of the Cincinnati region.
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KEEPING UP WITH KATY K
Spring has sprung and development projects are popping up like daffodils across our Township. If you follow us on social media (and if you don’t, you should), I often start posts by saying, “Another Dream Come True in West Chester Township!” Well, this quarter, it was my turn. I have been listening to WMKV for years, so jumped at the chance to go on the “Listen Up, Lakota” program when asked to talk about West Chester Economic Development. If interested in hearing me and the general manager of our new Bass Pro on the show, you can listen to me fan-girling it here on the Feb. 16th podcast: https://streamdb3web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/index.cfm?stationCallSign=WMKVFM&onDemandAutoStart=true
Speaking of Bass Pro, they are open for business! They had a huge Grand Opening in February, and West Chester is so happy to have them at The Streets of West Chester, drawing a crowd. If you missed it, here is a Facebook video of all the opening night action, Bengal cheerleaders and all. https://fb.watch/qZymkf34Lb/
It wasn’t just Bass Pro drawing crowds this quarter; the Shamrock Shuffle was back and better than ever. The 5K race had more than 2,100 participants and 40 sponsors. Check out photos of the event here: https://www.facebook.com/EDGEshamrockshuffle
In other cool news, the USS Cincinnati Memorial will be coming to West Chester’s Voice of America Park. Parts of the former Cold War-era submarine will be part of a proposed Cold War Memorial and Peace Pavilion at the park. The memorial will have an education component focusing on math, science, and engineering skills. This is an awesome addition to our community. See proposed plans here: https://www.westchesteroh.org/Home/Components/News/News/3983/16
Great things continue to happen in West Chester. GE Aerospace announced it will invest $18.2 million in its GE Additive facility at the West Chester Trade Center. Three West Chester companies were finalists in the 2023 REDI Cincinnati James A Wuenker Growth Awards. No other community could claim more finalists. It seems these days the Community Development office is busier than ever. This quick video shows some current highlights about our community: https://fb.watch/qZzUvb4qa2/.
Because hope springs eternal, I will end this quarter’s column with a plea. Entertrainment Junction’s owner is ready to retire, and they are actively looking for a new owner to buy the business. My children have loved going there for years. Come on West Chester, let’s find them a new owner so we can all still enjoy family time at the World’s Largest Indoor Train Display. Read about it here and help spread the word: https://local12.com/news/local/iconic-cincinnati-family-destination-faces-closure-clsoing-entertrainment-junction-west-chester-train-display
Drop me a line at kkanelopoulos@westchesteroh.org, I'd love to keep up with you.
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Republic Wire Named in the 2023 Miami University RedHawk50 Program
The RedHawk50 program recognizes the 50 fastest growing private companies around the world founded or led by former students of Miami University and West Chester’s Ron Rosenbeck, CEO of Republic Wire, has made the list.
The RedHawk50 Program plays an important role in identifying, engaging and celebrating accomplished Miamians in business. It also reinforces Miami University and the John W. Altman Institute for Entrepreneurship as the “Cradle of Founders” serving as a vehicle for Miami graduates and former students who lead these companies to pass lessons learned to the next generation of Miami entrepreneurs.
According to Republic Wire CEO, Ron Rosenbeck who is a business and accounting graduate of Miami University, “this recognition celebrates leaders who symbolize excellence, innovation, and community engagement, and I am honored to be included. Republic Wire is proud to be in the RedHawk final 50 out of the 525 companies that were nominated. Miami University's business school and entrepreneurship programs are ranked in the top 10 annually and are fifth among public colleges in 2024.”
Winning the RedHawk50 Award is a testament not only to the exceptional leadership team at Republic Wire, but also to the hard work and dedication of the Republic Wire team as a whole.
The 50 winners represent 17 industries, 14 cities in the U.S. and Great Britain, and 12 high-growth companies featured on the Inc. 5000 list.
“Ron Rosenbeck is the consummate entrepreneur, leader and Republic Wire is an incredible success story as recognized by Miami University’s School of Business as one of the fastest growing private companies around the world founded or led by a Miamian,” said Don Crain, Retired Counsel for West Chester Township and Miami University graduate. “Most importantly, Ron Rosenbeck is a humble man who is greatly respected because of his dedication to fair treatment of his employees, a steadfast devotion to Republic Wire’s clients, and adherence to the highest possible ethical standards. Congratulations on your success Ron.”
In 1994, Republic Wire relocated its corporate headquarters to a 44,384 square-foot facility at 5525 Union Centre Drive, moving before the Union Centre Interchange was even completed. After four expansions, Republic Wire now has more than 350,000 square feet of manufacturing space in West Chester, but they are not stopping there.
Republic Wire has begun construction on its fifth expansion—a new 400,000 square-foot building on a 15-acre site at 8341 Princeton Glendale Road/SR747 just north of the West Chester Trade Center development. Upon completion, Republic Wire will have a total of 750,000 square-feet of space in West Chester and become one of the Township’s largest manufacturers.
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West Chester: Built With You in Mind | West Chester is a proven destination for corporate investment displayed by the expansive growth over the past two decades, yet development opportunities still exist throughout the township with commercial sites of 1 to 60 acres still available. Office, manufacturing, research and properties with accessible infrastructure, frontage on I-75 or within two miles of an interstate interchanges are available. Contact Katy Kanelopoulos at (513) 759-7325 or kkanelopoulos@westchesteroh.org for personalized assistance. | |
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Fastenal, one of the largest industrial supply networks in the country, relocated to a 9,510 square-foot facility at 9367 Allen Road in World Park at Union Centre. Fastenal provides companies with fasteners, tools, and supplies for manufacturing products, building structures, protecting personnel, and maintaining facilities and equipment. A variety of organizations partner with Fastenal to simplify and secure supply chains for a vast range of industrial products. Fastenal offers a suite of service models and technology solutions to bring efficiency, visibility and control. | | |
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Systecon, leading developers and manufacturers of custom pumping and control systems for HVAC water systems, began a 39,135 square-foot expansion to its existing West Chester headquarters at 6121 Schumacher Park Drive in Schumacher Commerce Park. Systecon provides a variety of solutions for data centers including modular chiller plants with waterside economizers, and modular evaporative cooling and modular pumping systems. Systecon takes pride in developing new technologies in water management that save customer’s time, facility space and installation costs. | | |
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Riello UPS America, manufacturers of uninterruptible power systems and power quality solutions, will relocate and expand its existing West Chester operations to a 16,918 square-foot facility at 8840 Beckett Road in West Chester Commerce Center. Riello UPS America has a solutions based approach understanding customer continuity goals and configuring a solution to meet those goals. Riello’s solutions typically integrate UPS, switchgear, battery systems, network interfaces, software and services, all provided from its North American Headquarters in West Chester. | | |
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Titans Packaging, manufacturers of packaging processes, leased an 11,167 square-foot facility at 23 Circle Freeway Drive. Titans Packaging offers an experienced staff and innovative machine manufacturing that specializes in optimizing the packaging processes. Titans Packaging’s tabletop conveyor system offers a versatile design at an affordable price that makes it a popular system suited for a wide range of low-to-medium speed production environments. Titans Packaging also manufactures power rollers, gravity rollers, cartoners, packaging equipment and more. | | |
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ACTEGA North America, a leading manufacturer of water-based and energy curable coatings, inks and adhesives for the printing and graphic arts industries, leased a 15,850 square-foot facility at 5474 Spellmire Drive off International Boulevard. ACTEGA North America, a division of Altana, offers products with high-value visual and functional appearances to paper, board, metal and plastic. ACTEGA has highly specialized technical sales and applications teams dedicated to bringing surfaces to life. | | |
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EST Analytical, a manufacturer of analytical instruments for gas chromatography analysis, began a 1,200 square-foot expansion to its existing West Chester facility at 503 Commercial Drive. For more than 30 years, EST Analytical has supplied its partners with the tools to make the world a better place. At EST, its technical support team and field service engineers have the experience, skills, and qualifications to effectively manage all of its customer’s instruments servicing them in a timely fashion for optimum productivity. As an industry leader, EST’s expertise in its product lines is unsurpassed. | | |
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Tobu Corp, a division of Food Systems Unlimited, purchased a 55,858 square-foot distribution facility at 10139 Commerce Park Drive. Tobu sets the bar for the next generation of fast food concepts for mall and airport food courts throughout the country. Tobu seeks to provide an innovative style and unique alternatives around the United States by serving only the finest ingredients and presenting the best possible experience for the customer. Food Systems Unlimited serves more than 8 million meals annually using only the finest ingredients working with local vendors and suppliers to provide the best dining experience possible. | |
OFFICE / MEDICAL / TECHNOLOGY PROJECTS | | |
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Third Federal Savings & Loan, offering guaranteed low-rate mortgages, home equity lines of credit, savings accounts and more, will relocate its existing West Chester branch to an 8,639 square-foot office at 6192 Muhlhauser Road in the Huff Centre. Third Federal Savings & Loan is a leading lender of conventional home mortgages and lends in 25 states, the District of Columbia, and has branch offices in Ohio and Florida. Third Federal’s mission is to help people achieve the dream of home ownership and financial security while creating value for its customers, its communities, associates and its stockholders. | | |
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Dentist at Towne Centre, featuring Dr. Mandeep Pannu, a distinguished dental professional renowned for exceptional expertise and unwavering commitment to patient well-being, opened a 2,894 square-foot dental office at 9270 Centre Pointe Drive in the West Chester Towne Centre building near The Square @ Union Centre. With a comprehensive skill set spanning various dental specialties, Dr. Pannu ensures patients receive top-tier care across the spectrum of dental needs. The practice encompasses general dentistry, periodontics, implant dentistry, fixed and removable prosthodontics, endodontics, laser dentistry, oral surgery, Invisalign and CAD-CAM restorations. | | |
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De Maria Homes, a highly reputable real estate agency working throughout Greater Cincinnati, Dayton and Northern Kentucky, opened a 1,000 square-foot office at 8662 Cincinnati Dayton Road in Olde West Chester. An affiliate of Keller Williams Realty, De Maria Homes is there to help whether buying your first home, your dream home or investing in property. The professional staff at De Maria Homes understands the market and educates buyers and sellers through the real estate experience. De Maria Homes uses the latest tools and technology and offers custom-tailored marketing strategies for its clients.
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Reliable Dental, featuring Dr. Sarbjit Thind, will open a 2,458 square-foot dental office at 7665 Monarch Court off Kingsgate Way. In addition to providing beautiful smiles, Dr. Thind and the staff at Reliable Dental treat each patient as a member of the family and enjoy getting to know them personally. Dr. Thind has an ongoing commitment to continuing education investing countless hours in learning the latest techniques and technologies in dentistry. The staff at Reliable Dental provides fully personalized effective and efficient care with the customer’s oral health needs, goals and priorities the focus of every treatment plan. | | |
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AcutePet Urgent Care, specializing in compassionate care for pets and their people, will open a 3,000 square-foot urgent veterinary care facility at 7311 Tylers Corner Road off Tylersville Road. AcutePet is for pet owners and veterinarians who seek reliable pet-centric urgent care resources that are conveniently located, efficient, and easily accessible. AcutePet delivers trusted, affordable, and compassionate care founded in a deep love of pets and the utmost respect for the clients, veterinary partners, and employees who care for them. | | |
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Whole Foods Market, a world leader in natural and organic foods with more than 500 stores in North America, Canada and the UK, will build a 40,000 square-foot market at 8300 Liberty Way in the new 50-acre Village North development planned for the northwest corner of Butler Warren Road and Liberty Way. In addition to its unshakeable commitment to sustainable agriculture, Whole Foods adds excitement and fun to shopping for groceries. The 13.6-acre Village North site plans include the Whole Foods with an attached 9,000 square-foot multi-tenant building, one 18,500 square-foot multi-tenant building, a second 8,000 square-foot multi-tenant building, and two outlots all located in West Chester Township. | | |
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Floor & Décor, a leading specialty retailer of hard surface flooring, will open a 75,306 square-foot store at 7250 Cabela Drive (in the former Cabela’s location). Floor & Décor, a first-class retailer, offers the broadest in-stock selection of tile, wood, stone, related tools and flooring accessories at everyday low prices. Founded in 2000, Floor & Décor is one of Fortune’s 100 fastest-growing companies. At Floor & Décor, homeowners and professional contractors have access to superstore selections at warehouse prices all with showroom quality. Additionally, two outlots are now available at the new Floor & Décor site. | | |
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Rally House, a specialty sports store, will relocate and expand to a 9,566 square-foot space at 7676 Voice of America Centre Drive near its current location in the VOA Shopping Centre. Rally House takes pride in its ability to offer an expansive selection of stylish sports apparel, gifts, home décor and other merchandise representing NCAA, NFL, NBA, MLB, NFL and MLS teams. Rally House also carries regional novelties, apparel, accessories, unique gifts and offers exclusive designs available only at its stores. | | |
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Shell Oil, gas station and convenience store, will construct a new 8,000 square-foot facility at 8573 Cincinnati Dayton Road just east of Interstate 75. Shell offers premium quality gasoline and diesel fuel products. The convenience store will carry a variety of food and beverage options, as well as other convenience items. Shell Oil Products is a global group of energy and petrochemical companies with operations in more than 70 countries. In the U.S., Shell operates in 50 states and is still growing. The core values at Shell are honesty, integrity and respect for people which is reflected in the way it treats its customers. | | |
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Big Dude Clothing, a one-stop online shop for big and tall men, opened a 24,426 square-foot distribution facility at 502 West Crescentville Road. Big Dude Clothing offers high-quality clothing in sizes 2XL through 10XL. The goal at Big Dude Clothing is to provide the best selection of big and tall men’s clothing online at affordable prices. Big Dude Clothing also offers a wide assortment of men’s footwear in extra-large sizes. | | |
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Café Vino & Espresso, a new family-owned coffee shop selling locally-roasted coffees and wines, will open a 1,400 square-foot cafe at 8095 Beckett Center Drive in Beckett Commons. Café Vino & Espresso offers a wide variety of beverages from regional vendors served in a relaxing atmosphere. Café Vino & Espresso takes pride in providing a relaxing environment for customers to enjoy coffees and wines day and night. | | |
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IM DAZED, a full-service smoke shop, opened a 1,350 square-foot store at 9225 Floer Drive off Union Centre Boulevard. IM Dazed is a one-stop destination for vaping needs with a wide selection of vape products including glass products, CBD, tobacco, disposables, hookahs and smoking accessories. The staff at IM Dazed is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and assisting customers with all of their vaping needs. | | |
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Unlimited Auto Group, specializing in high-quality used car sales, began construction to expand and grow its existing West Chester business. The new 2,400 square-foot building will be located at 7974 Cincinnati Dayton Road across the street from its current facility near Lakota Plaza. Unlimited Auto Group strives to make the car shopping and buying experience fast, friendly and easy with like-new, well-maintained vehicles for all types of shoppers and budgets. Unlimited Auto Group provides vehicle history reports for peace of mind and also offers flexible financing options. | | |
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Chaykhana NI Ubzek Cuisine | |
Chaykhana N1 Ubzek Cuisine, specializing in Uzbek inspired dishes, announced a 1,200 square-foot expansion to its existing West Chester restaurant at 9536 Cincinnati Columbus Road/SR 42 in Dimmick Plaza. Chaykhana N1 serves traditional Uzbek dishes such as Shurpa and Plov, a rice pilaf that is considered Uzbekistan’s national dish, along with other central Asian cuisine. The menu at Chaykhana includes meats served as soups, chops and pies with vegetable dishes, hand-pulled noodles and kebabs.
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VIP Smoke Shop, providing a wide variety of smoking products, opened a 1,525 square-foot shop at 7809 Cincinnati Dayton Road. VIP Smoke Shop offers a selection of vape products at affordable prices. VIP Smoke Shop has new items coming in every day including e-liquid flavors, vapor electronic cigarettes, disposables, glass pipes, hookahs, tobacco and more. VIP Smoke Shop also offers a vapor lounge where customers are welcome to enjoy their purchases in addition to meeting people who share the same interests. | | |
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Crepe It, specializing in delicious artistic crepes and waffles, opened a 1,115 square-foot shop at 7743 Tylersville Road in Tylersville Pointe. At Crepe It, customers can build their own crepes, waffles or pancakes and choose from a variety of spreads such as milk chocolate, Lotus, pistachio, peanut butter, honey, syrup and toppings including strawberry, banana, Reese’s or choose from Crepe It specialties. Crepe It also serves milkshakes and ice cream in a variety of flavors including Nutello, Oreo, Snickers and more. | | |
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Taqueria Mi Guerrero, a new family-owned restaurant specializing in authentic Mexican street food, will open a 6,800 square-foot eatery at 9536 Cincinnati Columbus Road/SR 42 in Dimmick Plaza. Taqueria Mi Guerrero will offer handmade dishes such as tacos, tortas and fajitas. The chefs at Taqueria Mi Guerrero will prepare fare from their home town traditionally offered by the street vendors and small traditional markets in Guerrero, Mexico. | | |
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The West Chester Development Council is a non-profit corporation, representing a public/private partnership between West Chester Township and the private business sector established to promote economic development initiatives. The following organizations have chosen to support the economic development and marketing efforts of West Chester Township and the West Chester Development Council. West Chester Development | | | | |
