Rhinegeist Launches In-House Pizzeria to Anchor Brewery Traffic

Local businesses frequently expand their food offerings to extend customer dwell time and reduce reliance on nearby competitors. Rhinegeist Brewery executed that strategy on Tuesday when it opened Pizza Time, a retro-themed pizzeria inside its taproom at 1910 Elm Street. The restaurant marks the first official day of business for the new venture.

The concept arrived quickly after preliminary discussions. Staff mentioned the opening would be very soon during a menu tasting last week. By October 28, the operation was fully live. This rapid rollout aligns with the brewery's fiscal year goals for integrated dining experiences.

Ben Castle, the brewery's VP of hospitality and finance, outlined the operational logic in August. He stated the goal is to allow guests to enjoy happy hour and beer before consuming pizza without leaving the property. This keeps revenue within the brewery ecosystem. Castle also linked the initiative to the Cincinnati Bengals schedule. He noted that watching football and eating pizza creates a strong pairing for the annual watch party season. The pizzeria provides a dedicated space for those events throughout the year.

The menu supports various group sizes and budgets. It features 11 distinct whole pizzas, along with salads, sides, and desserts. Pricing is tiered to accommodate both large groups and individuals. A single slice of cheese costs $4, while larger whole pizzas can exceed $20. The establishment offers pizza by the slice for quick service and full pies for shared meals.

The restaurant operates within the existing taproom infrastructure. It adds a dedicated food service component to the beverage-focused space. This setup allows the brewery to capture dinner and post-game revenue directly. The launch completes a key hospitality project for the current year.