"The secret is out" — How Covington became a top food city
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Covington's Mama's On Main is a popular destination for diners from both sides of the river. Photos: Kristen Swilley/Axios
Covington's restaurant scene is no longer Northern Kentucky's best-kept secret.
Why it matters: The city is now getting widespread recognition, the result of years of intentionally investing in local businesses rather than chasing national chains, leaders say.
State of play: That investment is paying off. Covington is now in the final four of The Local Palate's Best Culinary Town in the South competition.
- The winner will be announced in the magazine's special edition, due out Dec. 15.
What they're saying: "We've long understood the importance of fostering a strong small business ecosystem, which includes food and beverage," acting economic development director John Sadosky tells Axios.
- Preserving Covington's historic business districts has helped attract independent restaurateurs, he says, while city incentives encourage them to stay.
Zoom in: The city's small business incentive program offers forgivable loans for projects like building improvements, rent subsidies and restoring historic electric signs.
- Restaurants are among the program's most frequent applicants, helping local operators compete and invest in their spaces, Sadosky says.
- Restaurant owners say they've watched that momentum build firsthand.
- "This community has been doing great food, wine and beverage for a long time, so it's great to see this area continue to grow," says Gabriella DiVincenzo, general manager of Mama's on Main. "I've lived in this area for 11 years and I've only seen it grow and grow and grow. ... There's so much to find down here, so it's an exciting thing to be a part of."
The big picture: There have been other recent accolades, with Money Magazine naming Covington one of America's best places to live in 2024 and Food & Wine including it among 11 small U.S. cities for food and drink last year.
- "We've long been held as a best-kept secret, but ... the secret is out," Sadosky says.
What's next: Sadosky hopes the city's reputation keeps growing.
- "We hope that in five years, people will intuitively think of Covington when planning a night out," he says.
- "We know we have something special here and can compete with any big city in the Tri-State and beyond when it comes to a unique and inspiring culinary experience."