TASTE OF BELGIUM OPENS FIELDS ERTEL BISTRO

Company Shuttering Kenwood & Liberty Bistros in Consolidation Effort Focused

on Delivering Consistent Quality of Food & Service; Will Reopen Clifton as a New Student Edition Concept Later This Year

CINCINNATI, OH – May 17, 2024 — Taste of Belgium, the Cincinnati-based Belgian-inspired restaurant group that recently reopened its Crestview bistro in Northern Kentucky after an extensive renovation, is reopening its formerly closed Fields Ertel bistro in a consolidation move.  As the company continues its strategy of returning to its roots and to strengthening its operations, Taste of Belgium has closed its Kenwood and Liberty Township bistros, as well as the Clifton bistro.  The Fields Ertel bistro at 12071 Mason Montgomery Road originally opened in 2021, but was later shuttered, is one of the company’s largest bistros at over 5,000 square feet.

            “We’ve learned so much this last year about the neighborhoods we serve, where our customers want us to be and how critical it is that we focus on our Belgian-inspired and locally infused culinary experience”, said Jean-François Flechet, Founder of Taste of Belgium. The current Clifton bistro was opened in late 2023, however the challenges of engaging the University of Cincinnati student body, hospital workers and nearby residents did not result in sales meeting expectations. Taste of Belgium will reopen the Clifton bistro once the UC student body is back in session this Fall, as a ‘Student Edition’ concept, with more details to come at that time.  Similarly, the Liberty Center bistro in Liberty Township that opened in 2022 has consistently not met expectations due primarily to the proliferation of other fast-casual restaurant options in the growing area. “There is so much opportunity for the Fields Ertel bistro – as there is a strong draw from Mason, Deerfield, Symmes Township, as well as the corporate presence in the area,” Flechet continued. Mason is home to more than 150 corporations, including WorldPay’s recent announcement about reestablishing its headquarters at Governors Hill Drive in Symmes Township, and Warren County is the fastest growing county in Greater Cincinnati.

            All staff from the Kenwood, Clifton and Liberty Township bistros have been offered positions at other area bistros. As one of the first local restaurants to offer 401K benefits, as well as other employee benefits that are uncommon in the restaurant industry, Taste of Belgium’s is focused on employee well-being and retention and creating restaurant career opportunities.

Since its inception, Taste of Belgium has been committed to introducing Greater Cincinnatians to the rich flavors of Belgian cuisine. The return of the original frites and new dishes for dinner such as Jambonneau (pork shank), Steak Au Poivre (peppercorn cream sauce), Salad Niçoise, Belgian Cheese Croquettes and Orange Scented Crème Brûlée dessert reinforces Taste of Belgium's dedication to authenticity, quality, and, most importantly, its valued patrons.

About Taste of Belgium

Founded in 2007 by Jean-François Flechet, using a traditional Belgian waffle recipe and cast-iron waffle maker that Flechet brought back from Belgium, Taste of Belgium began as a small waffle stand at Cincinnati’s historic Findlay Market.  Taste of Belgium offers a unique, Belgian-inspired culinary experience with a focus on locally sourced ingredients, featuring a diverse menu of Belgian and American fusion dishes and one of the largest selections of Belgian beers in the region.  To discover more about Taste of Belgium, visit www.authenticwaffle.com.

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