The Gatherall at Factory 52 Offers a World of Flavors

In a former industrial complex in Norwood, an urban community northeast of Cincinnati, there’s a squat brick building where U.S. Playing Card Co. factory workers used to break for lunch. Now, the 120-year-old cafeteria houses the Gatherall, a food hall featuring more than a dozen independent restaurant stalls serving a range of locally owned, internationally influenced fare, from traditional barbecue and New York-style pizza to Vietnamese banh mi, Korean fried chicken and Filipino adobo.

The Gatherall opened in summer of 2023 as a central pillar of Factory 52, a mixed-use development spanning 20 acres of revamped manufacturing space. Aptly named, the spot is designed as a gathering space for different people with different interests.

“If you go out with a group of people and not everyone wants the same thing, they can get a sampling of different flavors from around the world in one place,” says Eric Stringer, a retail developer for PLK Communities, Factory 52’s developer, owner and operator. “We wanted to showcase Cincinnati-region chefs and entrepreneurs but also showcase the strong international community we have here.”

In addition to flavor, the lively food hall has plenty of personality. Craving a cocktail? Pull up a seat at According To Hoyle, the Gatherall’s center bar named for the man who wrote the book (literally) on card-game rules. Need to use the restroom? Just look for “The Royal Flush.” Rising chefs will soon try their hand at new restaurant concepts at The Shuffle, the Gatherall’s on-site food- business incubator.

For diners who prefer to pair their meal with a craft beer, Cincinnati’s Fretboard Brewing Co. is located inside the Gatherall and many vendors offer complimentary delivery to Hi-Wire Brewing’s location in Factory 52. Then perhaps it’s off to Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams or Molly’s Cupcakes for dessert, if you play your cards right. 

4590 Beech St., Norwood 45212, 513/206-8741, thegatherall.com