No need to fear, Cincinnati – Arnold’s isn’t changing. Let’s get off our chest right from the get-go. While Arnold’s ownership is changing – technically – it’s all ok. As of January 1st, 2020 the bar will be leaving the hands of current owner Ronda Breeden as she retires and officially passes it down to her son Chris and his wife Bethany.

I have written a little bit about the history of this bar, and what it means to me, and it’s safe for me to say that a lot of what I know and love about the place has come from Ronda. Not only did she see things through during some of the darkest times for OTR and downtown after the 2001 riots, but she’s done so much more for this iconic piece of Cincinnati history.

Under Ronda’s ownership, Arnold’s has not only kept itself relevant in an ever-changing drinking landscape but has grown to become what it is today. The bar has been named one of the best in America several times over, and rightfully so.

The change in ownership doesn’t leave me fearful in the slightest, though. As I’m sure a lot of you who know Arnold’s know, Ronda’s son Chris has been General Manager for the last 10 years and is fully capable of taking what has been built before him and keep guiding it into the future. I know that the legacy of Arnold’s will only continue to grow under his ownership.

The Retirement Party

Let’s not forget that Arnold’s knows how to throw a party. In fitting fashion, they’re throwing a retirement bash for Ronda at Arnold’s on Sunday, January 5th from 3 pm-8 pm. Everyone is welcome to come to join the current as past staff as everyone pops into the bar to share stories and anecdotes of Ronda and Arnold’s throughout the years.

The Cincinnati Dancing Pigs will be performing during the event, and any past musicians who have played at Arnold’s in the past are invited to bring their instruments to jam.

If that doesn’t sound like enough fun, Jim Tarbell will be in the house to play taps on the mouth harp. Seriously.