From left, Penina Frankel, the mother of Sugar N’ Spice owner Steven Frankel, Mayor Mark Mallory, and Steven and Lisa Frankel observed the restaurant’s 70th anniversary Tuesday. Photo by Mayor’s Office. Sugar N’ Spice has been a popular restaurant and meeting place for 70 years. A special celebration of that 70th anniversary was observed by owner Steven Frankel, his family, Mayor Mark Mallory and his staff, and patrons March 22. Sugar N’ Spice Restaurant is recognized as a landmark establishment, a historical icon and a dining tradition for generations in the heart of Cincinnati’s Paddock Hills neighborhood.

Sugar N’ Spice Restaurant was established 70 years ago by Morton M. Keller in 1941 at 4381 Reading Road in Cincinnati. Succeeding owners have included Bernie and Florence Heines in 1968, the Michaelson family in 1979, Elliot Jablonsky in 2002, and Steven R. Frankel, who currently owns and operates the restaurant. In presenting Frankel with a city proclamation, Mallory said, “Patrons from every walk of life in Cincinnati, the State of Ohio, the Tri-State and around the world have congregated daily to enjoy the huge and fluffy omelettes, wispy thin pancakes, creative sandwiches and specials for which Sugar N’ Spice Restaurant is famous. Sugar N’ Spice Restaurant contributes to the cultural diversity and neighborhood vitality of Cincinnati by providing residents and visitors with a source of quality food served in a fun, friendly and comfortable atmosphere.’’

Steven Frankel, owner of Sugar N’ Spice, at left, is shown with Mayor Mark Mallory, who presented a city proclamation in observance of the restaurant’s 70th anniversary. Photo by Dan Yount Sugar n’ Spice’s new owner, retired corporate and commercial real estate professional Frankel, spent his early childhood in this Paddock Hills neighborhood, growing up on Bristol Lane, just around the corner from the restaurant he now oversees. “The first time I visited Sugar n’ Spice was with my parents. I was 4 or 5 years old and apparently we were regulars, or so they told me,” Frankel noted. As the new owner of Sugar n’ Spice, Frankel describes himself as more of a caretaker of an historic icon than a restaurateur. “Sugar n’ Spice is not my restaurant – it’s been here since 1941,” Frankel added.

Sugar N’ Spice Restaurant continues as a local landmark today. Being a new owner always carries the temptation to change things, but Frankel quickly realized what kept this cozy breakfast and lunch eatery in business for 70 years was not a lot of “changes.” It was the consistency of the food, the staff, the charm and the personal touches that founder Mort Keller originated. Bernie and Florence Heines, then Mick Michaelson continued with the original concept and the original menu.

“So I came into Sugar n’ Spice thinking about what I could do to improve the customers’ experience – let me rephrase that – what the staff and the regulars who have been coming here for decades would allow me to do,” Frankel noted.

New flatware, retro-style seating, and refurbished stools came first. He spruced up, thoroughly cleaned up and fixed up all the stuff that hadn’t been attended to for a while. But he was wisely counseled by the wait staff and cooks – some of whom have been with Sugar n’ Spice for over 15 years – not to mess with the food.

What can you expect to see in the near future? A new look for the menu, logo and website, more fun and family friendly events, and extended summer hours. Starting April 1, we will be opened on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday until 8 p.m..

Frankel believes the key to the success of Sugar n’ Spice is the spirit that Mort Keller brought to the business, and that hasn’t changed. Some things, Sugar n’ Spice being one of them, just aren’t meant to change.

Mallory added the City of Cincinnati recognizes the important role and profound impact Sugar N’ Spice Restaurant has in the community and said he was honored to take part in celebrating this milestone. Mallory went on to proclaim March 22 as “Sugar N’ Spice Restaurant Day” in Cincinnati.