Westwood, Ohio has long been home to a magnificent array of architectural gems. Take a stroll through the neighborhood and the Queen Anne style homes will delight you. But what about the businesses? Well, add Ivory House, a boutique steak and seafood restaurant located right in the heart of the Town Hall District, to the crown! This upscale restaurant as well as several others are owned by partners in life and business, Frank Eversole and Rick Pouliot. Their restaurant is part of a growing and thriving small business community in Westwood with tons of personality and style. I love the exquisite atmosphere, excellent service, modern and flavorful menu, and the people-watching. The restaurant offers dinner service and a Sunday brunch.
Recently I spoke with Frank Eversole about Ivory House, some other restaurants they own, and about Westwood.
Tell me about the location and how you selected Westwood for Ivory House?
We live in Westwood and love old houses and home improvements. In 2019, we decided we wanted to get more involved in and make a difference in the commercial side of things, create somewhere we’d want to go, and purchased the old bank building that is now the restaurant. Westwood has become a destination neighborhood where the businesses feed off of each other.
What’s behind the Ivory House name?
It’s a tip of the hat to James N. Gamble, who was the last mayor of Westwood before it was incorporated into the City of Cincinnati and his contribution to the invention of Ivory Soap. He and his family gave a lot of time, money, and land to the neighborhood.
What would be a good way to summarize Ivory House, and what distinguishes it from other places?
We are a boutique steak and seafood restaurant. It’s fine dining, but approachable. We want all of our guests to feel good and have a good time. We want the experience of visiting our restaurant to be an event, and we have a beautiful atmosphere!
I’ve heard great things about Brunch- what’s a must try menu item there?
The crabcake eggs benedict.
You offer exceptional service and food, how do you motivate your staff?
Hiring great people (many live in the neighborhood) and treating them well, constant training, reading the room and asking them to consider how they would like to be treated in a nice restaurant.
The ambiance is stunning, tell me more about it!
We worked a little bit with a designer, but did most of our own selections. I love blue. And the brushed gold front doors are the real kick-off!
Who is the most famous person you’ve met at any of your restaurants?
We see a lot of City Council members, but it’s always cool when Buddy LaRosa comes in!!!
You and Rick now own several restaurants in the area, what are they?
Ivory House, W Bar+Bistro, and we are in the planning/developing stage for Terrazza Trattoria, and Paloma’s Mexican Bar and Grill which are coming summer 2024. The W Bar + Bistro’s Ice Cream Shop offers hand dipped ice creams with boozy options, too.
Learn more about Ivory House at ivoryhousecincy.com and more about Westwood’s Town Hall District at townhalldistrict.org.
