10 LGBTQ+-Affirming Businesses Helping Shape Northern Kentucky’s Growing Inclusive Community
Northern Kentucky is the gateway to the Bourbon Trail, full of historic river cities, and has an identity all its own. Some Queer-owned and Queer-affirming businesses have been around for decades, others have just opened. They all show a growing community of LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and increasing support for Queer spaces.
This isn’t an exhaustive list, so let us know your favorite Queer-owned or -affirming businesses in Northern Kentucky!
Roebling Books
photo provided by Roebling Books
306 Greenup Street – Covington
601 Overton Street – Newport
Roebling Books & Coffee, with welcoming locations in Covington and Newport, is a cozy, LGBTQ-friendly bookstore and café that truly bridges books, beans and being. Both locations host an array of community-driven events: Drag Storytimes, meet the author events featuring LGBTQ+ writers like Nico Lang, book-club discussions, and celebrations like Bookstore Romance Day. It’s a warm spot to browse thoughtfully curated titles—especially LGBTQ+ genres—sip fair-trade organic coffee, connect, and feel fully seen.
Creative House of Art and Design
Photo provided by Creative House of Art and Design.
609 Main Street – Covington
On Covington’s Mainstrasse, there’s an arts store that features classes, summer camps, drag drawing events, and a secret bar. “Mr.” Chad Cruz opened the store in December 2020 to be the space he wanted as a kid and found he still wanted as an adult: a space where people could be creative and be themselves. Even when the store isn’t open, Cruz and his team can be found leading art classes around the region.
Rekas Butchery and Delicatessen
Photo provided by Rekas Butchery and Delicatessen.
401 Scott Street – Covington
Established in fall 2024, this woman-owned butcher shop set out to fill a void in the river cities. All the meat comes from a 90-mile radius, with a specialty in Ohio-raised wagyu. All the produce is local too. Shelbi Nation and her wife Ashley bring their years of experience running their sister shop, the Wyoming Meat Market, to this and bring an inclusive, knowledgeable butcher to the growing river cities.
Wagz n Pawz Pet Supplies
Photo provided by Wagz n Pawz.
609 York Street – Newport
Jaron Byrum saw an opportunity in 2024 to continue to develop his and his husband’s neighborhood while pursuing a dream of opening a pet store and grooming business. Specializing in customer service, the store offers private shopping for anxious dogs, human-grade treats, free food delivery, custom orders, a rewards/loyalty program, a self-wash station, and the brand new 1-to-1 grooming.
The Crazy Fox Saloon
Photo provided by Crazy Fox Saloon.
901 Washington Avenue – Newport
When Carl Fox bought “The Saloon” in 1999, he brought the same philosophy that served him well at the bar he had just sold: Rosie’s Tavern in Covington. He calls it an “everybody-bar” because it’s neighborhood-focused and accessible (and affordable) to all. The philosophy is based on the belief that walls break down when people get together over a drink. Fox says he has been welcomed in the neighborhood for the past 26 years.
The 859 Taproom
Photo provided by 859 Taproom
8720 Bankers Street – Florence
A suburban sports bar that flies a Pride flag. Owners Jeff and Mandy Kaplan worked in hospitality for years and dreamed of running their own restaurant: one where everyone feels comfortable and supports every aspect of its community. Inclusion is factored into everything–from the menu to the bar to the workplace culture. That includes support for the Queer community and closing for NKY Pride so the staff can be part of the parade and festivities.
Piper’s Ice Cream Bar
Photo provided by Piper’s Ice Cream Bar.
520 W 6th Street – Covington
In a prime location near Goebel Park’s festivities, Piper’s opened as a cafe on Oktoberfest weekend 2012. Since 2020, owner Chip Adkins and his husband have doubled down on frozen treats, expanding their menu this year to include vegan ice cream. They get customers of all stripes, but keep a rainbow painting up year round as a sign the cafe is a safe space where everyone is welcome.
Rosie’s Tavern
Photo provided by Rosie’s Tavern.
643 Bakewell Street – Covington
Affordable drinks in an approachable setting. Rosie’s was built as a bar in 1869 and has been a welcoming space since the 1990s. Owner Dianne Gamble says she’s seen the area get more accepting of a neighborhood bar that’s a staple in the Queer community. It’s considered one of the friendliest bars in the area, and it’s been around long enough to outlast any naysayers.
Revival Vintage Bottle Shop and Bar
Photo provided by Revival Vintage Bottle Shop and Bar.
614 Madison Avenue – Covington
You can taste bourbon history inside this two-story love letter to Kentucky’s native spirit. Started in a smaller location in August 2020, Revival Vintage Spirits provides an intimate and affordable (and legal) way to take part in the booming vintage and rare spirits craze. It’s a combination of passions for co-owner Shannon Smith, who started her law firm in 2013 and got interested in vintage spirits a few years later. She says the goal is to make it accessible to more people – and the store has been getting international attention ever since.
Artmarkit
Photo provided by Artmarkit.
1131 Holman Street – Covington
Former middle school art teacher Katie Kit Threet calls her business a creative reuse hub and inclusive third space. It’s equal parts a secondhand art supply store, classroom, creator space, and event space. Her approach to private events and workshops is all personal, letting kids and customers decide what type of art to create. She says her eight years in the classroom showed her that children need safe, affordable spaces to be creative, and small businesses can help build that community.
Jerry’s Jug House
Photo provided by Jerry’s Jug House
414 E 7th Street – Newport
More than just a neighborhood bar, Jerry’s has been a package wine and liquor store in the East Row since the 1930s. An extensive renovation in 2019 revitalized the staple, which co-owner Mark Ramler says brought much of the neighborhood back. He says the managing philosophy is to be a bar that is welcoming to everyone. The bar is also featured on NKY’s B-Line bourbon trail.
Galerie Candy
Photo provided by Galerie Candy.
3380 Langley Drive – Hebron
At age 16, Rick Ross helped his mom’s store become the second distributor of Jelly Belly. Now, his company is the 21st largest candy company in the country. Galerie’s products can be found in every major retailer, as well as on its own website and colorful outlet store at the company’s Hebron facility. Some of its creative confectionery treats and toys feature beloved brands. And all of its products are designed to create smiles, memories, and joy.
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