CINCINNATI, Ohio — It’s no secret the service industry is struggling to get on the other side of this pandemic, but for the Bernstein’s, a couple that owns two restaurants in Cincinnati, it was also the right time to add another restaurant to their plate. 

What You Need To Know

  • Rachael and Brad Bernstein own restaurants Red Feather and Postmark and are now adding another one to the list

  • The couple bought Dutch's, an eatery in Hyde Park that's been around since 1947

  • Dutch's is being remodeled into a local grocery story and deli and is set to open in March

​Rachael and Brad Bernstein opened their first restaurant, Red Feather, seven years ago, and opened Postmark four years later. But during the pandemic, the couple took on another challenge.

The couple took over ownership of Dutch’s, a Hyde Park eatery that needed a new owner after closing earlier this year.

“I feel like Dutch’s is such a Cincinnati landmark and I think people really want to see that place open back up again and see it do well," Rachael said.

The local grocery and deli has been a part of Cincinnati’s food scene since 1947. Chef Brad Bernstein said it’s still a risk, especially now, to reopen it.

“I’m scared to death," Brad said. "I think it’s a great opportunity and a chance, but it’s very much, I’m taking a chance that this pandemic is a period of time that will pass.”

That’s not to mention, it’s already been a tough year, forced to shut down Postmark and Red Feather, and not reopening until September and in turn having to let go of staff.

“The employees are like our family," Rachael said. "We’re concerned about their livelihood and their wellbeing just as we’re concerned about our own.”

Which is why the coming months are not only important for the Bernstein’s, but the entirely of the small business community.

“We were looking forward to December and the holiday season," Brad said. "Every restaurant is counting on the this time of year, it’s when we make the most money.”

And if 2020 wasn’t bad enough, Brad, the chef at both restaurants, suffered a serious hand injury over the summer, tearing five tendons. 

“It’s not quite the same but working through it is the best therapy," he said. "It is doing something I love, something I’m passionate about, it comes naturally to me. It is like it’s own therapy for me.”

But through all of the adversity, the Bernstein’s say if they can get through this winter, they feel they can get through just about anything. And they hope their local community will help them through it.

“You’re community are some of the most important aspects of your life," Brad said. "And if you really want to make things better, you take care of your community.”