In an age of impersonal fast food, overhyped corporate branding, and formulaic menus that blend together, there’s something about a local-ly owned neighborhood burger joint that utilizes original recipes and a personal touch. Flipdaddy’s Brilliant Burgers & Craft Beer Bar is working hard to be just that in Greater Cincinnati.

Flipdaddy’s currently has four locations: in Ohio, they are in Mariemont and Symmes Township, and in Kentucky, they are in Union and Newport. Bob Dames, the founder and president of Flipdaddy’s, is from Anderson Township and is a Miami University grad. Dames didn’t have a singular moment of inspiration when creat-ing the idea for the restaurant; the Flipdaddy’s concept was born from a long-time passion for beer, burgers and good cooking. After years of saving and planning, Dames opened the first restaurant in 2010.

Most, if not all, of the dishes on the menu come from original recipes Dames created or have his personal touch. Dames’ favorite is the “Mac Daddy,” a burger with grilled mac ’n’ cheese, bacon, aioli and a specially-formulated beef patty on a pretzel bun.

Flipdaddy’s makes a concerted effort to use only fresh, locally sourced ingredients and utilizes hamburgers made of a proprietary blend of the finest cuts of short rib, brisket and chuck. The food and beverages are easy to love, but it’s the way the restaurant treats staff, customers and the community that is even more impressive.

The business employs more than 250 staff members and is invested in training and nurturing the unique talents of each one. “We are all about employing hard-working people and helping them grow,” says Dames. For example, one of Flipdaddy’s first line cooks is now the director of kitchen operations.

When Dames was younger, there were limited options for his fam-ily to get a quality meal they could enjoy altogether. At Flipdaddy’s, Dames has created a multi-functional restaurant that is family-friend-ly, that you can enjoy with friends or can be used for a business meet-ing or private event.

Greater Cincinnati has embraced Flipdaddy’s, and Dames has returned the favor. The company has supported hundreds of local charities, including the restaurant’s own corporate charity, Chipping Away at Parkinson’s.

“We take a lot of pride in this community,” Dames says. “I’m so grateful for the opportunity that Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky has given us. This is our home.” v

Oh My!

Flipdaddy’s Brilliant Burgers and Craft Beer Bar – Mariemont is located at 7453 Wooster Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45227. You can reach them at 513.272.BEER.

Flipdaddy’s Brilliant Burgers and Craft Beer Bar – Symmes Township is located at 12071 Mason Montgomery Road, Cincinnati, OH 45249. You can reach them at 513.677.BEER.

Flipdaddy’s Brilliant Burgers and Craft Beer Bar – Union is located at 8863 US Route 42, Union, KY 41091. You can reach them at 859.371.BEER.

Flipdaddy’s Brilliant Burgers and Craft Beer Bar – Newport is located at 165 Pavilion Parkway, Newport, KY 41017.

Visit Flipdaddy’s Brilliant Burgers and Craft Beer Bar’s website at www.flipdaddys.com.

Written by Jessica Davidson . Photography by Flipdaddy’s Brilliant Burgers and Craft Beer Bar

Burgers & Beers