A Cincinnati-based entrepreneur and Pilates instructor has opened two new businesses in the heart of Covington’s Roebling Point neighborhood.
Located in a historic building on the corner of Scott Blvd. Sidney Rabe’s Park Place opened Off the Vine Coffee and 12th Street Pilates in April. Raabe has years of experience operating his original 12th Street Pilates studio in Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine neighborhood.
She first teased the idea of opening a second 12th Street Pilates location in Covington last September, according to a post on the store’s Instagram account. Covington Studios officially opened in January.
“We’re very excited to open two businesses here,” Raabe said. “My Pilates studio has been open in Cincinnati for 12 years, so this is a real growth opportunity.”
Her coffee shop’s name comes from Over the Vine Juice Bar, a now-closed juice shop on Vine Street in downtown Cincinnati. Raabe called the coffee shop a “transition” for another business she owned.
Raabe told LINK that the location is ideal for both businesses because of its attractive exterior and proximity to downtown Cincinnati.
“I think it’s because of the location,” Raabe told LINK nky. “It’s just that it’s so close to Roebling and this particular area. It’s such a beautiful building. We drive by and always say we like the look of this building, and the location and everything is perfect. I felt that.”
The two stores were previously occupied by Haven Coffee and Haven Spa. Both businesses closed in October 2023 and the buildings were sold to Rabe-owned holding company Casa Forte LLC for a total of $237,000, according to Kenton County property records. The building remained vacant for about two months.
Covington Deputy Mayor Ron Washington praised Raab’s entrepreneurial talents Thursday morning at a ribbon cutting hosted by the city.
“This is a great story for our city,” said Vice Mayor Ron Washington. “Not only do we have two businesses open, but Sidney’s mom has been in business in our city for nearly 75 years on Russell Street.”
Rabe’s mother, Maureen Blau, is part owner of Blau Mechanical, a plumbing and heating contracting company located at 1532 Russell Street. This business first opened on her Scott Street in 1941.
As a business owner herself, Blau praised her daughter’s work ethic and tenacity.
“It’s really amazing,” Blau said. “It’s hard work. I’m glad she opened up her heart. What you put out, you get back.”
