Molly Wellmann opening second Bottle and Basket location in CAC

Later this spring, Molly Wellmann and Wellmann’s Brands will open another Bottle and Basket location in the Contemporary Arts Center.

Opening on the ground floor of the CAC, the restaurant will be a reflection of the partnership that Wellmann’s Brands has developed with the CAC over the years.

The space will be renovated in stages to accommodate the new concept. The café area was recently occupied by Collective Espresso, whose lease was up in late March. The coffee shop chose to close and focus on its locations in Over-the-Rhine and Northside rather than renew.

The café area of Bottle and Basket CAC will open at 8 a.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. The menu will be similar to what is available at its other location in Over-the-Rhine — breakfast and lunch items, pastries, baked goods, coffee and other beverages. Wellmann’s Brands executive chef Lisa Kagen will oversee the CAC menu and plans to add to it over time.

Like its sister businesses, Bottle and Basket CAC will have a bar on the Walnut Street side of the Kaplan Hall lobby. It will open at 4 p.m. when the restaurant's menu will switch over to dinner. Many of the signature drinks and other cocktails found at other Wellmann locations will be featured at Bottle and Basket CAC. 

Other bar biz updates from Wellmann's Brands

Wellmann's Brands also owned and operated The Famous Neons Unplugged in OTR, which closed in mid-December after its lease expired. Plans to reopen are unknown, as the owners continue to search for a new operating space that will allow more seating, better access to parking and a larger outdoor space.

Another of its restaurants, Melt Eclectic Café in Northside, is moving from its long-time home next to Northside Tavern to a new, larger space in The Gantry. An opening date is yet to be announced, but you can keep tabs on its progress on Facebook. Until then, you can purchase a variety of Melt's menu staples on Wednesdays at the Northside Farmers Market.