Press Room
Levy Named Exclusive F&B Partner For First Financial Center
Hospitality Leader to Deliver Sustainable Practices and Signature Concepts at Reimagined Cincinnati Convention Center
CINCINNATI (February 17, 2026) – Cincinnati’s recently re-opened convention center not only features a new name—First Financial Center—and a dramatically reimagined interior and exterior, but also a fresh new approach to food and beverage. The convention center has also inked an exclusive partnership with Levy, an industry leader in hospitality for convention centers, arenas, and entertainment venues nationwide.
“We are thrilled to welcome Levy as our exclusive food-and-beverage partner,” said Rodney Faulk, general manager of First Financial Center for Legends Global, which manages the venue. “Together with the transformative $264 million capital investment from the City, County, and Port Authority, Levy’s innovation and deep convention experience will help us deliver an exceptional dining and event experience for every guest.”
“Cincinnati continues to flourish as a dynamic destination for major events, and we’re excited to partner with First Financial Center to create an elevated culinary program that not only complements the venue’s incredible transformation project but also helps attract new events and guests to the downtown,” said Andy Lansing, CEO of Levy.
The partnership will focus on imaginative, high-quality dining with a strong emphasis on sustainability and community impact. Levy will integrate its in-house composting program and sustainability tracking systems to reduce food waste and minimize the operation’s carbon footprint, aligning closely with the convention center’s own environmental goals. Both organizations are also committed to supporting local, minority-, and women-owned businesses throughout their supply chains.
One of the new dining experiences will be Bagel Boulevard, a signature Levy concept offering fresh-made bagels and premium coffee. Located along the concourse in public areas, Bagel Boulevard will be open to the public with regular hours throughout the week. With convenient self-ordering kiosks and daily specials, Bagel Boulevard will redefine the everyday hospitality experience at First Financial Center, offering an exciting new dining option for all to enjoy in Downtown Cincinnati’s Convention District.
In addition to serving guests throughout the reimagined facility, Levy will also cater events at Elm Street Plaza, a new 2.5-acre outdoor event space directly across from the convention center, ideal for receptions, parties, and community gatherings.
About First Financial Center
Located in the heart of downtown Cincinnati, the Queen City’s 750,000-square-foot First Financial Center recently completed a $264 million transformation to become the Midwest’s premier meetings and events destination. Reopened in January 2026, the facility features 200,000 square feet of contiguous exhibit space, two ballrooms, 34 state-of-the-art meeting rooms, and a rooftop terrace. Adjacent to the new Elm Street Plaza, the Center is designed for seamless accessibility, energy efficiency, and world-class event experiences.
About Levy
Levy, a market leader and critically acclaimed hospitality company, has twice been named one of the 10 most innovative companies in sports by Fast Company magazine and has been honored by Forbes as a Best Large Employer, Best Employer for Diversity, and Best Employer for Women. Levy’s diverse portfolio includes award-winning restaurants; iconic sports and entertainment venues, zoos and cultural institutions, theaters and music festivals, and convention centers; as well as the Super Bowl, Grammy Awards, US Open Tennis Tournament, Kentucky Derby, Coachella and Stagecoach Music Festivals, and NHL, MLB, NBA, NFL, and MLS All-Star Games. For more, visit levyrestaurants.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and X.
Media contact:
Kevin Memolo | Director of Communications
Levy
Bob Louis | Director of Sales
First Financial Center
Posted in: Press Releases