Experiencing Covington

All Character and No Chains...

What does that mean? It means small, local-owned businesses outnumber national chains. By a lot. Covington is a welcoming city that offers a diverse and thriving community, and this cool urban vibe attracts the one-of-a-kind small retailers, restaurants and drinking spots that add personality and character of The Cov. We encourage and award authenticity. Each year, we recognize businesses via our Authenti-CITY awards program, and trust us that it’s a fun experience.

“Covington is such a close-knit, supportive community with great business networking opportunities, as well as a large population – and that includes a growing culturally-diverse population -- to support local businesses,” said Chapman. “Covington afforded my family the opportunity to fulfill our economic and social objectives in a niche market. This is a great location to do business and build relationships and connections.”

Highlights:

  • Food & Wine ranks Covington No. 4

Food & Wine ranked Covington, KY, No. 4 on its list of “Top Small U.S. Cities for Food and Drink” in the 2025 Global Tastemakers Awards. Writer Pramik notes that each city on the list “reflects a distinct identity—shaped by history, sparked by creativity, and packed with way more flavor than their size lets on.”
11 Small Cities With Big Flavor to Visit Now

  • Inclusive and welcoming

A city where diversity and inclusion is embedded in its core values.

  • City incentives

Designed to assist small and large businesses and developers.

  • Talent Pipeline

12,000 degrees and certificates awarded from Cincinnati metro in related majors.

  • Walkable and Quirky

Intriguing public art, lively events, locally owned restaurants and boutiques, notable bourbon bars all woven together in an historic river city.

  • Innovation Alley

Entrepreneurs will find support through Innovation Alley, home to:

Be in good company with a sample of unique restaurants and retailers including:

Restaurants

  • Anchor Grill
  • Bard’s Burgers
  • Carmello’s
  • Kung Food
  • Mama’s on Main
  • Olla
  • Otto’s

        And many more!

Retailers

  • Coda Co
  • Hierophany & Hedge
  • The Roost
  • Ray Damico Tailoring
  • Lost Art Press
  • Hail Records and Oddities
  • Half & Half Antiques

        And many more!

Expand or relocate your business here.

We are ready to assist!
Team
Susan Smith

Business Attraction 
susan.smith@covingtonky.gov
859-292-2321

Patrick Duffy

Business Retention and Expansion
pduffy@covingtonky.gov
859-292-2141