Cincinnati, OH – A significant transformation is underway in Cincinnati’s vibrant coffee scene as Topia Coffee Cooperative has officially rebranded and relaunched as Radical Bean Cooperative. Following a two-month hiatus for an ownership transition and substantial operational overhaul, the worker-owned establishment at 123 E. McMicken Ave. in Over-the-Rhine is poised to redefine its role within the community. The relaunch marks a strategic pivot, emphasizing greater affordability, a more diverse and inclusive menu, and a robust calendar of community-focused programming, signaling a departure from its predecessor’s niche specialty coffee approach.
The genesis of Topia Coffee Cooperative dates back to November 2024, when it first opened its doors within the historic Volkshaus building. Its establishment was facilitated by Co-op Cincy, a local cooperative development organization dedicated to fostering worker-owned businesses through crucial startup financing and guidance. This initial venture aimed to carve out a space in the city’s burgeoning coffee culture, focusing on a curated selection of high-end, specialty coffee offerings, primarily emphasizing manual brew methods like pourovers.
However, the path for Topia proved challenging. Rayan Saoud, who joined Topia in July 2025 and has now emerged as the sole worker-owner, recounted the difficulties. "Topia struggled to find its footing and was ultimately going to close," Saoud stated in an interview with Daily Coffee News. "I did not want to allow that to happen." Saoud’s commitment to preserving the worker-owned model and his vision for a more accessible coffee shop spurred the significant changes.
The ownership transition saw Saoud take the helm, with marketing and development manager Sara Jane Kennelly-Gaither, formerly of Viva Coffee Roasters, slated to join him as a worker-owner in the near future. This leadership shift provided the impetus for a comprehensive reimagining of the business model. The two-month closure was not merely a pause but a period of deep introspection and strategic recalibration.
A New Identity: Affordability and Inclusivity at the Forefront
The most striking change under the Radical Bean Cooperative banner is the pronounced shift towards affordability. Saoud observed a disconnect between Topia’s previous offerings and the local community’s economic realities and desires. "There was a complete disconnect between the shop, the local community and economic climate," Saoud explained. "Topia was exclusively a higher end, boutique, pourover coffee shop."
Radical Bean Cooperative aims to bridge this gap by offering a broader spectrum of beverage options at more accessible price points. The menu now features $2 drip coffees as a cornerstone, designed to be an everyday staple for a wider range of customers. Alongside these affordable options, the cooperative continues to offer classic espresso drinks and pourovers, catering to specialty coffee enthusiasts. However, the menu has been significantly expanded to include a rotating collection of house-made beverages that draw inspiration from diverse global culinary traditions.
These innovative offerings include popular Latin American refreshments like aguas frescas and horchatas, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and a broader appeal. The tea selection has also been expanded, featuring selections from Churchill’s Fine Teas, a Cincinnati-based purveyor known for its quality. Saoud expressed enthusiasm for these additions, stating, "We wanted to make sure people knew Radical Bean was a completely new business, separate from the shop that was here before."
Beyond these new beverages, French press and Turkish coffee are slated to join the menu, further diversifying the brewing methods and cultural influences available to patrons. This deliberate expansion signals a desire to cater to a wider array of tastes and preferences, moving beyond the singular focus of its predecessor.
Community as the Cornerstone of Radical Bean
The transformation extends beyond the menu to encompass the very ethos of the cooperative. Radical Bean Cooperative is actively positioning itself as a community hub, weaving in programming and partnerships designed to foster local engagement and provide valuable resources.
"We proudly support the Democratic Socialists of America’s mission and hope to bring that foundational organizing to the streets, helping to build a stronger culture centered on the values of solidarity," Saoud articulated. This statement underscores a commitment to principles of collective well-being and mutual support, which are central to the cooperative’s operational philosophy.
The cooperative structure itself, where worker-owners participate directly in business governance and share in profits, is a tangible manifestation of these values. Saoud, who was introduced to the business through connections within the Metro Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America, sees this model as a powerful tool for economic empowerment and education. "Regarding being a worker-owned cooperative, we hope to share this necessary education with our neighbors so they may establish their own businesses from the ground up: by the people, for the people," he stated.
This commitment to community outreach is already evident in the cooperative’s activities. Radical Bean has hosted a variety of events, including game nights, karaoke sessions, and tea parties, creating opportunities for social interaction and connection. In a notable initiative, the cooperative is collaborating with Rothenburg Preparatory Academy, a nearby school, to offer drink vouchers as incentives for student attendance and academic achievement. This partnership highlights a dedication to supporting local youth and educational development.
Furthermore, Saoud revealed plans for even more extensive community programming. "We hope to work with the youth to offer extra educational opportunities like financial literacy workshops and other topics the public school system does not cover," he said. "We are also scheduled to work along the local DSA chapter and neighbors to help provide weekly meals in the park to promote neighborhood engagement." These initiatives demonstrate a proactive approach to addressing community needs and fostering a more cohesive neighborhood environment.
A Foundation in Local Partnerships and Sustainable Practices
The selection of local partners for Radical Bean Cooperative further reinforces its commitment to supporting the Cincinnati business ecosystem and upholding ethical practices. Coffee is currently sourced from Urbana, a local roaster recognized for its dedication to sustainability, community involvement, and ethical sourcing. Saoud specifically cited Urbana’s alignment with these values as a key reason for the partnership. "We chose Urbana because they are a reputable and established business driven by sustainability, community and ethical practices," he remarked.
Food offerings are provided by Dean’s Mediterranean, a local purveyor of Lebanese pastries, adding another layer of local flavor and support to the business’s supply chain. The cooperative’s location within the historic Volkshaus building, a landmark in northern Over-the-Rhine, also contributes to its unique character. The interior design has been thoughtfully curated to reflect a casual, residential ambiance, featuring thrifted furniture, vibrant colors, and local artwork, creating a welcoming and comfortable space for patrons.
The Vision for the Future: Expansion and Enduring Solidarity
Rayan Saoud brings a wealth of experience from over a decade in the hospitality industry, having worked in diverse roles across grocery stores, hotels, pop-ups, and restaurants. While his background spans from dishwashing to management, his direct experience as a barista is recent. This broad industry exposure has undoubtedly informed his comprehensive approach to revitalizing the cooperative.
Looking ahead, Saoud harbors ambitions for Radical Bean Cooperative to expand its reach beyond the physical café. Plans are in motion to venture into packaged coffee sales and distribution, a move that could significantly broaden the cooperative’s market presence. The long-term vision also includes the potential for in-house roasting, which would grant Radical Bean greater control over its product quality and supply chain, further aligning with its commitment to ethical and sustainable practices.
"We will continue to be a reference point for our neighbors regarding what is possible within a solidarity labor economy as long as they will have us," Saoud concluded, emphasizing the enduring commitment to the cooperative model and its potential to inspire other community-driven enterprises.
The relaunch of Radical Bean Cooperative represents more than just a change in name; it signifies a fundamental reimagining of what a community-focused coffee shop can be. By prioritizing affordability, fostering inclusivity, and actively engaging with its neighbors, Radical Bean is poised to become a vital and enduring presence in Cincinnati’s urban landscape, embodying the principles of solidarity and collective empowerment. The success of this transition will be closely watched as a potential model for other businesses seeking to align economic viability with social responsibility.
