Radical Bean Wants to Rework the Coffee Model in Cincinnati

Images courtesy of Radical Bean Cooperative.

Cincinnati worker-owned coffee shop Topia Coffee Cooperative has reemerged as Radical Bean Cooperative following an ownership transition and two-month closure, with new branding and a fresh focus on affordability and community programming.

Topia first opened in November 2024 with support from Cincinnati cooperative development organization Co-op Cincy, which helped provide startup financing. The shop opened inside the historic Volkshaus building in northern Over-the-Rhine

Rayan Saoud told Daily Coffee News that he joined Topia in July 2025 and is now the sole worker-owner of the cooperative. Marketing and development manager Sara Jane Kennelly-Gaither, who previously managed Cincinnati-based Viva Coffee Roasters, is set to become a worker-owner soon. 

“Topia struggled to find its footing and was ultimately going to close,” Saoud said. “I did not want to allow that to happen.”

Under the cooperative structure, worker-owners participate in business governance and share in profits. Saoud said he was introduced to the business through connections at the Metro Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America.

“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 said. “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.”

Beyond the new branding, the business was substantially reworked during the two-month closure and ownership transition.

“We wanted to make sure people knew Radical Bean was a completely new business, separate from the shop that was here before,” said Saoud.

Whereas Topia emphasized a smaller specialty coffee menu centered on pourovers and other higher-priced offerings, Saoud has pushed Radical Bean toward affordability, broader international influences and more community programming.

“There was a complete disconnect between the shop, the local community and economic climate,” Saoud said. “Topia was exclusively a higher end, boutique, pourover coffee shop.”

The menu now includes $2 drip coffees alongside classic espresso drinks, pourovers and a rotating collection of house-made beverages drawing from different culinary traditions. Saoud said those include aguas frescas, horchatas and a broader tea selection. French press and Turkish coffee are also expected to join the menu.

The teas come from Cincinnati-based Churchill’s Fine Teas, while food offerings include Lebanese pastries from Dean’s Mediterranean. Coffee is currently roasted locally by Cincinnati-based Urbana.

“We chose Urbana because they are a reputable and established business driven by sustainability, community and ethical practices,” Saoud said.

The shop retains the historic character of its home in the Volkshaus building while leaning into a casual, residential feel through thrifted furniture, bright colors and artwork.

Meanwhile, community activity is central to the new identity. The cooperative has hosted events including game nights, karaoke, tea parties and adoption events. Saoud said Radical Bean is also working with nearby Rothenburg Preparatory Academy on drink vouchers that teachers can give students in recognition of attendance and academic achievement.

“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,” said Saoud. “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.”

Saoud came to the business after more than a decade working in hospitality, including in grocery stores, hotels, pop-ups and restaurants. He said he had worked jobs ranging from dishwashing and bartending to management, but had never previously worked as a barista. 

Now, fully immersed in the coffee business, Saoud said he hopes to expand Radical Bean into packaged coffee sales and distribution, with roasting potentially moving in-house.

“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,” said Saoud.

Radical Bean Cooperative is located at 123 E. McMicken Ave. in Cincinnati.

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