Better Blend, a Northern Kentucky brand founded by Isaac Hamlin, is set to open its first Covington location inside SparkHaus. The company, which began in 2018, will occupy the first-floor cafe space of SparkHaus, a new hub for entrepreneurship in Northern Kentucky.
The cafe aims to inspire creativity and foster connections while providing refreshments and community engagement. It will also feature a retail section showcasing local entrepreneurs and serve as a pop-up space. Hamlin expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity, stating, “We’re so excited for the opportunity to serve the Covington community in this unique way.”
Better Blend specializes in smoothies and smoothie bowls focused on healthy ingredients. The brand's mission is to make healthy eating accessible through fast and filling options that do not compromise on taste or nutrition.
The SparkHaus location will help Better Blend expand its presence in Covington and grow its catering business. Dave Knox, executive director of Blue North, remarked on the partnership: “Better Blend has quickly become a key entrepreneurial success story for Northern Kentucky.”
SparkHaus was unveiled as part of a collaboration between Kenton County, the Northern Kentucky Port Authority, and Blue North to support local entrepreneurs with resources necessary for growth. Construction started in late September under Urban Sites' leadership with City Studio as architect.
The $16 million project has backing from various organizations including the Commonwealth of Kentucky and several foundations such as Catalytic Fund and Carol Ann & Ralph V. Haile Foundation. SparkHaus is scheduled to open by late summer 2025.