LaRosa's enters Oxford market

        OXFORD — A Cincinnati pizza tradition is coming to this college town. LaRosa's Pizzeria broke ground at 21 Lynn Ave. April 12 and plans to open this summer.

        Company president Mike LaRosa said the company has been eyeing Oxford for quite a while, but waited for just the right high-traffic location.

        Mr. LaRosa's son Nick will help prepare for the opening after he graduates from Miami University May 6, but the franchise's owner/operator is Tim Phalen. Mr. Phalen owns another LaRosa's restaurant, in Roselawn.

        The new eatery will employ 50-70 people and will deliver within a five-mile radius. Information: 821-8071.
       

Fitworks opens on west side

        WHITE OAK — Fitworks Fitness Center established its first west-side location April 7 with the opening of a 19,000-square-foot facility at 5040 Cheviot Road.

        The center offers free weights, cardiovascular equipment, group fitness programs, circuit training and rehabilitation programs, according to Duane Hunt, director of marketing and advertising. For clients' convenience, the center also features on-site supervised play areas for children, and extended hours.

        Fitworks, based in Richmond Heights, Ohio, has locations in Florence, Newport, Norwood, Forest Park and West Chester. Information: (877) FEEL FIT.
       

Advance leaves Lower Price Hill

        LOCKLAND — To enhance its manufacturing capabilities, Advance Finishing & Display has moved from its plant in Lower Price Hill to a larger one at 605 N. Wayne Ave.

        The company, which serves the graphic arts industry with products such as point-of-purchase displays, has tripled its production space and added several new pieces of equipment to speed the manufacturing process. Advance will now manage product design, printing, laminating, die cutting, assembly, contract packaging, distribution and warehousing.

        According to president Bill Haman, the company maintains a 20 percent annual growth rate. Information: 921-6161.
       

CRC, fabric artists launch boutique

        A collaborative effort between the Cincinnati Recreation Commission and fabric artists has resulted in the opening of a boutique at Butterfield Center. The Oasis opened April 8 and features original women's wear and accessories.

        “You won't find any assembly-line items here,” said Bobbie Corbean, a downtown resident and artist who helps staff the shop. “Nearly everything in the shop is hand made by local artists and crafters.”

        In addition to appliqued and painted women's clothing, the boutique carries jewelry, ceramics, hats, purses and hand-painted luggage and briefcases. Volunteer artists whose work is on sale will staff the shop.

        The Oasis is open Monday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Information: 352-3654.
       

Metro Bagels feeding Warren County

        DEERFIELD TOWNSHIP — Bagels are just one of the baked goods available at Metro Bagels, which opened in late March at 9540 Mason Montgomery Road. The shop also features muffins, pastries, cookies, breads and sandwiches. There's a full-service coffee bar and a selection of fruit smoothies.

        Bagels, however, are the shop's centerpiece, and are made on site in an exhibition kitchen. Customers can watch the process.

        Metro offers dine-in or carry-out from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Friday and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday.

        Information: 339-0027.

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