Business Shuts Down After Three Decades at Prime RiverCenter Location, Marking the Conclusion of an Era for Metropolitan Club
In a sombre turn of events, The Metropolitan Club (The Met Club), a Covington-based institution renowned for fostering collaboration and regional unity, has permanently closed its doors after 35 years of service. The closure, which took effect at the end of business on July 14, 2025, marks the end of an era for a venue that has been a key social and civic institution in the Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati areas.
Founded in 1991, The Met Club served as an exclusive social, event, and dining venue that brought together professionals and community leaders from both sides of the Ohio River. Over three decades, it was a trusted setting for civic leadership, networking, and community engagement, hosting signature events like the Metropolitan Award Dinner, a prestigious black-tie gala recognising regional leaders impacting the community’s unity and civic life.
The rise of remote work and fewer in-office meetings, a result of the post-COVID era, drastically reduced the traditional business gatherings and social events the club relied on. Alongside this, sustained cost increases in food, labor, and insurance made it increasingly difficult to operate the club sustainably. Despite efforts, the club consistently ran at a financial loss with no viable path to long-term recovery, leading to the board’s decision to close.
The Met Club played a significant role in strengthening the social and economic fabric of the Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati communities. It served as a hub for cross-river connection and collaboration, promoting a sense of community cohesion and regional identity. The club's role in championing community causes and fostering dialogue helped build relationships and facilitated cooperation between diverse groups and sectors.
The talented staff of The Metropolitan Club created the warm, professional environment for which the club was known. The Governors Room, with its sweeping views of the Cincinnati skyline, will remain a cherished memory for many. The legacy of The Metropolitan Club will endure through the relationships, initiatives, and sense of community it helped create for 35 amazing years.
The Met Club’s closure is not just an end, but also a beginning. The club is committed to assisting team members with alternative employment solutions, including referrals and job placement support, where possible. It will also be contacting all individuals and organisations with scheduled events to assist with next steps and alternative arrangements. All eligible employees of The Metropolitan Club will receive a severance package to help support their transition.
As we bid farewell to The Metropolitan Club, we remember its unwavering commitment to regional unity, professional gathering, and civic engagement. Its legacy will continue to inspire and shape the Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati communities for years to come.
[1] The Cincinnati Enquirer. (2025). The Metropolitan Club to close after 35 years. Retrieved from https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2025/07/01/the-metropolitan-club-to-close-after-35-years/11654113002/ [2] WCPO. (2025). The Metropolitan Club to close after 35 years. Retrieved from https://www.wcpo.com/news/local-news/the-metropolitan-club-to-close-after-35-years [3] Business Courier. (2025). The Metropolitan Club announces closure after 35 years. Retrieved from https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2025/07/01/the-metropolitan-club-announces-closure-after.html [4] The Metropolitan Club. (2025). Frequently Asked Questions. Retrieved from https://www.metclubcincy.com/faq [5] The Metropolitan Club. (2025). Statement from the Board of Directors. Retrieved from https://www.metclubcincy.com/statement-from-the-board-of-directors
- The Metropolitan Club, a Covington-based institution that fostered regional unity in Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati for 35 years, closed permanently at the end of July 2025.
- Founded in 1991, The Met Club served as an exclusive social, event, and dining venue for community leaders and professionals from both sides of the Ohio River.
- The club's role in championing community causes, fostering dialogue, and promoting a sense of community cohesion significantly strengthened the social and economic fabric of the Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati communities.
- The closure of The Met Club, which hosted renowned events like the Metropolitan Award Dinner, marks an end to an era but also presents opportunities for change, with the club committing to assisting team members with alternative employment solutions.
- In the post-COVID era, the rise of remote work and fewer in-office meetings drastically reduced traditional business gatherings and social events the club relied on, coupled with escalating costs in food, labor, and insurance.
- The Met Club played a crucial role in creating a warm, professional environment that fostered cross-river connections, building relationships, and facilitating cooperation between diverse groups, making it a cherished symbol of outdoor-living, home-and-garden, culture, and lifestyle in Covington, Kentucky, and Northern Kentucky.
