Chic Spotlight: Molly Wellmann, owner of Japp’s
Cincy Chic: When did you start bartending and where?
Molly Wellmann, owner of Japp’s: Here in Cincinnati, I started to bartend at Chalk Food + Wine in Covington. They needed a bartender who could make classic cocktails and craft cocktails, and I said, "No problem." I became completely obsessed with it.
Cincy Chic: You’ve lived a few different places – tell me where, and then what brought you to Cincinnati?
Wellmann: I’ve lived in Cincinnati and San Francisco. I was born and raised in Cincinnati, so when I was ready, I moved back to my hometown to be closer to my family and settle down.
Cincy Chic: When and why did you get into craft cocktails?
Wellmann: I got into craft and classic cocktails three years ago when I started working at Chalk. They needed a bartender who could make classic and craft cocktails, and I needed a job. And I fell in love with the history and the creativity.
Cincy Chic: When and why did you get the idea to open Japp’s?
Wellmann: I wanted to open a place where I could make classic and craft cocktails in an environment that would support them. So, I teamed up with the guys who opened Neons and made it happen.
Cincy Chic: Tell me more about the coffee aspect of Japp’s – what’s the idea behind that?
Wellmann: We teamed up with Tazza Mia. They are to coffee as I am to cocktails. We don’t have a coffee maker: We have syphons and a continuous cold-drip tower to make the best coffee you have ever tasted. Not to mention our espresso machine, which is one of just 100 of its kind. The pope has the first one. We wanted to offer something besides just cocktails, so this bar is a place for everyone, even if you don’t drink alcohol.
Cincy Chic: What makes Japp’s different than other bars in town?
Wellmann: Well, we don’t have any TVs, we make classic cocktails with an explanation of what you’re drinking, we keep the music at a volume where you can talk to one another without screaming and we use fresh and unique ingredients.
Cincy Chic: I know you have big dreams for what you want to do with this bar. What are some of those things?
Wellmann: The sky’s the limit! I have some ideas, so stay tuned.
Cincy Chic: What’s next on the horizon for you?
Wellmann: Right now, Japp’s is my sole focus. I like to live in the present. I’m even more excited to see what’s going to happen!
