If you’ve been wandering around The Comet or hitting up HighGrain Brewery lately, you might have noticed something a little different in the corner. It’s not your average snack machine—unless you consider hand-crafted enamel pins and gag gifts to be “snacks” for the creative spirit.
Otiose Vending Machines are the latest local sensation, and they are officially reclaiming the term “frivolous” for the greater good.
What is “Otiose”?
Founded by local artists Jessica Wolf and Tracy Updike (co-owners of Otiose Emporium), the name literally means “frivolous” or “something not necessary but bringing joy.” In a world of deadlines and digital noise, these machines offer a physical, tactile burst of community.
Why It’s Making Waves
- Support for Local Makers: Instead of big-brand chips, you’ll find treasures from vendors like Pop Rocket Creations and Happy Groundhog.
- Art on the Go: It turns the “vending experience” into a miniature gallery visit. You might walk out with a new piece of jewelry, a local CD, or a quirky stationery set.
- Family Friendly: Parents have been flocking to them at local breweries, providing a fun “treasure hunt” for kids while the adults enjoy a craft brew.
“The response has been overwhelmingly positive,” says Wolf. “It’s about bringing a little piece of Cincinnati’s artistic heart into the places people already gather.”
Where to Find Your “Frivolous” Treasure
The duo has been busy expanding since early 2025. You can currently find these joy-dispensers at:
- The Comet (Northside)
- HighGrain Brewery (Silverton & Brentwood locations)
- The American Sign Museum (Camp Washington)
It’s a small thing, but in the spirit of “Cincinnati Good News,” it’s a perfect reminder that sometimes the most “unnecessary” things are the ones that bring us the most community connection.
By Marcus “Cincy” Brown, Cincinnati Good News Staff Writer
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