Cinsei, the Black-owned matcha-and-manga pop-up that launched in Over-the-Rhine last summer, is gearing up to leave weekend-only life behind. Owners Kendall and Jaleesa Ross are planning to move into a street-level storefront at 32 E. 13th Street for what they say will be their first full-service cafe, with an opening targeted as soon as April. If it comes together on schedule, the shift would turn Cinsei from a periodic pop-up into a regular neighborhood hangout built around drinks, manga shelves and small events.
According to What Now Columbus, the Rosses have signed the lease for 32 E. 13th, which the outlet notes sits on the south side of Madison Road in the stretch of the city it identifies as East Walnut Hills. On social media, the owners told followers they are seeking $100,000 to speed up build-out and hiring, adding, “Reaching that number would be incredible but CinSei’s future doesn’t depend on it.” What Now Columbus also reports the site previously housed Coffia.
Cinsei first appeared as a pop-up in late summer 2025 at 1542 Pleasant Street in Over-the-Rhine, drawing attention for its matcha drinks, music and manga-lined shelves, as covered by Cincinnati Magazine. The cafe’s own online storefront lists the Pleasant Street location along with a menu that features matcha lattes, hojicha and pastries, and it promotes manga sales and community gatherings. The site for Cinsei also includes a donate option that the owners have been using to support their next phase.
Where the new shop will sit
The address at 32 E. 13th has most recently been home to Coffia, a Colombian-inspired coffee shop that was profiled by CityBeat when it opened. That stretch of Madison Road has seen a steady churn of independent concepts and relocations, including the arrival of 6 ‘N The Mornin’ on a nearby corner, noted in a local retail update from OnSite Retail Group, and acclaimed bakery-cafe Cafe Mochiko a short walk away.
What Cinsei will offer
The Rosses describe Cinsei as a hybrid concept: a matcha-forward cafe that doubles as a manga and small-press book hub. The current pop-up menu puts matcha lattes front and center, alongside pistachio matcha, hojicha drinks and pastries, and the shop sells manga volumes both in person and through its online store, according to Cinsei. The owners have also been hosting block-party pop-ups, cosplay meetups and music-driven events, gradually building a following around the cafe’s blend of cafe culture and fandom.
Timeline and next steps
What Now Columbus reports that the Rosses are still nailing down build-out details but are tentatively aiming to open in April, with the fundraising push meant to help keep that target in play. The outlet noted it had reached out to the owners for more comment and said its coverage could be updated as the founders lock in specific dates and staffing plans…