For years, Marvin Smith and Ollie’s Trolley have been an unforgettable part of the Longworth-Anderson Series (LAS) experience, bringing warmth, creativity, and generosity to Memorial Hall.
A Cincinnati icon with a heart for people, Marvin has built Ollie’s Trolley into far more than a restaurant. It’s a place where neighbors feel cared for, customers become regulars, and community is always at the center. His impact has reached so many people that the city honored him with Marvin Smith Way, a fitting tribute to the legacy he continues to build.
At LAS, Marvin has been a remarkable long-term partner. Whether he’s serving comfort food, tailoring a menu to the evening’s artist, or welcoming patrons with the same joy and care he brings to everything he does, Marvin helps make our pre-concert receptions personal and memorable.
We’re grateful to share this Q&A with Marvin, reflecting on his partnership with LAS, the story of Ollie’s Trolley, and the food, music, art, and relationships that have shaped his life.
What’s it been like partnering with LAS over the years?
I’ve looked forward to every event, anticipating what the crowd would be like. How many people would show up? How could I match the food with the music and/or the artist’s roots, ethnicity, or the weather? Will it be cold and rainy or wet? Warm, hot, or sunshine? It’s been my absolute pleasure to have the opportunity to be a “food artist,” free to express myself and deliver pure artistry.
What do you enjoy most about serving food in a historic space like Memorial Hall?
The glow, the smiles, the warmth on people’s faces as they dutifully select from what I have gathered for them “buffet-style.” It’s amazing the success we have had in bringing the right variety of food for an always-changing and loyal repeat audience base. We actually have customers who request that we bring some menu items they liked for the next concert! And, of course, I’m happy to do so.
Food has such a powerful way of bringing people together. How do you see that connection playing out at events like LAS?
A lot of people have told me personally that they come for the food and the atmosphere of sharing the food in such a cozy, warm environment! It has to do with what some would call “comfort food.” So, I consistently try to have something for everyone. Vegetarians, meat choices, ethnic influences, vegan, fast food. Examples we have had: Greek spaghetti, tacos. Walking tacos, collard greens, Italian sausages with peppers and onions, fried chicken, deep-fried turkey, crowd-favorite brisket sliders, and our world-class “OLLIEBURGER.”
For those who may not know the full story, how would you describe Ollie’s Trolley and its place in Cincinnati?
The people in the community describe Ollie’s Trolley as a place we have of our own. A place where no one in the community goes hungry. A place that represents thousands of customers over the years that just keep coming back for the good food, good service, community spirit, and kind words to “Mr. Ollie” not to sell the restaurant or leave the neighborhood.
What has been most meaningful to you about building relationships with organizations, patrons, and community partners through Ollie’s?
It’s not always about money! It’s relationships! I brought no money to Cincinnati, OH, when I moved here in the early 1980s. I brought an honorable discharge from the United States Air Force, a GI Bill-funded college education in economics from Wittenberg University, attended Xavier University as a veteran, and earned a master’s degree in administration. Learned to build relationships!!!!!!! Ollie’s Trolley opened on December 7, 1993. Good food, good service. Good RELATIONSHIPS!
Food and art both seem to be such important parts of your life. How have those passions shaped who you are?
I love food. I love to cook.
I married my college sweetheart, Dorothy M. Smith.
Art Student, Wittenberg University
Master of Arts Degree
Retired Art Teacher 33 years
Author: The Bullying Bee
Artist Studio
Pendleton Art Center (currently)
I married my college sweetheart, Dorothy M. Smith.
I married ART!!!
What is your first or favorite memory of live music?
Four friends and I, at 9-14 years old in Springfield, OH, would sing the blues on street corners and everywhere we could, and people back in the day would listen. We never made it big time. But passersby actually put money in a hat on the ground. Some local juke joints actually paid us a few dollars to show up and sing the blues.
Is there a song or artist that always puts you in a good mood?
Whitney Houston - “I’ll Always Love You”
If Ollie’s Trolley had a soundtrack, what song would have to be on it?
Aretha Franklin - “Respect”
Is there a concert, artist, or song that takes you back to a specific time in your life?
Frank Sinatra - “My Way”
What’s a song that reminds you of Cincinnati, community, or celebration?
James Brown - “I Don’t Want Nobody To Give Me Nothing”
Open the door
I’ll get it myself…………
What was your first concert?
B.B. King
What is your favorite item on the Ollie’s Trolley menu?
Lincoln Ware Breakfast Cup with scrambled eggs/pepper jack cheese, grits, veggie bacon, diced tomatoes, grilled onions, jalapeño peppers, fried potatoes, and onions.
Is there one dish that you feel best represents Ollie’s?
Ollieburger and Ollie Fries; Deep-Fried Turkey.
What’s one meal, memory, or flavor that takes you back to childhood?
Fresh-boiled green beans and cut-up potatoes that we grew in our backyard garden, cornbread, fried chicken backs (affordable at that time). When my mother cooked this meal, we, as a family of 12 children plus Mom and Dad, could eat all we wanted! Those were the good old days. We were never hungry!!!
