( Cincinnati ) Mahogany's has opened at The Banks, in about 3,500 square feet of space along East Freedom Way. Right now, the upscale soul food restaurant is in a "soft" opening, with plans for a grand opening soon, but co-owner Liz Rogers says business has been good.

Rogers and her business received plenty of criticism when Cincinnati offered her about $1 million in incentives to establish her resturant at the Banks, when it was revealed that Rogers owed money to the IRS from a previous business. 

Talking with our own Bill Cunningham, Rogers defended the way the deal was worked out, saying she provided all relevant documentation to the city and all of the money went not to her, but to the business. More than $600,000 was given to a construction company to renovate the space and about $300,000 went to buy equipment for the eatery. Rogers says she was called the n-word and received death threats because of the scrutiny that members of the media and some city leaders gave to her deal, despite much larger deals between the city and other restaurants that have opened at The Banks.

Rogers says it's especially difficult to be a black, woman entrepeneur but is committed to offering good food in a welcoming atmosphere at her current resturant in Hamilton and at the new location at The Banks.

For more information about Mahogany's Cafe and Grill, click here.