BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse is serving up summer in the boldest, most indulgent way possible—with the return of its beloved Graham Cracker S’mores Pizookie®, a fresh lineup of seasonal brews, including BJ’s Sweet Sin Chocolate Porter™, BJ’s Hard Root Beer and BJ’s Co-Hoperate Hazy Pils™, and the new All-American Smash Burger—perfect pairings for long summer days and starry nights.

The Graham Cracker S’mores Pizookie® is more than a dessert—it’s a full on summer vibe. Inspired by the nostalgic flavors of the classic campfire treat, this limited-time Pizookie® features a warm, gooey Ghirardelli® chocolate cookie base, topped with golden graham cracker crumbles, toasted marshmallows and two generous scoops of rich vanilla bean ice cream. Originally spun off from the cult-favorite Peanut Butter S’mores Pizookie®, this version ditches the peanut butter and adds in a twist that screams summer nights around a campfire.
Want s’more? This crave-worthy dessert returns just in time to accompany a lineup of seasonal brews and a new smash burger that are guaranteed to have you feeling the summer lovin’:
- BJ’s Hard Root Beer: A nostalgic yet modern take on a soda shop classic with flavors of vanilla, licorice, sassafras, wintergreen and molasses. Make it extra special by adding 2 scoops of our vanilla bean ice cream for a delicious adult root beer float!
- BJ’s Sweet Sin Chocolate Porter™: Crafted with real Ghirardelli® chocolate, just like the Graham Cracker S’mores Pizookie®, this silky, full-bodied porter is a dessert lover’s dream. With notes of both dark chocolate and roasted coffee, BJ’s new chocolate porter will have you wishing it was five o’clock already.
- BJ’s Co-Hoperate Hazy Pils™: A hybrid brew that blends the crisp refreshment of a pilsner with the soft, juicy hops of a hazy. This global collaboration with Germany’s König Brewery lets you take a transatlantic trip without the jet lag.
- All-American Smash Burger: Nothing says summer quite like BJ’s new All-American Smash Burger, a backyard cookout classic elevated to perfection. Featuring two perfectly smashed and seared beef patties topped with melty American cheese and BJ’s signature sauce, all nestled in a premium parker house bun, this mouthwatering creation delivers the perfect blend of crispy edges and juicy center that’ll transport you to a summertime BBQ. Available Monday through Friday as part of BJ’s $13 Pizookie® Meal Deal, complete with crispy fries and a personal Pizookie® for the ultimate indulgence.
“Summer is the time for making unforgettable memories with friends and loved ones—whether you’re clinking glasses over a refreshing, ice-cold brew or sharing stories around a campfire with an iconic s’more. So, we’re making it easy to savor the summer vibes with an all-new Pizookie® and an assortment of craft beers and hard root beer,” said Heidi Rogers, Senior Vice President of Marketing at BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. “Unlike other chains that outsource their beer production, BJ’s owns every step of the process, brewing in-house from grain to glass. This approach is central to our brewing philosophy and allows us to keep pushing the boundaries with artisanal offerings like the BJ’s Sweet Sin Chocolate Porter™, unique collaborations like our new Co-Hoperate Hazy Pils™ and a refreshing Hard Root Beer—perfect for an adult take on the classic soda. Plus, with the Graham Cracker S’more Pizookie®, you can indulge in the summer’s most iconic treat without striking a match.”
For more information on the Graham Cracker S’mores Pizookie®, Sweet Sin Chocolate Porter, Hard Root Beer, Co-Hoperate Hazy Pils, or All-American Smash Burger, visit www.bjsrestaurants.com.

After two remarkable years as the first food and beverage company to open inside the recently revitalized Dayton Arcade, Gather—owned by Shane Anderson—is ready for its next evolution. Anderson is joining forces with Charlie Carroll and Hospitalité Group to temporarily close Gather and reimagine the space as Lucho, a bold burrito, taco, mezcal, and espresso bar, set to reopen in July.
Thank you, Dayton.


Calling all paddlers! Join us for a fun paddle event on the Great Miami River. The GREAT Float returns on July 11 in Dayton, Ohio!







After 32 years of exceptional leadership and dedicated service to her hometown, Jacquelyn “Jacquie” Powell, President & CEO of Destination Dayton®, has announced her retirement, marking the end of a remarkable era in Montgomery County’s tourism and hospitality industry.
Details about the transition and the search for new leadership will be announced in the coming weeks. Powell will remain in her role through December 2025 to ensure a smooth transition and support the organization during this pivotal moment of change.
Doug Hart: Doug Hart, a Dayton, OH native, discovered his passion for music early, starting with the trumpet and later teaching himself guitar. Influenced by iconic bands like Van Halen and Led Zeppelin, Doug formed his first band post-high school and eventually immersed himself in blues, inspired by legends like Stevie Ray Vaughan. In 1998, he founded the Doug Hart Band (DHB), which has become a staple in the southwest Ohio blues scene, competing in the International Blues Challenge and performing at renowned venues such as Buddy Guy’s Legends and B.B. King’s in Memphis. Doug released his debut album “Reckless Life” in 2005, with a follow-up in progress. The current DHB lineup includes Rob Thaxton on bass and Craig Comer on drums, promising a dynamic blues/rock experience.
Anthony Gomes: Anthony Gomes, a Canadian vocalist, guitarist, songwriter, and producer, electrifies blues and rock with his powerful performances. Known for his fret-burning guitar skills, he has topped the Billboard Blues Chart, earned endorsements from legends like B.B. King, and performed globally. His latest album, “High Voltage Blues,” showcases his unique blend of blues and rock. Gomes has shared the stage with icons such as Buddy Guy and Joe Bonamassa, and his music continues to captivate audiences worldwide.