Dayton937

Things to do in Dayton | Restaurants, Theatre, Music and More

Lisa Grigsby

Panda Express Launching Crispy Sesame Shrimp & Beef

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Panda Express is delivering the ultimate mashup of flavors in its newest seasonal launch, Crispy Sesame Shrimp & Beef.  Crispy Sesame Shrimp & Beef is available nationwide for a limited time. This premium surf and turf duo combines two craveable proteins into one delectable, sesame-fueled bite.

Panda Express is shaking up its menu with its newest limited time offering: Crispy Sesame Shrimp & Beef. This new and adventurous entrée delivers a bold and flavorful American Chinese flavor fusion, combining two fan-favorites into one dish.

Crafted on the wok, the dish features succulent shrimp in a crunchy tempura batter and crispy beef strips, perfectly complemented by crisp veggies and a savory, subtly spicy umami sauce inspired by the classic Sichuan dish, Mouthwatering Chicken. The entrée takes the battered shrimp and beef fans know and love from the brand’s Honey Walnut Shrimp and Beijing Beef and gives them a bold new Panda spin—coated in punchy, aromatic flavors and packed with layered textures all in one serving.

Wednesdays are for the Wok: Play, Wok, Win! Earn & Redeem an exclusive Panda Rewards gift* Every Wok Wednesday

Panda Rewards members can learn how to cook like a Wok Star and unlock exclusive Panda Reward gifts* on the Panda app. With Wok Wednesdays, guests can:

Experience a fun & exciting game where players catch the special ingredients for Panda Express’ most craveable dishes, including the new Crispy Sesame Shrimp & Beef and wok-toss them to cook to perfection

Unlock exclusive reward offers for use on the same day

“With the introduction of Wok Wednesday, we are giving our guests a dynamic new way to connect with Panda Express,” said Nidhin Mattappally, Vice President of Digital Business and Guest Care at Panda Express. “This app-based game is designed to celebrate the art of wok cooking while providing Panda Rewards members with exclusive opportunities to earn and redeem rewards, enhancing the value of every visit.”

Run, don’t wok, to try this season’s newest comfort food craving.  Guests can rack up Panda Points towards their next bite by joining Panda Rewards, downloading the Panda Express app in the App store or on Google Play, and leveling up every week with Wok Wednesdays. For more details and to find a Panda Express near you, visit PandaExpress.com and pandaex.press/wok-wed, or follow them on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X.

Mediterranean Restaurant Now Open in Centerville

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Sam pictured here with his wife Ruygul and their daughter.

Owner Selahattin “Sam” Kizilelma grew up in a family that owned many restaurants and hotels  in Istanbul, Turkey. He grew up in the restaurant, often doing the dishes, and learning to cook from his grandmother and aunts.

He came to the United States about 15 years, worked several jobs and none of them just felt right.  He missed the family business.  So about 8 years ago he started looking for a spot to open a restaurant.

He chose the former La Piñata in a Centerville strip center, since it was already equipped with a kitchen. After a major renovation, he’s added traditional Turkish decor and is now opening the doors for a soft opening.

 

Dining Room

The Anatolian Grill Mediterranean Cuisine is welcoming guests to try their kebabs,  pastas, plus chicken, lamb, beef and seafood menu items. He says each day he’s adding to the menu.

 

I started with a bowl of the Lentil soup which was served with fresh hot bread. Then I had the lamb chops, which came with 4 chops, rice and vegetables. The meat was incredible tender and cooked perfectly.

Then with true hospitality Sam insisted I try their special Cinnamon Baklava, with a cup of Turkish coffee, which is served with a piece of Turkish Delight- a traditional confection based on a gel of starch and powdered sugar.  Turkish coffee is known for its strong taste and is a significant part of social and cultural traditions in Turkey and the Middle East.  

Pictured here, their more traditional baklava with crushed pistachios.

Anatolian Grill Mediterranean Cuisine
1069 S. Main St
Centerville, OH 45458

Open daily 11am – 10pm

A lunch menu will be added soon.  A liquor license has been applied for and they are awaiting it from the state.

Be sure and visit and tell them DaytonDining sent you

A New Family Friendly Halloween Adventure in Town

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A brand new Halloween inspired experience will be opening up next week in Dayton that runs for just 19 days- Oct 15 – Nov 2nd.  Oct 16th & 17th are already sold out! Created by a team that has years of experience in theater set design, the details created will impress you and make for a memorable outing.
When you step into Blackwood Manor this Halloween season —you’ll experience  a one-of-a-kind, NOT-scary family friendly event,  filled with food, fun, and unforgettable memories. One ticket takes you from dinner in the Great Hall to 7 more themed rooms, each filled with playful challenges, prizes, and candy.  The 2 hour experience will include:
While it is still under construction, Zac Pitts has a behind the scenes tour of what you can expect:

Perfect for kids, parents, and even grandparents — this is Halloween re-imagined as a night of laughter, adventure, and surprises !Best for children 4+, but all ages welcome. All parking FREE including Handicapped. Doors open 15 minutes before event start

 For just $34.95- $36.95  your ticket includes:
🍽️ A full dinner served at long manor tables

LUNCH/ DINNER Menu:
• Meat or Meatless Lasagna
• Green Beans
• Garlic Bread
* Children’s meal option – Chicken Nuggets & Mac-n-Cheese
•Ice Cream Bars

Also included is your choice of tea, lemonade or water.
If you have an allergy, please email them so they can discuss options for you


🕹️ 14 interactive games & challenges
🎁 Candy & prizes to collect along the way
🌌 7 magical themed rooms to explore — spooky atmosphere, never scary
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Perfect for kids, parents, and even grandparents — this is Halloween re-imagined as a night of laughter, adventure, and surprises!
⚡️ But don’t wait — tickets are limited and selling quickly. Once they’re gone, the Manor doors will close!
👉 Reserve your tickets now before it’s too late!

Blackwood Manor
5679 Webster Street
Dayton, OH 45414

On the map it’s a warehouse,
but inside it’s Blackwood Manor.

Meals by Culinarian Students at The Greene Room

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The wait is over—The Greene Room at Greene County Career Center is opening to the public!
Join us on October 9th & 10th from 10:30 AM–12:30 PM as we kick off our first service of the season.
 Plus, don’t miss our first Saturday restaurant on October 25th, open 10:30 AM–2:00 PM.

Come enjoy delicious meals prepared and served by our talented Culinary Arts students at GCCC!

Greene County Career Center

532 Innovation Drive,
Xenia, OH 45385

(937) 372-6941

Fundraising Farm To Table Dinner

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This Saturday night you’ve got the opportunity to attend an exclusive fundraising farm dinner celebrating the power of community partnership and impact.  Held outside  at Oak & Ember Farms this  multi-course culinary experience is designed to showcase the powerful impact of community partnerships.

The evening will feature a 7-course tasting menu with expertly curated wine pairings, prepared by some of the region’s most celebrated culinary talents:

• Chef Jorge Guzmán — Executive Chef and Partner at Sueño & Three Birds, . A three-time James Beard “Best Chef: Midwest” finalist (including a semi-finalist nod in 2022), Jorge brings influences from Yucatán and Mexico City, reimagined with inventive technique and deep-rooted authenticity . His cooking is deeply personal, inspired by memories of family meals—like frijol con puerco, the Yucatecan pork and bean stew he says “reminds me of home” .

• Chef Sarah Kirnon — A visionary West Indian chef (born in England, raised in Barbados) known for her Afro‑Caribbean cuisine and soulful culinary storytelling. She founded Miss Ollie’s in Oakland, CA—named after her grandmother—which became a beloved institution celebrated for its fried chicken, saltfish and ackee, and community roots . Kirnon’s food channels the Caribbean’s rich cultural diaspora, offering warm, soulful dishes deeply tied to family and heritage .

• Chef Zack Weiner — Co‑owner and co‑executive chef of Jollity and Koji Burger in Dayton’s Fire Blocks District. Zack honed his skills at Miami Valley CTC and The Midwest Culinary Institute, then trained under James Beard Award–winner Anne Kearney at Rue Dumaine in Dayton before launching the vibrant, seasonally driven Jollity—a name that reflects its spirit: “lively or cheerful activity or celebration” .

Together, these three chefs form a dynamic ensemble—each rooted in tradition yet pushing culinary boundaries—set to craft a memorable tasting menu that reflects their shared commitment to creativity, community, and connection.

Special Guest: Floyd Adams brings over 15 years of experience in the beverage industry, beginning his career in fine dining and advancing through roles as a bartender and sommelier at the esteemed restaurant Sardinia in Nashville, TN. His deep knowledge of wine and hospitality laid the foundation for a transition into the business side of the industry, where he developed expertise in both distribution and supply chain operations. This comprehensive understanding of the market led to his current role as National Sales Manager at Laureate Imports. A passionate advocate for wine education, Floyd is especially dedicated to highlighting lesser-known regions. Through his leadership, he plays a key role in introducing American audiences to the rich winemaking heritage of Slovenia.

Your participation directly furthers the Oak & Ember Foundation Foundation’s mission to build sustainable community partnerships that fuel meaningful, lasting impact—well beyond the evening itself.

Their flagship program is a weekly partnership with the Kettering Alternative Program (K.A.P.), a division of Fairmont High School. This program engages reluctant learners and at-risk students through nature and regenerative farming immersion. Students can also earn an Environmental Science Seal and a Local Community Service Seal, which can be applied towards graduation credits. In just a few short years, they have interacted with several hundred students through their pilot program with Fairmount High School.

Throughout the night, attendees will have multiple opportunities to contribute—whether through capital gifts, pledges, or conversations about becoming long-term strategic partners.

Oak & Ember Farms

2645 Olt Road
Dayton, OH 45417

Get tickets for Saturday, October 11 · 6 – 10pm, $250/person

Can’t make Saturday’s event, you can still support the Oak & Amber Foundation
with a donation, or volunteer at the farm. Also stay tuned for four events in 2026 including a Wine & Culture Festival being planned for Fall 2026.

 

National Taco Day Deals

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The earliest version of an official Taco Day originated in San Antonio in the 1960s, according to L.A. Taco, when a city councilman named Roberto L. Gomez promoted a Taco Day as part of Mexican heritage celebrations — a community effort to recognize the cultural impact of tacos.

Over time, other cities adopted it, and eventually, big fast-food chains piggybacked on the idea and began using October 4 as the unofficial date. However, in 2024, Taco Bell partnered with National Day Calendar to officially move National Taco Day to the first Tuesday in October, aligning it with Taco Tuesday.

  • Azul Agave: $1.50 hard or soft shell tacos

  •  Bubbakoo’s Burritos:Through Oct. 7 loyalty members can enjoy a buy one, get one free deal on the chain’s Dos Tacos entrée.

  • Chiapas Mexican Grill Moraine: Hard & Soft Tacos – just $1.99 each, 16 oz Regular Margaritas – $4.99 all day!
  • Chuy’s: The Tex-Mex chain with more than 100 locations across the U.S. offers National Taco Day deals that include a $1 taco with any entrée purchase and $1 tequila or rum floaters added to your margarita order. And if you dress like a taco – or wear any “taco-inspired costume” – you get a free entrée.

Wagyu Ramen 2 Day Event

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Bushido Ramen on Wilmington Pike will be hosting a special 2 day Wagyu Ramen special event.  Featuring A5-grade Wagyu chashu from Japan, a rich, umami-packed broth, and handmade noodles—this is our ultimate bowl of ramen, infused with passion and care.

Why should you come?
— Because plain noodles are for amateurs. We’re serving up premium Japanese Wagyu beef in your ramen. That’s right, Wagyu… the Justin Bieber of beef.
— This isn’t your average “packet ramen at 2am” experience. It’s the kind of bowl you’ll brag about for years (or at least until your next food coma).
— Meet the legendary Ramen Master OTA San in person. Warning: slurping in front of him may result in you being knighted with a noodle.
— Seriously, it’s rare to find something this authentic without buying a plane ticket to Japan (and your passport photo probably looks terrible anyway).
⚠️ Heads up!
Wagyu isn’t cheap (cows this pampered charge appearance fees). Because of the high price, we highly recommend snagging your tickets ahead of time so you don’t miss out.
🎟️ Get yours here:
Bring your appetite, bring your friends, and definitely bring stretchy pants.

KFC Brings Back Original Honey BBQ

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After winning hearts with the return of fan-obsessed Wedges and Wings, the fried chicken icon is turning up the flavor once again by answering one of the most requested menu demands of all time: the return of Original Honey BBQ, starting October 6th

Original Honey BBQ Combo
Original Honey BBQ Combo

First introduced in the late 1990s, Original Honey BBQ quickly became a cult classic thanks to its perfect balance of sweet and smoky flavor that made KFC chicken even more finger lickin’ good ®. Over time, fans have taken to social media begging for its comeback, trading copycat recipes, and reminiscing about the one-of-a-kind sauce. Now, after years of anticipation, KFC is finally giving the people what they want.

 

And this time, it’s bigger than ever. For the first time, fans can now enjoy the iconic sauce on all of their KFC favorites -– from classic pieces of chicken to the beloved KFC Chicken Sandwich and even tenders.

With all that sweet, tangy, sticky glory, you’ll be thankful the Colonel was ahead of the game — introducing a wet napkin to his chicken lovers over 60 years ago, making KFC the first restaurant chain to offer a handy, moist towelette. So naturally, we had to go even bigger. Just like Original Honey BBQ, these napkins got the comeback glow-up as well. The brand surprised some of its most obsessed fans with a wet napkin large enough to clean their hands, their table…and probably their entire family.

“KFC’s Original Honey BBQ wasn’t just a menu offering, it became a cultural touchstone that fans have been craving and asking us to bring back for years,” said Catherine Tan-Gillespie, President, KFC U.S. “What better way to continue our KFC comeback than to bring back this legendary flavor and reintroduce it in a bigger and bolder way — on everything.”

Throwback Pricing for KFC’s Chicken Sandwich
KFC is also offering fans a throwback deal: its Chicken Sandwich for just $3.99 With a price like that, you’ll think you’ve traveled back in time. Don’t let the small price fool you — hungry patrons get big value with their choice of Classic or Spicy, each made with an Extra Crispy™ chicken breast filet on a toasted brioche bun, topped with pickles and the Colonel’s real mayo (or spicy mayo). What’s more, KFC is proud to say that their Chicken Sandwich is bigger than Chick Fil A®’s AND available on Sundays.***

Scary Good Deals
But that’s not all — just in time for Halloween, KFC is delivering Scary Good Deals exclusively for Rewards members via the KFC app and website, making value as craveable as flavor. For 13 days leading up to October 31, members can unlock special offers on some of their favorite menu items, such as: a Free Classic Chicken Sandwich w/ $10 purchase, 50% off 12pc chicken only bucket and 50 Pc Nuggets for $20.****

 

New Take & Serve Sliders from Honey Baked Ham

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This football season, The Honey Baked Ham Company® is kicking off with something new: Take & Serve Tavern Club Sliders. Ready to serve straight from the package with no prep required, they’re perfect for hosts looking to grab and go straight to their tailgate or homegate.

New Take & Serve Tavern Club Sliders

“As someone who lives and breathes football, I know how much food brings people together on game day,” said Laura Rutledge, host and reporter for ESPN. “Sliders are always a fan favorite, and HoneyBaked’s new Take & Serve Sliders make it easy for me to show up with something everyone will love—they save me time, make it look like I went all out and are delicious.”

HoneyBaked’s Take & Serve Sliders feature the brand’s iconic sweet and savory flavors that fans know and love, with Honey Baked Ham® and Smoked Turkey Breast with Bacon and Cheddar Cheese, all piled high on soft, fluffy King’s Hawaiian® Rolls.

Now through the end of October, fans can score any two slider 12-packs for just $44.99 at participating locations. Each 12-pack comes with sides of mayonnaise and honey mustard so tailgate guests can customize to their taste preferences.

For hosts who want to score with winning spreads this football season, HoneyBaked® delivers with crave-worthy sides like Double Cheddar Mac & Cheese, Smoky HoneyBaked Beans, and Loaded Smashed Potatoes, plus fan-favorite condiments including Hickory Honey Mustard and Tantalizing BBQ Sauce.

“At HoneyBaked, we’re all about premium, delicious flavors for life’s best moments, like game day,” said Chef Tim, Culinary Expert at The Honey Baked Ham Company. “We do the work for you – crafting Take & Serve Sliders with hearty portions of meat and cheese that pair perfectly with convenient Heat & Serve sides –so you can elevate your spread without spending hours in the kitchen.”

HoneyBaked’s Take & Serve Sliders and more gameday offerings are available at your nearest HoneyBaked location. Or visit honeybaked.com to order online and pick up in store before your next gathering.

 

Drink Pink for Breast Wishes in October

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Throughout the month of October, local bars, restaurants, and cafes are turning their drinks pink in support of the Breast Wishes Foundation. Every time you order a featured Drink Pink beverage, a portion of the proceeds helps grant wishes to individuals living with breast cancer.

Founded in 2017 by Elesha Snyder and Mandi Snyder-Moore, Breast Wishes Foundation was created in memory of their sister Kelli James. Kelli’s joyful spirit continues to inspire our work and mission.

To date, they have granted over 400 wishes and raised $1,000,000 to support breast cancer patients. Their ongoing goal is to expand our reach and provide even more assistance to those in need. They  serve the greater Miami Valley region, specifically Montgomery County and the seven surrounding counties of Butler, Clark, Darke, Greene, Miami, Preble and Warren.

Founding member Elesha Snyder says this idea came up last year when talking with Emily Mendenhall of Lily’s, talking about how they could turn the Oregon District Pink for October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the idea grew bigger, and they’ve got about 30 partners on board for this first year promotion.

Visit participating locations, order a drink and from cocktails to mocktails, every sip supports a wish.

Centerville:
BravoHidden Gem Music Club
Mack’s Tavern
Manna
Thai Village
Beavercreek/Fairborn
Black Rock Bar & Grill
Courtyard Bistro in Marriott Beavercreek
Double Tree Hilton The Wright Place
Knollwood Tavern
Packy’s Restaurant and Sports Lounge
Dayton
Belle of Dayton
Blind Bob’s
Carmichael’s Pub
Joui Wine
Lily’s
Lucky’s Taproom & Eatery
Tender Mercy
Wheat Penny Oven and Bar
Eaton
Fraternal Order of Eagles #2022
Kettering
The Phone Booth Lounge
Liberty Township/Mason/West Chester
Brio Liberty Center
Bravo West Chester
Bravo Deerfield
Springboro
Heather’s Coffee & Cafe
Troy
Crafted & Cured
Haren’s Market
Speakeasy Miso
Xenia
            Country Club of the North
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Win While You Give

Can’t make it out to a location, You can still participate.  For every $10 donated you’ll get  1 entry into the Drink Pink giveaway, featuring a basket full of gift certificates to  participating bars and restaurants.


You can also text DRINKPINK to 53-555 to donate.

Skyline Chili Re-Releases Skyline Spice Ice Cream for National Chili Month

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After making national headlines, sparking heated debates online, selling out in record time, and becoming Dairy Foods Magazine’s “2025 Dairy Product of the Year,” the ice cream flavor everyone wanted to hate but quickly became a fan favorite is back for a limited time. Graeter’s Ice Cream, America’s oldest family-owned and operated craft ice cream maker, and Skyline Chili, the 76-year-old Cincinnati-style chili restaurant famous for its Cheese Coneys and Ways, announced today the return of Skyline Spice Ice Cream to celebrate National Chili Month.

The viral flavor returns for a limited time after record-setting success. Graeter's Skyline Spice Ice Cream is available online for nationwide shipping and in all Graeter’s scoop shops and Skyline restaurants..

Part sweet, part savory, part “wait, did they really do that?” – Skyline Spice Ice Cream combines Graeter’s ultra-small batch French Pot ice cream with crunchy oyster crackers and Skyline’s legendary chili spice blend. The wacky-yet-wonderful creation became Graeter’s most talked-about and fastest-selling flavor in Graeter’s history

“We thought this collaboration with Skyline Chili was going to be popular, but we were blown away by the overwhelming demand and how many people genuinely loved this flavor,” said Richard Graeter, fourth-generation president and CEO, Graeter’s. “Our scoop shops and grocery stores couldn’t keep pints in stock longer than a couple hours and online orders poured in from across the country. When Skyline Spice Ice Cream completely sold out in just over a week’s time, we knew we had to bring it back for more people to enjoy.”

“We’re incredibly excited to bring back this unexpected flavor sensation that captured hearts and taste buds across the country. Timing the re-release with National Chili Month felt like the perfect opportunity to celebrate both our legendary flavor and this incredible partnership with Graeter’s,” said Dick Williams, CEO, Skyline Chili. “Who would have thought that our 76-year-old secret spice recipe would find its way into ice cream and become such a beloved treat? It just goes to show that great flavors know no boundaries.”

As of today,  ice cream and chili lovers can get their hands on the iconic Skyline Spice Ice Cream collaboration once more. The limited-edition flavor is available for nationwide shipping at Graeters.com, as well as by the pint and by the scoop at all Graeter’s scoop shops and in 5 ounce scoops in all Skyline restaurants. Pints can also be found at select grocery retailers including Kroger stores in Cincinnati and Dayton, Dorothy Lane Market and  Jungle Jim’s.

 

Panera’s fall menu highlights

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Panera Bread is celebrating the flavors of fall with a lineup of comforting, crave-worthy dishes, available at cafes nationwide.

At the heart of the menu is the Fall for Your Favorites Meal, featuring the return of three signature soups perfect for the season, including Black Bean Soup, a beloved classic making its comeback by guest demand after seven years. To celebrate the revival of cozy seasonal rituals, Panera has launched a new campaign starring Gilmore Girls stars Jared Padalecki and Matt Czuchry, a duo forever tied to small-town charm, endless coffee refills, and one of television’s most beloved fall rewatches.

Panera’s fall menu includes:

  • NEW Harvest Medley Chicken Salad – Mixed greens and fresh arugula tossed in balsamic vinaigrette, topped with whole grain blend, grilled chicken, mandarin oranges, feta, dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds, toasted pecans, and crunchy beet strips.
  • NEW Crème Brûlée Latte – Freshly brewed espresso, foamed milk and naturally flavored crème brûlée syrup, topped with whipped cream and salted caramel sugar.

  • Black Bean Soup – Returning to menu after 7 years, this guest favorite is a hearty vegetarian soup featuring black beans, onion, celery, red bell pepper, carrots, lima beans, potatoes, lemon juice, and garlic.
  • Autumn Squash Soup – A Panera seasonal classic featuring butternut squash and pumpkin blended with vegetable broth, honey, apple juice, and warm spices like cinnamon and curry, finished with sweet cream and topped with roasted pumpkin seeds.
  • Hearty Fireside Chili – A rich chili made with beef, kidney beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, and green chili peppers, simmered in a flavorful broth with chili spices and cilantro.
  • Plus, the return of Panera’s seasonal Pumpkin Cookie.

Much like a warm bowl of soup, nostalgic TV marathons are a cherished hallmark of fall. In Panera’s new digital campaign, actors Jared Padalecki and Matt Czuchry reunite to highlight the personalities of Panera’s iconic soup lineup – each variety reflecting the traits of a different kind of “favorite.” Fireside Chili is the dependable classic, Autumn Squash Soup the sophisticated choice, and Black Bean Soup the brooding favorite making a long-awaited comeback after seven years. Together, these flavors anchor the Fall for Your Favorites Meal, proving that nothing pairs better with cozy traditions than the return of a true fan favorite.

“Fall is one of our favorite seasons at Panera, when we get to spotlight warm, comforting classics alongside fresh, seasonal flavors,” said Mark Shambura, Chief Marketing Officer, Panera Bread. “This year, we’re celebrating not just with the return of guest-favorite soups, but also with playful content that personifies them in a way fans will instantly recognize. It’s all about delivering the cozy, craveable flavors our guests love – and yes, that includes the long-awaited return of Black Bean Soup.”

 

Flavor House Moves Again

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The Flavor House Event Center on Patterson, which opened in March of 2024 in the building  that was originally Basil’s on Market, with  4,800-square-foot indoors and a 2,000 square foot patio has closed down. It originally opened in January of 2021 as the 111 Flavor House in the spot that is now Teardrop Steakhouse.

However, Owner Demetrius Wright shared with us that the Flavor House is in the process of moving to 130 W. Second Street, which was the original location for Table 33.  They’ve done some extensive renovations on the space and hope to be open early October.

Here’s a sneak peek of what the inside will look like:

Stay tuned for more information soon!

Village Family Restaurant Announces New Ownership

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After 45 years as a beloved fixture in downtown Waynesville, the Village Family Restaurant is entering an exciting new chapter. The iconic small-town diner, known for its friendly service and warm community atmosphere, has been sold to a team of local entrepreneurs: Angela Wagner, Taylor Ritter, Mike LaJeunesse, and Jon LaJeunesse. The new owners will officially take over operations on October 1, 2025.

Since it first opened its doors, the Village Family Restaurant has served as a gathering place for friends, families, and neighbors, earning a reputation for comfort food and genuine hospitality. The previous owner, Lacie Sims, reflected on her time at Village, sharing, “The very first time I walked into Village I knew it was a special place. From the easy smile on Karen’s face when she brought breakfast to us and our friends, to the kind warmth shared between regulars at different tables, it was immediately clear that this place is special to many special people. Over the last 45 years, Village has grown into the place that it is – that sees many of the same people come in day after day – Village is their family, and they are family to those of us honored to cook for and serve them. Lacie shares, “I’m so excited to share that I’ve found the exact right team to take Village into the future. Angie, Taylor, Mike, and Jon are excited to honor the past and embrace the future of what is truly a Waynesville institution. I can’t wait for you to meet them.”

Angie, Mike, Taylor, and Jon bring a shared passion for both tradition and innovation to the Village Family Restaurant. Their vision is to honor all that makes the diner special — from its loyal regulars to its classic menu — while also looking ahead to current and future dining and entertainment trends. Guests can expect the same welcoming atmosphere and familiar faces, along with fresh ideas and enhancements designed to serve the evolving needs of the Waynesville community.

The new owners expressed their gratitude for being entrusted with this local treasure and their commitment to continuing Village’s legacy as a “home away from home” for generations of diners. “We are thrilled to be part of Village’s story, and we look forward to serving our neighbors with the same warmth and hospitality that has defined this diner for decades,” said the ownership team.

The transition marks a new era for the Village Family Restaurant, one that builds upon its rich history and embraces the bright future ahead. The community is invited to stop by, meet the new owners, and be a part of the next chapter of Waynesville’s favorite diner, starting October 1, 2025.

Village Family Restaurant

144 S Main St,
Waynesville, OH 45068
513 897 8835

Mon – Sat 8am – 8pm
Sun 8am – 7pm

Giovanni’s Hosts Fundraiser Tonight for Franco the Foodie

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Franco the Foodie opened his New Carlisle restaurant in April of 2023. The menu changes weekly, with customer favorites like lasagna, Chicken Parmesan, and Eggplant Parmesan making regular appearances.

The restaurant is currently closed while Franco is in the hospital fighting for his after a battle after he had a routing surgery to get an updated pacemaker in his heart. “That surgery was successful, but then somehow it was infected and he was admitted into the hospital again because he was having breathing issues,” said Jess Gallo, Franco’s daughter. “Congestive heart failure was starting and they basically told him he had six months at the most to survive,” said Karen Gallo, Franco’s wife.   As explained on a go fund me page set up for Franco, “The pacemaker became infected, triggering a cascade of life-threatening complications. Franco has since endured numerous emergency procedures and has been placed on multiple life-support systems, including a temporary LVAD, while we waited, with hope and fear, for a donor heart.

When that call finally came, we thought it was our miracle. The transplant gave us hope for a new beginning. But shortly after, Franco’s body began to reject the new heart. He has since been diagnosed with Primary Graft Dysfunction (PGD), a severe and rare complication. He is now back on ECMO and an LVAD, and during a recent procedure to place an RVAD, doctors discovered a dangerous blood clot that required immediate surgery.”

Over the weekend Cassaundra Spaziani, owner of Giovanni’s Fair

Cassaundra Spaziani

posted this: “Some of you may know that Franco the Foodie out of New Carlisle is in the hospital. I do not know Franco. But I do know what it’s like supporting a family with a small business. I know how scary it can be to get sick and worry about bills. It has happened to many of us. We don’t believe that Franco is our competitor but he is our friend. There’s room for us all to do well and succeed and support each other. So please come out Tuesday for Alfredo night. Make plans to eat with us Tuesday September 23rd from 4-8pm and help a family during what is likely the most stressful and scariest time of their lives. Money should be the last thing we have to think about when someone we love is ill, but unfortunately that is not the case for many of us. We all want Franco to be around for many more years and we all want him to be serving up his wonderful Italian dishes every week. 💚🤍❤️. From one Italian family to another, we truly hope you come see us Tuesday and know that you are contributing to an entire family’s peace of mind.”

Here is the menu for tonight:

We applaud Giovanni’s for setting up this fundraiser tonight for Franco and encourage you to dine out tonight!

Giovanni’s Fairborn

215 W Main St,
Fairborn, OH  45324
(937) 878-1611