Dayton’s first-ever food hall development is revitalizing the Historic Wright and Dunbar District, and bringing opportunities to the community, will officially open its doors to the public on July 25th at 7 am for coffee and Soca will offer breakfast options followed by lunch from all restaurants starting at 11 am. The six- restaurant collective is made up of Illy’s Fire Pizza, The Lumpia Queen, De’lish, Grind House Coffee Co, Soca, and Taco Street Co- along with an operating bar. Each of these businesses offers diverse cuisine and a unique concept.
Grind House Coffee Co
“West Social Tap and Table operations have been in progress since 2020, and the perseverance is finally paying off”, says Cheryl Dillin, Chief Brand Officer with Dillin, LLC, the managing partner of the building. “We have developed a very special bond with our tenants, and while it may seem like an unlikely famILLY (referring to ILLY’s Pizza and their branding of famILLY), the respect and admiration I have for these entrepreneurs and the steps they are taking to make their neighborhood what they want it to be is the definition of strong, brave and honorable – true community famILLY in its highest form. I am proud to be their partner and my heart will sincerely smile watching them succeed.”
ILLY’s Pizza
The Food Hall property is a 6,400 sq feet space located across the street from the National Aviation Heritage Museum at 1100 W. Third Street. Dillin, Financial, Clous Road Partners, and Wright and Dunbar Inc are partners in real estate. Total development costs were over $2 million dollars. This project is the first phase in a planned series of Opportunity Zone investments within the City of Dayton. The projects aim to enrich the area and bring business opportunities to the people in the community. Dillin/Clous are renovating three additional buildings on 3rd street in the Wright Dunbar neighborhood
W. Social’s purpose is to support the local community in a grassroots operation. This social space cultivates a sense of community by bringing local small businesses to an area that is otherwise a food desert. It creates a space where the neighborhood can gather and socialize.
SOCA
The restaurants will operate 7 days a week from 7 am to 10 pm. Limited Breakfast, Full lunch, dinner, and drinks will be available every day- and special menu items will be offered on occasion. This space will also hold events including “The West Social Block Party” on August 5th. These events will include live music, food and drinks, additional vendors, open invite guest lists -and partial revenue generated towards donations. The entire community is enthusiastically welcomed. WestSocialTapAndTable.com will have the latest up-to-date restaurants, ordering information, menu, hours and special events.
John Gower, the president of Wright-Dunbar Inc, said “West Social helps to elevate the concept of West Third Street as a West Dayton Creative Corridor. Leveraging passion, vision, need, diversity, tenacity, and love with Social Entrepreneurship. This is another piece of the amenity puzzle that will support neighborhood growth and development in West Dayton.” John is a citizen of West 
Dayton, and he is very invested in creating prosperity in the neighborhood. “Although the food hall is a single building, the impact that it will have on the people involved will be enormous. Together with our tenants, we see the potential of the neighborhood and we are willing to invest to see it thrive.” added Larry Dillin. “It is always our goal to enrich the neighborhoods beyond the borders of our projects.”
The tenants in the space all started as small food trucks, now expanding their brand and physical location to be a part of W. Social. Anthony Thomas from Taco Street Co. states “I am excited to bring life to the Wright Dunbar area.” while Bill from Grind House Coffee Co. explained that “West Social solves the (food desert) issue with the best brands in the city.” Cathy Roberts, co-owner of Lumpia Queen expanded on that idea by stating “the food hall is an opportunity to work alongside amazing people and cuisines.”
De’Lish
Despite the obstacles faced throughout the developmental stages of the project- Rob Barry, the general manager, has stepped up to make this opening possible. He exclaimed “I am so excited to be part of an amazing team! Everyone has worked so hard for this moment and we cannot wait to bring delicious food, amazing cocktails, and fresh coffee to this great community.”
West Social Tap and Table is the next step of the revitalization process of Dayton’s Wright and
Dunbar Historic District. It will bring vibrant social life to the community by offering a unique experience for its customers. The opening is coming on July 25th- and a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Mayor Mims will take place at 11am. A Grand Opening Block party will be held on Friday, August 5th. It is open to the public and will include live music and additional neighborhood food trucks.
