The Featured Articles

Long John Silver’s Unveils Its Newest Catch

October 27, 2025 By Dayton937

Long John Silver’s, the brand famous for hand-battered fish and golden shrimp, recently made waves with an unexpected announcement: a fresh logo look that puts its chicken at the forefront. Now, the brand is expanding its chicken lineup with a brand-new crispy treasure, Chicken Wraps!

Made with Long John Silver’s signature hand-battered Chicken Planks^®, the wraps feature fresh coleslaw, Crumblies, and a choice of Baja or Sweet Chili Sauce, all wrapped in a warm tortilla. It’s a bold new flavor adventure that blends comfort, convenience, and crave-worthy crunch.

“As one of the newest members of the crew, I have been blown away by the depth and deliciousness of the menu at LJS! The team told me chicken has always been one of Long John Silver’s best-kept secrets, and they were right!” said Laura Ellis, chief marketing officer at Long John Silver’s. “I couldn’t be more excited to help share news of our new Limited Time Offer. The new Chicken Wraps take what our guests already love — our crispy, juicy Chicken Planks — and make them even better by wrapping them up with bold new flavors. It’s a fresh, flavorful way to show just how versatile and craveable our chicken really is.”

Long John Silver’s is expanding its side options with a limited-time dish: Mac and Cheese with Crumblies. This tasty side features cavatappi noodles tossed in a rich and creamy white cheese sauce, and then topped with Crumblies for an added crunch.

Red Velvet Cheesecake Is back for a Limited Time
The legendary Red Velvet Cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory Bakery is back just in time for the holidays. This fan-favorite dessert features red velvet cake topped with creamy, classic cheesecake, layered with rich cream cheese icing and whipped cream.

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Guests can discover these new spoils by setting sail to their nearest Long John Silver’s. Skip the line and order ahead online at ljsilvers.com or by using the mobile app, available on iOS App Store and Google Play. And be sure to join the Seacret Society reward program for access to exclusive offers, digital rewards, and surprise member-only drops!

Become A Destination Dayton Tourism Ambassador

October 26, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

Ever wanted to be a true Dayton insider and ambassador? Now’s your chance. This FREE program is your passport to becoming a proud Tourism Ambassador for Dayton and Montgomery County.

💡 Learn how tourism powers our community
📍 Discover hidden gems & major attractions
🤝 Gain skills to welcome visitors with confidence
🏅 Earn a certificate, ambassador pin & Wilbear keychain!

By completing this tourism academy, you’ll earn a certificate and receive the official Destination Dayton Tourism Ambassador pin and a Wilbear keychain, and you will gain valuable insights into Destination Dayton, the destination marketing organization or DMO for Dayton and Montgomery County.It’s all done online and takes about two hours. Sign up here.

You’ll learn how Destination Dayton promotes Dayton and Montgomery County, driving economic development, job creation, and cultural exchange, all while promoting community amenities. This knowledge will empower you to contribute positively to the well-being and growth of our community.

You’ll discover the positive impacts of tourism and understand how visitors contribute to the well-being and growth of our community. You’ll gain in-depth knowledge about Dayton and Montgomery County attractions including, hidden gems, enabling you to address visitor inquiries confidently.

You’ll also develop skills to actively engage with and assist visitors, ensuring they have an unforgettable experience.

Your participation will foster community pride and help create a positive image of Dayton and Montgomery County for all who visit.

Destination Dayton’s objectives include:

Attract visitors by developing and implementing strategic marketing campaigns to draw domestic and international tourists.
Diligently secure convention and meeting business for Dayton and Montgomery County hotels and venues.
Enhance the visitor experience to ensure a high-quality, enjoyable experience.
Grow our local economy by increasing convention and meeting business and tourism-related revenue.
Promote cultural heritage to strengthen Dayton and Montgomery County as diverse and enriching destinations.
Foster community engagement by engaging local residents in tourism initiatives to build community pride and participation.

While we proudly work with organizations throughout Montgomery County including the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Dayton Convention Center, Destination Dayton is an independent organization governed by its own Board of Trustees. The Destination Dayton Board is made up of community and business leaders from throughout Montgomery County, who work tirelessly to support and advance the organization’s mission of promoting Destination Dayton.

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As members of this vibrant community, we have the unique opportunity to leave a lasting impression on every visitor who comes our way. Whether they’re here for business, pleasure, or just passing through, it is our collective responsibility to ensure they experience the best of Dayton and Montgomery County. Our local hospitality isn’t just about being friendly; it’s about making everyone feel at home.

We are ambassadors of our community’s legacy—from the Wright brothers who taught the world to fly to the countless artists and innovators who continue to shape our cultural landscape. Every interaction is a chance to demonstrate the values we cherish: community, kindness, and an unwavering spirit of welcome.

Let us engage actively with our visitors. Offer help, share your favorite local spots, and maybe tell a story or two about what makes Dayton and Montgomery County special to you. These personal touches make all the difference.

Let’s make sure that when visitors leave, they carry with them not just memories, but a lasting impression of the warmth and spirit of Dayton and Montgomery County. An impression so compelling, it beckons them to return.

Mudlick Tap House Rolls Out Lunch Features & Loyalty Rewards

October 24, 2025 By Dayton937

Centerville’s Mudlick Tap House has rolled out a new lunch menu is all about bold flavors and scratch-made comfort. Available Tuesday- Friday from 11am – 3pm, they’ve even created a lighter cocktails made just for lunchtime because bubbles and bacon were meant to be friends. And if you’ve got a favorite item from their regular menu, don’t worry- it will still be available during lunch hours.

If you’re heading there, take a moment to join their loyalty program, “The Pour Decisions Club.” You’ll earn rewards every time you sip, savor, and celebrate:

🍽️ 1 Point per $1 spent on qualifying purchases

🥂 2 Points per $1 spent on lunch (Tues–Thu, 11 AM–3 PM)

🎉 75 Bonus points when you join

🎂 $10 Birthday reward to celebrate your day

✨ Exclusive access to member-only events & special releases

Here’s the new Lunch Features Menu:

Tuscan Pasta 15

Cavatappi tossed with grilled chicken breast, cherry tomatoes, red onion, bell pepper, wilted kale, and quartered artichoke hearts in a white wine cream sauce. Finished with grated Parmesan and Romano cheese and served with grilled baguette.

B.E.L.T. 12

Crisp bacon, arugula, tomato, and a fried egg on grilled ciabatta, served with a side of Blue Plate mayo and Saratoga chips.

Substitute house-cut fries $2

Small salad, fresh fruit, soup, or Gumbo $3

Chicken Salad Croissant 12

Our signature chicken salad is a blend of chicken breast and thigh with shallot, celery, Blue Plate mayo, Dijon, and curry layered with Arcadian greens on a full butter croissant with Saratoga chips.

Substitute house-cut fries $2

Small salad, fresh fruit, soup, or Gumbo $3

Mediterranean Mezze Plate 15

A shareable plate of hummus, tzatziki, Kalamata olives, feta, sliced cucumber, and red bell pepper strips, served with warm pita wedges.

Salmon Patty Sliders 13

Two house-made pink salmon patties blended with onion, pepper, panko, Dijon, Worcestershire, and Crystal hot sauce. Served on potato slider buns with Arcadian greens and remoulade with Saratoga chips.

Substitute house-cut fries $2

Small salad, fresh fruit, soup, or Gumbo $3

Lunch Cocktails

Peach Social 8

Peach purée, Aperol, lemon, prosecco, soda.
Bright, bubbly, and just sweet enough; the perfect excuse to linger over lunch.

Blushing Belle 8

Rosé, strawberry purée, lemon, soda.
Delicate, floral, and refreshingly pink; like a midday toast to yourself.

Grapefruit Grove 8

Tequila blanco, fresh grapefruit, agave, soda.
Zesty and uplifting with a clean finish; sunshine in a glass.

Lunch Mocktails

Cucumber Calm 6

Cucumber, basil, lime, honey, soda.
Crisp, cooling, and spa-day smooth. Refreshment in its most elegant form.

Pink Pony Punch 6

Strawberry, mint, lime, ginger beer.
Bright, bubbly, and a little sassy; proof that fun doesn’t need the buzz.

Mudlick Tap House
110 W Franklin St
Washington Township, OH 45458

(937) 895-4066

Tuesday – Saturday, 11 AM–10 PM
Sunday 11 AM – 9 PM

PIZZA HUT® NewLIL’ WINGS Deal

October 22, 2025 By Dayton937

Pizza Hut is giving fans a reason to look forward to Wednesdays with its revamped Wing Wednesday® platform. The program kicks off with a new deal designed to hook you up with 20 Lil’ Wings for $10. To celebrate the new midweek declaration that Wednesdays should be a Wingsday, Pizza Hut drops a new campaign: Wingfluencer. Leaning into corporate culture and the slump many Americans report midweek, Pizza Hut’s Wingfluencer program is designed to drop some joy, laughs and wingspiration to get through the week.

PIZZA HUT® REVAMPS WING WEDNESDAY® WITH NEW LIL’ WINGS DEAL

The middle of the week is tough and a bit lackluster, but office lunches, snack breaks and dinner plans don’t have to be with Pizza Hut’s new Lil’ Wings. Lil’ Wings are snackable, crispy, fried wings tossed in your favorite sauce or rub. Whether working through lunch or unwinding after hours, Pizza Hut is making Wednesdays better starting today through November 5 at participating locations.

“We wanted to give fans a reason to look forward to the middle of the week,” said Melissa Friebe, Chief Marketing Officer at Pizza Hut. “With amazing, craveable wings at an unbeatable deal, Wing Wednesday is our way of inviting people to try just how good Lil’ Wings are and enjoy a little midweek flavor boost they know Pizza Hut for.”

Pizza Hut’s new Wingfluencer, Brian Flatsworth, leverages corporate culture lingo to lend humorous corporate advice in videos and social commentary on LinkedIn. The Wingfluencer will start dropping “pro tips” on how wing lovers can maximize the return on lunches with Lil’ Wings this week.

For more information about Pizza Hut and to explore the brand’s offerings, visit www.pizzahut.com and follow the brand on social media on Facebook,X,Instagram,TikTok andYouTube.

ALDI Offers a Full Thanksgiving Meal for $40

October 21, 2025 By Dayton937

For years, ALDI has offered the lowest per-person price on a Thanksgiving meal compared to nationwide retailers. This year, the country’s fastest-growing grocer continues that tradition by offering a Thanksgiving feast for prices even lower than last year’s. For just $40*, shoppers can build a full spread for 10 with the Thanksgiving favorites they love – including the turkey and ingredients for nine crowd-pleasing sides.

“The ALDI commitment to low prices is unwavering and I am thrilled that we are able to offer an even more affordable holiday meal than last year,” said Atty McGrath, CEO, ALDI U.S. “Saving our shoppers money is our mission every day— but is especially important during the holidays when they need it most.”

For $4 per person —less than a pumpkin spice latte – ALDI shoppers can purchase all the items needed to fill their tables. This includes 21 total products and ingredients to dish out a 14-pound turkey, rolls, cranberry sauce, mac and cheese, stuffing, mashed potatoes with gravy, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole and pumpkin pie. Items that are part of the meal are purchased individually and marked on shelf. No coupons or memberships needed.

The savings couldn’t come at a better time. Recent consumer price reports show staples like fruits, vegetables, and meats are more expensive than last year, contributing to higher grocery prices overall **. Lowering its already low prices for the Thanksgiving season is just one more way ALDI helps shoppers save. In fact, a family of four can save up to $4,000 a year when they shop ALDI***, from everyday meals to holiday spreads.

“Thanksgiving is the biggest food holiday of the year, and ALDI is proud to lead the industry once again on price,” said Scott Patton CCO, ALDI U.S. “Price leadership is part of our DNA, and the holidays are when our commitment to value really shines. We believe families shouldn’t have to make trade-offs to feed everyone, especially at Thanksgiving.”

Shoppers can build their ALDI Thanksgiving feast by heading to their local ALDI store, ordering online for curbside pickup or placing an order through grocery delivery partners including Instacart, Uber Eats, and DoorDash beginning October 15 through December 24****. No matter how they shop, families can count on ALDI to make holiday hosting simple, convenient, and affordable.

Download a copy of the shopping list here.(opens in a new tab)

Final Weekend for Gratifying ‘Dial M’ at Theatre Guild!

October 21, 2025 By Joshua Stucky

Dayton has an amazing theatre scene with some excellent actors. I was lucky enough to catch up with one of the best, Matt Meier! He is part of the dynamic cast of ‘Dial M for Murder!’ at the Theatre Guild!

937: Hi Matt! So, so good to see you! Tell me…Why was ‘Dial M of Murder’ chosen for the Theatre Guild this year?

MM: Each year, a committee reads dozens of scripts and assembles the complete season, balancing all sorts of factors. The Guild is known for doing shows that are often new to Dayton audiences, and while many people might remember the Hitchcock film, the region hasn’t seen a stage production of it for a long time. It’s a riviting script, written by Frederick Knott in the 1950s, and still holds up nearly 75 years later! Who doesn’t love a good crime thriller?

937: Listen, I am addicted to ‘Investigation Discovery Channel’, soooooo…..Anyway, what can the audience expect from this production?

MM: Director David Shough brings his rich artistic vision to every production he leads. ‘Dial M’ features a beautiful art deco-inspired set by Red Newman, fabulous midcentury costumes by N. Lynn Brown, dramatic lighting, and a jazzy underscore that masterfully builds suspense.

937: Sounds like theatrical perfection! What is a brief plot line you can share with us about the story?

MM: A cunning husband. A flawless plan. One fatal call. In this razor-sharp, midcentury mind game of deadly charm, calculated lies, and impetuous greed, the plot to commit the perfect murder begins to unravel. What follows is a taut and twisted Hitchcockian thriller—where life and death hang on the line.

937: Hitchcock truly was/is a master. Love how these stories endure, on and off stage & screen! What are you hoping people walk away feeling with this show?

MM: This show is just fun! You’ll find yourself rooting for the bad guy and also hoping he gets caught in his web of lies. It will keep you guessing til the very end!

937: And I know the Guild has stellar casts….

MM: Oh yes….in this production we have Cora Ceipek as Margot Wendice, Jared Mola as Max Halliday, Matt Meier as Tony Wendice, Danny Lipps as Captain Lesgate, Jim Walker as Inspector Hubbard and Frank Maranje as Thompson.

937: A fantastic group indeed!! I know this is the last weekend. If we want to catch the show, can you give us dates and times?

MM: Yes, sadly this is the final weekend — Friday, Oct 24 at 8pm; Saturday, Oct 25 at 5pm; Sunday, Oct 26 at 3pm.

937: I have such respect for the Theatre Guild thanks for sharing this with us Matt. Any parting words?

MM: Dayton is fortunate to have such a strong theatre scene, and we invite you to be part of it! Tickets are available online at DaytonTheatreGuild.org.

937: THANKS MATT!!!!

MM: Thank YOU, Josh!!

The Big Boy Restaurant Group is CLOSING all Dolly’s Restaurants

October 20, 2025 By Dayton937

Big Boy Restaurant Group has made the difficult decision to discontinue operations in the Cincinnati and Dayton markets.

Six months ago, the company entered Southwest Ohio with one goal in mind — to preserve and rejuvenate the beloved Big Boy brand that has meant so much to families across this region for nearly nine decades. At that time, many Big Boy–branded restaurants not operated by the company were closing, and Big Boy Restaurant Group sought to bring stability, quality, and a renewed sense of nostalgia back to an area that has always been part of the brand’s story.

Before opening its first restaurant, Big Boy Restaurant Group was served with a temporary restraining order preventing the company from using the Big Boy name in its Southwest Ohio locations. In response, the company quickly adapted and launched six restaurants under the name Dolly’s, continuing to serve guests and uphold the brand’s long-standing commitment to family dining and hospitality while the legal process continued.

Despite the dedication of its team members and the support of the community, the litigation remains unresolved, and the company is still unable to operate under the Big Boy name in this market. After careful evaluation, Big Boy Restaurant Group has determined that continuing to operate under these conditions is no longer sustainable or beneficial for its employees or the brand.

As a result, the company will close its six existing Dolly’s restaurants, with the final day of operations on October 23, 2025.

Big Boy Restaurant Group extends its sincere appreciation to all Dolly’s team members for their professionalism, resilience, and commitment throughout this period. The company also expresses heartfelt gratitude to the Cincinnati and Dayton communities for their warm welcome and loyal support over the past several months.

While Big Boy Restaurant Group is stepping back from the Southwest Ohio market at this time, the company remains hopeful that once the matter is resolved, it will be able to return and reopen its doors under the Big Boy name.

Big Boy Restaurant Group, LLC, headquartered in Southfield, Michigan, continues to operate locations throughout Michigan and other U.S. markets and remains dedicated to delivering great food, friendly service, and a nostalgic dining experience that guests have loved since 1936.

Dayton at Work and Play: Covered Wagon Farm Market

October 20, 2025 By Bill Franz

My wife and I decided to combine a drive through the countryside with shopping for mums and other fall decorations. We ended up visiting Covered Wagon Farm Market for the first time.

There were plenty of flowers at the market, as you can see from the photos, plus the widest assortment of pumpkins and gourds I’ve ever seen, but that was just the beginning. The main business at this market is food.

The Covered Wagon Farm Market was started in 2009 by a farm family who had been selling wholesale produce and going to farmers’ markets. They decided to open a family-run business next to their farm. The market was a success and has expanded several times.

They have fresh produce, a large selection of private label canned goods and frozen fruits and vegetables, a sandwich shoppe with a dining area, and a large full service deli. They also make fudge and ice cream in the store.

For me, the main attraction is their bakery. Before visiting, I’d heard Covered Wagon described as an Amish bakery, but I learned that the family who owns the market, and many of their employees, are German Baptists. Apparently, the cooking and baking styles of German Baptists are quite like that of the Amish.

Throughout the store people are handing out samples of food. When my wife and I tried a sample of one of their specialties – the Cinnamon sugar pretzel sticks – we looked at each other and Laurie said, “How much should we buy?” What we bought didn’t last the day. We’ll get more the next time we’re in the neighborhood.

Covered Wagon Farm Market
607 N Main St
Englewood, OH 45322

937-832-0807

Tues- Thurs 10am – 6pm

Fri & Sat 10am – 7pm

Flavor House Soft Opening For Lunch This Mon – Wed

October 19, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

The Flavor House at 111 W. First. St in June of 2021 by partners Demetrius Wright and Joey Williams, offering comfort and Caribbean cuisine. In February of 2023 they opened the Flavor House Event Center at 312 N. Patterson. In Jan of 2025 they closed the First St location and began serving lunch from their Event Center. And now they’ve taken over the former Table 33 space at 130 W. Second Street and Flavor House will have a soft opening for lunch this Monday – Wednesday serving from 11am – 2:30pm. See the lunch menu below:

In social media they’ve teased “Same bold flavor. Fresh new vibe featuring “The classics you love. Elevated for the new era.”

Chef John Hawkins

In a special influencers preview on Friday night we were welcomed by front of the House Manager Dana and co-owners Demitrius and Joey with an Apple ginger fizz mocktail and some history on Flavor House. We dined in the special event space.

Then we were treated to a small taste of the menu by Chef John Hawkins that included Flavor House Rolls, Southern Fried Okra with a lemon pepper seasoning, creamy collard greens dip with house made pita chips, their amazing gumbo, a cajun fried shrimp and fish basket, rasta pasta – served w fries and chicken fontaine – Grilled chicken breast, portobello mushrooms, onions, peppers, with a parmesan cream sauce over garlic mashed potatoes.

We finished the meal off with a smooth and creamy sweet potato cheesecake that was decadently rich, washed down with one of their house cocktails, the Love TK- Hennessy, strawberry, lime and cane sugar.

On Thursday, Oct 23rd they’ll open for their first public dinner service and here’s a preview of the dinner menu:

Flavor House
111 W First St.
Dayton, OH 45402

937-999-4047

Soft Opening Hours:

Lunch Only: Oct 20–22 | 11AM–2:30PM

Lunch + Dinner: Oct 23–26
• Lunch: 11AM–2:30PM
• Dinner: Thurs 4–9PM | Fri–Sat 4–10PM
Closed Sundays

Cup Noodles New Turkey Dinner and Pumpkin Pie Flavors

October 19, 2025 By Dayton937

Cup Noodles® has something for you to be extra thankful for this year: Say goodbye to dry – Cup Noodles® Turkey Dinner and Cup Noodles® Pumpkin Pie are putting “moist” on the table this Thanksgiving and turning America’s most cringe-worthy word into this season’s biggest compliment.

Say goodbye to dry: Cup Noodles Turkey Dinner and Pumpkin Pie deliver the full Thanksgiving experience with perfectly moist, slurpable goodness in minutes.

No more overcooked turkey, parched pumpkin pie crusts, or dry conversations. These new seasonal flavors offer everything you love about the Thanksgiving meal and solves the one thing you do not; dryness. Perfectly seasoned, ready in minutes – dare we say it? – deliciously moist. “Moist” may be recognized as one of the most divisive words in the English language, but it’s also what saves a Thanksgiving feast from falling flat.

From savory herbs and rich turkey seasonings to pumpkin pie bliss – this is holiday nostalgia served in five minutes flat.

Turkey Dinner combines the rich essence of herb-seasoned turkey broth with sweet corn, tangy cranberry bursts, crisp green beans, warming spices, and tender noodles.
For dessert Pumpkin Pie delivers satisfying pumpkin flavor blended with caramelized brown sugar sweetness and signature pie spices that feel like a bite of moist homemade pumpkin pie.

“We all know nothing can dampen the holiday spirit quicker than a dry Thanksgiving meal – whether it’s the food or boring dinner table conversation,” said Priscila Stanton, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Nissin Foods USA. “With Cup Noodles Turkey Dinner and Pumpkin Pie, we’re delivering the full Thanksgiving experience – from main course to dessert – in minutes with the moist, slurpable goodness our fans crave.”

Turkey Dinner and Pumpkin Pie continue the Cup Noodles legacy of delicious flavor innovation. From our summer fling with Dill Pickle to the viral sensation of Campfire S’mores, this latest flavor innovation pushes the boundaries of what noodles can be to bring fans the festive, bold flavors they love.

Throughout the season, Cup Noodles’ social channels will be tapping into holiday food debates, avoiding “dry” family dinner conversations with juicy hot takes, and creating share-worthy meme and video posts – all while celebrating these bold new flavors that deliver the most slurpable Thanksgiving yet.

This flavor duo is exclusive to Walmart locations nationwide and on Walmart.com (Turkey Dinner and Pumpkin Pie) available for $1.18 a cup. Like all good things about the holidays, they’re only here for a limited time!

Businesses Offer freebies for Federal Workers During Shutdown

October 16, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

Local businesses said they are starting to see the effects of the furloughs to base employees now more than ever and are doing their best to help those in need. Here’s a few of the places that are stepping up with help:

Neighborhood Nest Owner Amber Tipton “realizes allergy families have it worse that the average family. During the government shut down we realize it will only get tougher the longer it goes on.

If you need some relief I want to help. WEEKLY, you can get Friday dinner, Saturday brunch and a $40 credit to use on product. This offer is open to Celiac & Allergy Families only. (Check out the day old freezer that’s 25% off to stretch that even further!). Amber says she’s been floored by the number of her regulars pitching in to support the furloughed workers, donating to support their program and even donating Kroger gift cards to be handed out.

Fairborn’s Blue Sky Coffee owners Elisa and Matthew Stevenson is welcoming all furloughed employees to stop by for a free cup of drip coffee to those affected. Located just across from Wright State University, they didn’t realize how many of their customers worked at the base, until they saw a 30% drop as the furloughs started. They said they are seeing between 10 – 30 customers stop in daily for free coffee.

The Dayton Foodbank delivered 60 emergency food boxes to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base last week to support furloughed employees affected by the government shutdown. “Time will really tell, especially this week, what the response will be as we get closer to the potential for folks missing a paycheck,” said Lee Truesdale of Dayton Foodbank Inc.

Truesdale mentioned that it is too early to determine if there has been a significant increase in federal workers seeking help from the Foodbank due to the shutdown.

If you know of other deals, please share them in the comments below.

Maria Steals Your Heart in ‘Sound of Music’ at Schuster!

October 15, 2025 By Joshua Stucky

The musical version of the beloved story has a way of exposing different views from the beloved characters. Much more so than the film. Facing the oncoming threat of fascism, the characters are faced with personal as well as worldly problems. Through it all, from opening to ovation, Cayleigh Capaldi (Maria Rainer) wins the evening with her naive, sweet, and humor-filled portrayal of the precocious lead. Of course, no cast works without the rough and sour Georg Von Trapp, played by Kevin Earley. His loving transformation is quite believable and endearing.

The kids are all strong and allow each other to have their moment. Haddie Mac as Brigiita is a standout with her many words of wisdom. There are no ‘weak players in this dynamite cast. Kate Loprest may be my favorite Baroness Elsa Schroeder, ever. (Drink in hand!) And speaking of favorite versions, watch out for the performance by Christiane Noll. Her, at times, fun-loving, and stalwart at others, portrayal of Mother Abbess is just so satisfying. Climb Every Mountain, at intermission, was a goose bumper!

Yes, the show packs what you remember….goat-herders, cuckoo clocks, and an occasional Nazi symbol. What this production is able to do is keep us buoyant and filled with optimism. It can, indeed, be a lesson for our world today.

Seeing the number of young people in the audience, their eyes filled with joy as they watched the kids break into song and dance. Seeing the number of adults, moved to tears by the love story that progresses so seamlessly through the plot. Seeing ‘The Sound of Music’ alive and well on stage. It took us away from a world of hurt into a world of hope!

For dates and times go to http://daytonlive.org

Culver’s Launches New Jalapeño Cheese Curds

October 15, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

Culver’s new Jalapeño Cheese Curds will make their debut on the 10^th anniversary of National Cheese Curd Day (Oct. 15) and will be available in local restaurants until Oct. 31 or while supplies last. This bold twist on Culver’s classic Wisconsin Cheese Curds is made with bits of jalapeño and real cheddar cheese and fried to gooey, golden perfection – bringing just the right amount of heat to balance their crunchy outside and melty center.

Culver’s Jalapeño Cheese Curds

This is the second year in a row the national restaurant chain has introduced a limited-time-only Cheese Curd flavor on National Cheese Curd Day. In 2015, Culver’s founded the holiday to celebrate the beloved Midwest delicacy. Now in its 10th year, the holiday continues to encourage curd lovers across the country to embrace the unique and distinctly Wisconsin flavor of cheese curds.

“We’ve always believed cheese curds deserve their moment in the spotlight, and this year we’re turning up the heat,” said Kasey McDonald, Culver’s head of culinary. “Our Jalapeño Cheese Curds bring a new take to a Midwest classic. They’re crispy, melty and just spicy enough to keep you coming back for more.”

“Curdtoberfest is our way of saying, ‘Let’s celebrate cheese curds!’ by taking the spirit of Oktoberfest and adding our own Culver’s twist on the tradition,” said Emily Patterson, Culver’s VP of marketing. “It’s a month packed with cheesy goodness, Midwest pride and a lot of fun.”

Koji Burger Opens in the Fire Blocks

October 13, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

Koji Burger started as a concept by Chefs Brendon Miller and Zackary Weiner. As co-owners of Jollity, they developed the idea during the 2022 Miami Valley Restaurant Association Winter Restaurant Week and have since launched it as a pop-up and now as

of Tues, Oct 14th it will be a standalone restaurant. Their mission is to serve elevated smash burgers using a unique aging process with koji, a Japanese ingredient.

The burgers are made using “shio koji,” a Japanese marinade made from fermented koji, water, and salt. This process tenderizes the meat and adds a rich, umami flavor. There focus on craftsmanship—especially the in-house beef process—results in a burger that’s more flavorful, juicy, and fresh compared to what you’d find at most typical fast-casual burger restaurants.

Here’s a peek at the menu:

Sides include crispy spuds, fried brussels, onion rings, chopped salad and loaded spuds.There’s a grab and go cooler stocked with beer, sake, and some unique NA beverages and some coke products that’s available all day and the cocktail bar opens daily at 3pm. The lead bartender, Andrew, worked closely with Kelli Nikanowicz to develop a cocktail program that’s both approachable and affordable. Co-owner Zacary says, “our happy hour will look a little different from the standard one. We’re on a mission to find some of the best whiskeys and bourbons we can source and sell them to our guests at cost. We’re kicking things off this week with Suntory’s The Yamazaki, but the selection will change as each bottle runs out.”

Koji Burger

127 E. Third Street
Dayton, OH 45402

Tues-Sat 11 AM – 8 PM

Panda Express Launching Crispy Sesame Shrimp & Beef

October 12, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

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

October 12, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

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.