


By Bill Franz



By Lisa Grigsby
Join us in congratulating Liz Valenti, Chef & Partner of Meadowlark Enterprises, Inc. (which includes Wheat Penny) , as one of the Ohio Restaurant & Hospitality Alliance Ambassadors of the Year!

Nicole Fracasso, the ORHA’s Southwest Membership Manager, who works closely with Liz, had this to say:
“We’re so excited to honor Liz Valenti, as well as the entire Dayton hospitality community, as one of our Ambassadors of the Year. Liz’s leadership, kindness and unwavering dedication to our industry shine in everything she does. She’s the first to step up, the first to offer help and is always willing to lend a helping hand. Over the past few weeks, Liz and her fellow Dayton operators have come together in an inspiring way, providing meals for families impacted by the government shutdown and those facing financial hardship. Their compassion and commitment to uplifting their community embody exactly what this recognition is all about.”
Join us to celebrate Liz on December 8 at the Industry Awards. Tickets are going fast, so grab yours today: https://www.eatdrinkohio.org/awards
This is the 2nd award Valenti has been honored with from the ORHA, in 2021 she was given the “Nourishing the Community Award.”
By Dayton937

Jubie’s Creamery took their ice cream to Palm Beach, FL earilier this month to compete against some of the best ice cream shops in the country at the Annual Ice Cream Association Conecon.
As all 1000 ice cream attendees voted
Jubies’s attendees at the convention Jubie’s Hot Honeycomb sweeped with Best of the Midwest and Best Flavor overall! This is the highest award given at Conecon. This means they literally have the BEST FLAVOR IN NORTH AMERICA! They didn’t do it on their own, so they want to thank Tasty Bacon Food Truck and Winans Chocolate for offering incredible, local products featured in Hot Honeycomb.
At the same Convention, they also submitted their Vanilla, Chocolate, and Strawberry ice creams for the chance to become a Grand Master Ice Cream Maker
By Dayton937
Red Shoes Dayton 25 has the honor of representing the Midwest in commemorating the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

This compelling, symbolic art exhibit will be held at the Downtown Dayton Metro Library in their beautiful Atrium, from November 21-25, 2025. Each pair of Red Shoes was painted for this exhibit by survivors of violence, local artists and supporters. We stand with them to bring awareness, protest violence, and to pause to reflect.
The public ceremony will commence on November 22, 2025 at 2pm, and will include the reading of our proclamation from the City of Dayton by Neenah Ellis, a reading of the Poem “These Shoes” and a tribute played by cellist Tara Mar.
“25 Red Shoes” was originally launched in 2009 by international artist Elina Chauvet’s influential art installation “Zapatos Rojos”, to bring awareness and protest Domestic Violence after her own sister died in an act of violence inflicted by her husband. It has since become a global event, with installations in international cities worldwide.
Globally, 140 women and girls are killed by a family member or intimate partner every day. 17% of those murders take place in the United States. 29% of women in the US have reported a form of violence.
This event is free and open to all. Resources will be available on-site about supporting survivors of domestic violence.
For more information about the global movement, please visit www.iwiniwin.org
By Lisa Grigsby
Today, Nov 20th at 11am a new chapter begins for Ella Mae’s Chicken, Chop & Soul Food Kitchen. Started originally as a food truck in 2023. Owners Leiland and Melanie Woods then moved into a bricks and mortar location at Consumer Square in Trotwood.
Their reputation grew as customers enjoyed their broasted chicken, fish, pork chops served up with with sides of green beans, fried cabbage, bourbon baked beans, coleslaw, macaroni and cheese and fresh-cut potato wedges.
Their secret ingredient that makes their comfort food taste so great is that it’s made with love. As Leiland cooks it’s to honor his mother. New additions to the menu will include seafood and crab leg boils.

Opening Day specials:
~11-2 Buy 1 Get 1 Wing Dinners when you dine in.
~$1 Wings All Day Dine In
Whether you’re craving a family meal, a quick lunch, or a seafood fix, we’ve got something for everyone. Order online for easy carryout or delivery and taste why locals love Ella Mae’s!
Ella Mae’s Chicken, Chop & Soul Food Kitchen
W. Social Tap & Table
1100 W Third Street
Dayton, Ohio 45402
Mon – Thurs 11am – 10pm
Fri & Sat 11am – 11pm
Sat 1am – 11pm
By Lisa Grigsby
Last week Wheat Penny ended up distributing almost 500 meals over 2 days. Owner Liz Valenti shared, “We feel that there are so many people- including families with children that are experiencing food insecurity right now that we need to prepare donation meals again this week. We were so moved by the response we received from people that we fed, as well as our Dayton community. We are so grateful to have an opportunity to give back to our friends, neighbors and anyone that is experiencing food insecurity. These are challenging times, but we are Dayton Strong”❤️

Wheat Penny – Tuesday, Nov 18th from 11am until 8pm
515 Wayne Avenue, Dayton, OH 45410
The menu is: penne pasta with marinara, oven-roasted basil pesto chicken breast, steamed broccoli and Italian bread. If there are any meals remaining, we will do it again on Wednesday, November 19th beginning at 11am. We began prepping yesterday and will finish our preparations early Tuesday morning. Our intention is to begin assembling the meals around 9am so we can begin handing them out at 11am.
A few other independent restaurants are also preparing meals again this week:
Brock Masterson’s Catering Mon, Nov 17th 4-6pm
101 E. Alex Bell Road in Cross Pointe Center
Free carryout meal for kids, while supplies last
The Last Queen Monday, Nov 17th 4-6pm
210 E Main St., Enon, OH 45323
The Blue Berry Cafe Wed, Nov 19th 7am until gone.
2932 S Dixie Dr, Kettering, OH 45409
129 W Franklin St, Bellbrook, OH 45305
They will be offering 240 meals of Baked chicken breast (and chopped sirloin -very limited- The Oakwood Club donated 10lb of ground ribeye) with brown gravy, mushrooms & onions, mashed potatoes, corn and cheddar & garlic butter biscuit. Kids meals will be – chicken nuggets, mashed potatoes, corn, and grapes, as well as fruit snacks and a snack.

The Root Beer Stande Wed, Nov 19th 11am – 8pm
1727 Woodman Dr, Dayton, OH 45420
We know how hard it is to catch up plus the holidays are coming so we’re giving out free kids meals one more week .
El Meson Nov 19th Wednesday 5 to 7pm
903 E. Dixie Drive West Carrollton, Ohio 45449
They will be offering FREE meals for adults and children for those still affected with food shortages due to cuts in local government jobs and SNAP programs that were denied. Go to our Food truck parked in our parking lot for meal pickup.
The Neighborhood Nest Fri, Nov 21st 4-6
pm
313 W. Main St., Fairborn, OH 45324
The Nest will be offering allergy meals for Furlough/SNAP families the Friday meal & Saturday brunch are free of charge for the family.
Other local eateries that stepped up during the furlough/SNAP cut off included Giovanni’s Fairborn, Troni Brothers Bella Bistro in Troy, Roma’s Pizza & Pasta in Springboro, New York Pizzeria Restaurant in Trotwood and the Director’s Cut Food Truck, When deciding where to spend your dining dollars we encourage you to support these businesses that are feeding our community!
By Bill Franz




| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 9 AM–5 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM–5 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM–5 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–5 PM |
| Sunday | 12:30–4:30 PM |
By Dayton937
Chipotle Mexican Grill announced it will help fuel Thanksgiving Eve gatherings among friends and family with an in-restaurant “Back Home BOGO” offer on Wednesday, November 26, from 4 pm to close. Often known as the biggest reunion night of the year, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving brings college students back to their hometowns to reconnect with friends. Chipotle invites fans to share real food with friends before the night’s festivities kick off.

“For many of our guests, their hometown Chipotle is where they’ve created countless memories, and this Thanksgiving Eve, it’s a destination where reunions can begin,” said Chris Brandt, President, Chief Brand Officer, Chipotle. “Whether you’re grabbing dinner with your childhood friends or kicking off the holiday early with relatives, our Back Home BOGO makes it easy to bring people together with real food.”
To celebrate Cyber Weekend, Chipotle is running a $0 delivery fee offer on orders placed through the Chipotle app and Chipotle.com from Friday, November 28 through Monday, December 1 with code CYBER25.
Chipotle recently introduced Build-Your-Own Chipotle (BYOC), a digital-exclusive family meal that brings a shareable, customizable spread of real ingredients to your home, designed to serve four to six and ready for pickup in as little as 15 minutes starting at $56. It is perfect for hosting Friendsgiving and family gatherings, letting everyone build their own burrito bowls, salads, soft tacos, and even nachos. Guests have the option to add an extra 8 oz of protein, the equivalent to two servings, to their BYOC order. This allows guests to choose two different proteins.
Each order includes:
For a limited time, fans can enjoy $10 off their first BYOC order with code TRYBYOC through December 31 or until 500,000 redemptions, whichever comes first.
By Lisa Grigsby
After months of hard work, late nights, and a whole lot of heart, we’re excited to finally share Ditto with the public. Ditto, formerly Crabshire’s Tavern, has had a full renovation featuring reclaimed wood, copper accents and brick-style charm along with two outdoor covered patios. Ditto is the first retail project from The Prime Residence Group, a family-owned and operated apartment property company focused on investment and management platforms in the Cincinnati and Dayton market with Bruce Harlamert as managing partner. Erica Hamden (formerly the GM of Wiley’s) is the General Manager and she’s brought a couple of the staff from the comedy club with her.


By Dayton937

The Dayton Dragons are excited to present a new magical holiday experience at Day Air Ballpark beginning Friday, November 14 from 6:00-9:00 pm at Day Air Ballpark: Deck the Diamond is a vibrant outdoor walk-thru holiday lights show with related holiday-themed activities.
Deck the Diamond will run from November 14, 2025 until January 3, 2026. The 45-night event will take place nightly from 6:00-9:00 pm and feature over ONE MILLION holiday lights. Every 10 minutes, a dazzling synchronized music and light show will take place featuring a breathtaking display where the stadium lights come alive in harmony with the holiday music.
Attendees should expect their tour through the holiday wonderland at Day Air Ballpark to last 65-75 minutes. Activities will include:

–Themed light show synchronized to music every 10 minutes
–Enchanting train rides on the North Pole Express
–Scavenger Hunt
–Live Musical Performances
–Delicious Holiday Treats

–Santa Clubhouse and Santa Photos
–Letters to Santa
–Festive Displays
–Ornament Decorating
–Fire pits and S’mores
–Carnival Game–44’ tall Christmas Tree

–Elfie Stations
–Newspaper Photobooth –Santa’s Sleigh
–Holiday Shopping
–Giant Snow Globe
–Holiday hats and crafts
–Manger Scene
–Much more
“We’re transforming Day Air Ballpark, located in the heart of the Water Street District, into a winter wonderland filled with activities for guests of all ages. Extending the use of our facility well into our off-season from baseball games,” said Dayton Dragons President and General Manager Robert Murphy. “Another fantastic way to continue to bring the community and families together in Downtown Dayton.”
Children will have the opportunity to meet and have their photos taken with Santa. In addition, kids can write letters to Santa, participate in a scavenger hunt, play carnival games, and create their own ornaments. Families can also ride the North Pole Express and enjoy plenty of “Elfie Stations” located around the ballpark including a 44-foot-tall Christmas tree.

Deck the Diamond guests can put themselves closer to the light show by circling the field’s warning track, allowing for an immersive light experience. Please note that Day Air Ballpark features a fully wheelchair-accessible 360-degree concourse, allowing you to enjoy the entire holiday lights experience with ease. However, the field access, which includes the North Pole Express Train, is not accessible.
Day Air Ballpark will also have numerous areas available for groups, families, and companies of any size to celebrate the holidays together including luxury suites (heated indoor suites), the NEW Diamond Club, and more! Guests can select from a special catering menu and enjoy touring the holiday lights and activities on the same night. For more information on booking your holiday party please visit dragonsdeckthediamond.com or call (937) 228-2287 x 698.
Tickets for Deck the Diamond are on sale now and may be purchased at dragonsdeckthediamond.com. Pre-purchased admission is $12 for Monday – Thursday dates and $14 for Friday – Sunday dates. There is also a flexible date ticket available where you pick the date (a great gift idea that recipient can “unwrap anytime!”). A limited number of tickets are available for each Deck the Diamond event date – advance purchases are encouraged. Tickets may also be purchased in person at the Dayton Dragons Box Office or by calling (937) 228-2287.
Guests are reminded that Day Air Ballpark is a cashless venue. Merry Market, the North Pole Express, and all food/beverage items require additional purchases. All other activities are included in the ticket price.
Parking near Day Air Ballpark can be found on various side streets or metered spots are free starting @ 6PM on weekdays and free on weekends.
Day Air Ballpark

220 N Patterson Blvd
Dayton, OH 45402
Tickets for Deck the Diamond $12 for Mon-Thurs
$14 for Fri-Sun
Tickets may also be purchased in-person at the Day Air Ballpark Box Office or by calling (937) 228-2287 x290.
A limited number of tickets are available for each Deck the Diamond event – advance purchases are encouraged.
By Lisa Grigsby
Warped Wing Brewing Co. today announced the launch of its first-ever non-alcoholic beer, Zero Altitude IPA, a taproom-exclusive release now available at all Warped Wing locations.

With the holiday season and Dry January fast approaching, Warped Wing is expanding its lineup to include a refreshing new way to enjoy the brewery experience – without the alcohol. The Zero Altitude series is crafted for guests who want to enjoy the social experience of a great beer while keeping their plans on course.
“Stick to the plan & hit cruise control with Zero Altitude IPA,” reads the can. “A full-flavor IPA with bright hop aroma & smooth drinkability. All the hop character you love – just lighter in lift. Zero altitude. Maximum flavor. No turbulence.”
Containing less than 0.5% alc/vol and pasteurized to ensure quality and safety, Zero Altitude IPA delivers the same vibrant hop character and smooth balance fans expect from Warped Wing – just without the buzz.
Nick Bowman, VP of Sales & Marketing and Managing Partner at Warped Wing, shared, “We’ve seen a huge influx of sober and sober-curious consumers over the past several years, and we think there’s a tremendous opportunity in this space. These guests still enjoy coming out to our taprooms for a great meal and want to have a quality beverage to go along with it. This new option gives them just that. In addition to our housemade sodas, floats, mocktails, and – in Dayton – our new lineup of Dirty Sodas, this non-alcoholic beer is another step toward making sure everyone has something special to enjoy when they visit Warped Wing”.
Zero Altitude IPA will be served exclusively and also available in 6-pack cans to go at all Warped Wing Taprooms for the time being, with a focus on serving guests within the brewery’s own four walls before expanding distribution.
By Dayton937
The Silos Food Hall & Bar is delighted to announce the addition of Fête, a vibrant new concept from local chef and entrepreneur Whitney Kling, founder of the former Top Knot Kitchen.

Fête — meaning “party” in French — brings the same colorful, flavor-forward food that made Top Knot Kitchen a Dayton favorite, now with even more heart, soul, and variety. The menu will highlight Fête’s beloved bowls, salads, and sauces, alongside signature new dishes such as pumpkin chickpea curry and enchiladas verdes. Guests can look forward to a menu designed for everyone — featuring vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options — celebrating mealtime as a moment of joy, flavor, and connection.

“Our food is for everyone who thinks mealtime should be a celebration of flavors, satisfaction, and ease,” says Kling. “Fête is about making food that brings people together and feels like a party every day.”

Wes Hartshorn, Whitney Kling, Shannon Thomas
This announcement marks the exciting addition of Fête to the growing lineup of local food vendors at The Silos Food Hall & Bar, located at 810 E 1st St, Dayton, OH 45402. While Fête’s grand opening date is still to be determined, the team anticipates welcoming guests within the next 30 days. Stay tuned for details on the official opening celebration.
“We’re thrilled to announce Fête as our newest vendor,” said Wes Hartshorn, Owner of The Silos Food Hall & Bar. “This addition fills our final space, and we couldn’t be more excited to be fully occupied and ready to serve Dayton throughout the holiday season. Fête’s creativity and heart perfectly match the energy of The Silos community.”
As The Silos continues to grow, it remains a place for real people, real food, and real memories — now with even more to celebrate on the horizon.
The Silos Food Hall & Bar
Tuesday–Thursday: 4 PM–10 PM Friday: 4 PM–Midnight
Saturday: 11 AM–Midnight Sunday: 11 AM–7 PM
Food Vendors:
Nood Bar-Asian-inspired hot and cold noodle dishes
Kung Fu BBQ– world inspired smoked BBQ
The Burger Bistro – new spin on classic burgers
Food vendor kitchens may close up to one hour prior to closing.
By Dayton937
Two-time Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame icon Rod Stewart today announces the extension of his highly successful “One Last Time” tour in 2026. The newly added dates kick off in March and will include a stop in Cincinnati, OH at Riverbend Music Center on Sunday, August 9. Richard Marx will join as special guest.
Stewart kicked off his One Last Time World Tour in 2024, selling out shows across North America, Europe, Asia, South America, and beyond and garnering some of the best critical reviews of his career. “One Last Time” will feature a massive production and chart-topping hits spanning Stewart’s unparalleled career, his hits-packed setlist includes songs like, “You Wear It Well,” “Maggie May,” “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy,” “The First Cut is the Deepest,” “Tonight’s the Night,” “Every Picture Tells A Story,” “Infatuation,” “Forever Young,” “Ooh La La (I Wish That I Knew What I Know Now),” ”Young Turks,” Have I Told You Lately That I Love You,” “Rhythm of My Heart,” “Broken Arrow,” “Forever Young,” and many more.
On-sale beginning at 10AM on Friday, November 14 at Ticketmaster.com and Riverbend.org.
ABOUT ROD STEWART
Sir Rod Stewart is one of the best-selling artists in the history of recorded music with more than 250 million records and singles sold worldwide. His signature voice, style and songwriting have transcended all genres of popular music, including rock, folk, soul, R&B, and the Great American Songbook, making him one of the few stars to enjoy chart-topping albums throughout every decade of his career. Stewart has earned a number of the industry’s highest awards, including two inductions into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the ASCAP Founders Award for songwriting, New York Times best-selling author, GRAMMY™ Living Legend, and in 2016 he officially became “Sir Rod Stewart” after being knighted at Buckingham Palace for his services to music and charity. In 2023, his first foray outside of music, Wolfie’s Whisky, was another critical hit and has quickly been embraced worldwide. In 2024, he tackled yet another music genre with the release of Swing Fever, his 33rd studio album. The album, a collaboration with Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, a 13-track sparkling salute to the timeless songs of the big band years, garnered him his 11th No. 1 album in the U.K. – a feat he shares with David Bowie, Taylor Swift and U2 on the all-time list of acts with the most No. 1 albums in the U.K. His top selling “Once Last Time” tour has already made stops in Asia, Europe, North and South America. For more information visit RodStewart.com and follow him on Facebook ,Instagram, YouTube andTikTok.
ABOUT RICHARD MARX
Richard Marx is a Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and producer whose career has spanned four decades of chart success and creative reinvention. With over 45 million albums sold, one billion streams, and fourteen No. 1 singles to his name, Marx remains one of the most enduring and versatile talents in modern music. He is the only male artist in history to have his first seven singles reach the Top 5 on the Billboard charts, and one of only two artists—alongside Michael Jackson—to write a #1 song in four different decades.
Marx’s hits as a performer, including “Right Here Waiting,” “Hazard,” “Hold On to the Nights,” and “Satisfied,” have become timeless staples. Behind the scenes, his songwriting and production credits include career-defining tracks for Luther Vandross (the Grammy-winning “Dance with My Father”), Keith Urban, NSYNC, Barbra Streisand, Kenny Rogers, and many others.
A bestselling author, Marx released his memoir Stories to Tell in 2020, followed by his critically acclaimed 2023 album Songwriter, a genre-spanning collection featuring collaborations with both legacy artists and rising stars. In 2024, he headlined a sold-out show at London’s Royal Albert Hall and continues to tour internationally.
Marx performed the album’s lead single, “Magic Hour,” on the 2025 season finale of the Australian Dancing With the Stars and, alongside Hugh Jackman, performed another of the album’s songs, “Big Band Boogie,” at three shows from Jackman’s sold-out Radio City residency. This year, Marx also joined The Voice Australia as a coach alongside Melanie C (aka Sporty Spice), Ronan Keating, and Kate Miller-Heidke.
Beyond music, Marx is known for his philanthropy and candid, witty presence on social media. He lives in Miami and Los Angeles with his wife, Daisy Fuentes, and is currently developing a slate of TV and digital projects, including the current companion podcast and video series Stories to Tell.
By Lisa Grigsby

Labi Troni, founder, owner, and operator of Roma’s Pizza and Pasta on 282 W. Central Ave. in Springboro will be giving away 200 16″ cheese pizza’s (that’s 8 large slices) on Sunday, Nov 16th from noon – 2pm, or sold out, whichever comes first. Labi says, “I make everything by hand. I make the dough and the sauce and cut up all the vegetables and make all the salads. Nothing I buy is frozen, and I make as much as I can in-house. When we run out, we are done for the day.”

Roma’s Pizza and Pasta
282 W. Central Ave.
By Lisa Grigsby
The Last Queen Enon is offering free take-away meals from 4-6pm for anyone in need. They ask that it be one meal per person so they can help as many as possible
Napoli’s Pizza Miamisburg We have made a decision to support families with free food who doesn’t working/not getting a paycheck/not getting unemployment and runs out of food/necessities. Please don’t let your kids go to sleep with an empty stomach. Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to send me a private message. I am more than happy to share whatever I can. I will keep secret every family that comes and gets food I will not make it public!! No one has to know and I will pretend it never happened. Just come and Pickup. What’s understood never has to be.
Say Yes Cakes can afford to provide 3 free cakes/month and will be happy to supply them to those that need to celebrate a family birthday. To order call 937-951-2253. You can Donate at Venmo @sayyescakes, name on account Jennifer Coyle, last 4 of phone # 8321 or Cashapp. $JenniferCoyle67
The Root Beer Stande- We will be giving away a free kid’s meal once a day to kids on snap in need while the shut down continues. Just show us the card. If you’re a kid by yourself and can’t; just have conversation with us. You can pick from a grilled cheese, hot dog, burger, or peanut butter and jelly. They come with fries, drink, and some fruit. We won’t be asking a million questions. You are welcome to donate to the cause. We take checks and cash in person. We have a fund going. . Anything and everything is appreciated and being put to good use.
By Lisa Grigsby

British native Adrian Shergill, owner of The Last Queen gastropub in Enon
The Last Queen in Enon has just announced they will be offering free take-away meals on Monday from 4-6pm for anyone in need. They will continue this until further notice.