The Featured Articles

Dōzo is Back with a New Format & New Menu

August 11, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

New Chef. New Menu. New Format. New Hours.

Dayton’s most unique sushi experience returns to Downtown, ready for more and ready to shine.
Chef Jake Montayne relocated from Minnesota this Summer and has been hard at work ith GM Kay Salyers and team putting together a menu that maintains the creativity, the commitment to premium ingredients with our global vendors, and the refinement that Dōzo is known for. What started as a small menu expanded to the rest of the bar guests has grown into something we feel really good about for nightly service. If you just want to nibble on a few things while enjoying drinks, or are looking for a full meal, we’ll have plenty to satisfy your personal preferences for an unforgettable night out.”

The new menu incorporates an array of creative twists on classic sushi rolls, with sections featuring Dōzo’s signature nigiri compositions, small plates to share, and a seasonal dessert. A Sake program curated by Wine Director Lauren Gay is designed to be explored, featuring bottle selections rarely found throughout the state of Ohio. Beverage Director Tyler Hampton also makes his mark, launching a new Japanese Whiskey list and a few new Dōzo-specific cocktails.

Dōzo relaunches with preview nights Tuesday – Saturday from 5pm -9pm. Dimmick is hopeful the new approach encourages a broader group of diners to enjoy the selections and the space, at a price point that makes a night out a lot more approachable than the original iteration.

“We’re just having a ton of fun with this thing, and taking the pretense out everywhere we can. The space remains impeccable, the service and hospitality we’re known for is palpable, of course… But times are tough and as operators, we have to adapt to what works for best the community and this refresh represents our commitment to growth and to Dayton. We want to share our talent, our passion and our service with as many friends as possible, as often as possible, and this new approach allows us to do just that.”

Reservations will fill up fast for the coming weeks as the team starts with limited seatings and works to expand them to full capacity throughout August. Make your reservations here.

Dayton Brewer Elected President of Ohio Craft Brewers Association

August 8, 2025 By Dayton937

Screenshot

The member breweries of the Ohio Craft Brewers Association elected seven representatives to their 11 member board of directors. Jason Moore of Crooked Handle Brewing Company was chosen by membership to succeed Alan Szuter of Wolf’s Ridge Brewing as president of the association’s board. Moore, whose brewery has locations in Springboro and Piqua, was first elected to the board in 2022 and subsequently elected vice president in 2024.
Moore is the Ohio Craft Brewers Association’s sixth president since its founding in 2007, following Szuter, Collin Castore of Seventh Son Brewing, Chris Alltmont of Fat Head’s Brewery, Eric Bean of Columbus Brewing Company and John Najeway of Thirsty Dog Brewing. Szuter is term-limited after serving on the board for six years, the last four as president.

Upon assuming the president’s seat on the board on Aug. 1, Moore takes over Szuter’s duties as a public advocate for the Ohio craft brewing industry, in addition to leading the board’s work behind the scenes.

clockwise from top left: Jason Moore – Crooked Handle Brewing Company, Adam Benner – Land-Grant Brewing Company, Melissa Dallas – Upside Brewing, David Lentz – Cartridge Brewing, Ann Zofchak – Red Wagon Brewing/Four Paws Brewing, Kelly Montgomery – Third Eye Brewing Company, Janae Chaney – Rhinegeist, Carmone Macfarlane – The Phoenix Brewing Company

Sitting treasurer Adam Benner of Land-Grant Brewing in Columbus was elevated by membership to vice president for the remainder of his final term on the board. Secretary Melissa Dallas of Upside Brewing in Sylvania was re-elected to another two-year term in the position. David Lentz, co-owner of Cartridge Brewing in Maineville, was elected treasurer for his first term of board service.

Carmone Macfarlane of The Phoenix Brewing Company in Mansfield reclaimed her board seat for a third and final term. Janae Chaney of Rhinegeist and Kelly Montgomery of Third Eye Brewing were both elected to their first terms on the board, representing the Cincinnati area for the state association.

Aspasia Lyras-Bernacki of Penguin City Brewing Company in Youngstown stepped down from the board earlier this year. The association’s executive committee appointed Ann Zofchak of Red Wagon Brewing/Four Paws Brewing in Columbia Station to serve the remainder of Lyras-Bernacki’s term.

In addition to Szuter, Bobby Slattery of Fifty West Brewing Company in Cincinnati also completed his third and final two-year term of board service in July.

“Alan Szuter’s steady and thoughtful leadership has been invaluable to our industry over these past four years,” said Mary MacDonald, executive director of the Ohio Craft Brewers Association. “As our breweries adjust to the challenges of a mature market, having leadership that represents the diversity of brewery businesses will help our organization serve them all, large or small, urban or rural, long established or just starting up.”

Even with changes in board leadership, the association’s top priority continues to be the push for reform of the Ohio Alcoholic Beverages Franchise Act, a law that traps small and independent breweries in lifetime contracts with beer wholesalers. When that law was passed in 1974, beer wholesalers needed protection from the power and influence of a handful of massive brewing conglomerates. Small breweries did not exist in 1974, but more than 430 are currently operating in Ohio. Meanwhile, wholesalers have consolidated through mergers and acquisitions to become large, powerful companies. Franchise law makes these small, independent breweries subject to the same virtually unbreakable contracts as their huge competitors, creating an imbalance of power between small breweries and the wholesalers they rely on to grow their businesses.

Two bills have been introduced in the Ohio General Assembly this year – Senate Bill 23 and House Bill 194 – which would exempt small and independent breweries from franchise law. The Ohio Craft Brewers Association and its leadership continue to support these bills and urge legislators to pass this common-sense modernization of state law in order to benefit small businesses, local communities and beer consumers.

Founded in 2007, the Ohio Craft Brewers Association is a nonprofit guild that exists to promote, preserve, diversify and unify Ohio’s craft brewing industry. We aspire to be recognized as the industry leader at both state and national levels for preserving the art of making high-quality, unique craft beer; to serve as the unified voice for craft brewers across the state; to advocate on behalf of the Ohio craft beer industry; to contribute to systemic, local community development by driving economic and job growth, while creating experiences that bring people together; to promote safe, responsible enjoyment of Ohio craft beer; and to serve as a beacon for local production and manufacturing through craft beer, resulting in diverse choices for consumers.

Wild Hearts is now an Accredited Arboretum!

August 8, 2025 By Dayton937

Wild Hearts African Farm was awarded accreditation as an arboretum, making it the first accredited arboretum in Preble County. This recognition comes through a Level I Accreditation by The ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program and The Morton Arboretum for achieving standards of professional practices deemed important for arboreta and botanic gardens. The ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program is the only global initiative to officially recognize arboreta at various levels of development, capacity, and professionalism. Wild Hearts African Farm is now also recognized in the Morton Register of Arboreta, a database of the world’s arboreta and gardens dedicated to woody plants.

Founded in 2014, Wild Hearts African Farm is a nonprofit Humane Certified™ zoo and now an accredited arboretum located in Lewisburg, Ohio. Our mission bridges animal conservation with land stewardship, emphasizing the role that farmers—both locally and globally—play in protecting ecosystems. The farm is home to over 85 animals representing 35 species, and its landscape includes a variety of native trees, some of which predate the organization’s founding. These trees serve as living reminders of the fragility of native tree populations and the urgent need for conservation and restoration. As an arboretum, Wild Hearts functions as a museum for trees, highlighting biodiversity and honoring the cultural, ecological, and historical significance of woody plants in our region.

The development of the arboretum will be ongoing, with future plans including a campaign to enhance accessibility across both the arboretum and zoo. The campaign will also invite the community to take part in planting trees, installing interpretive signage and benches, and helping with arboretum upkeep. Seasonal events will celebrate the arboretum’s growth, including special programming for Arbor Day and nature-focused educational experiences throughout the year.

“As an educational zoo, we’ve always believed in connecting people to animals and nature. Earning arboretum accreditation allows us to grow that mission—our grounds will now serve not only as a haven for wildlife, but also as a living classroom that helps guests understand the importance of trees, conservation, and global land use,” said Amanda Badger, founder of Wild Hearts African Farm.

Amanda Badger, Founder

About Wild Hearts African Farm
Wild Hearts African Farm is a nonprofit Humane Certified™ farm, zoo and arboretum in Southwest Ohio. We provide interactive educational experiences that connect guests to wildlife, conservation, and agriculture. We are proud supporters of farmers and livestock producers and advocate for sustainable land practices both locally and in Africa. Our zoo and arboretum serve as a hub for empathy, curiosity, and community connection through hands-on learning and nature-based programs. https://wildheartsafricanfarm.org/

Wild Hearts African Farm & Petting Zoo

7010 Jordan Rd.
Lewisburg, Ohio 45338

937-416-5520

Walk-in Hours:
Fri & Sat 11am – 3pm

Last admission 2pm!

McCoy on Movies: Weapons

August 8, 2025 By Tabari McCoy

Weapons delivers imaginative, twisty suspense in market lacking such

“Hello, I’m a creepy child with a smile to match … What could go wrong?!” Alex Lilly (Cary Christopher) in a scene from writer/director Zach Creeger’s WEAPONS. © 2025 Warner Bros. Entertainment. All Rights Reserved.

WATCH THE TRAILER HERE:

CAST:

Julia Garner (Justine Gandy)

Josh Brolin (Archer)

Alden Ehrenreich (Paul)

Benedict Wong (Andrew)

Amy Madigan (Gladys)

Austin Abrams (James)

Cary Christopher (Alex Lilly)

Toby Huss (The Captain)

WRITER /DIRECTOR: Zach Cregger

THE PLOT: WEAPONS introduces us to Justine Gandy (Julia Garner), a third grade teacher in the suburbs of Pennsylvania (or at least, one can assume that based on the colors on the license plate on her Toyota RAV4). Justine is not having a good day … And neither are the parents of the 17 children in her classroom that all have suddenly gone missing after running out of the front doors of their homes at exactly 2:17 a.m. Alex Lilly (Cary Christopher), however, seems to be just fine since he was the only one that showed up to her room the next day.

While parents such as Archer (Josh Brolin) are calling for Justine’s head as he is convinced she knows more than what she’s telling, her principal Andrew (Benedict Wong) and her police officer ex-flame Paul (Alden Enrenreich) believe she’s telling the truth. But given the fact that Justine (A) has what could be perceived as a problem with alcohol and (B) was let go from her previous school, you can (C) see why more people in town are not convinced she’s as innocent as she says.

But as all their stories begin to intersect, it becomes clear something evil is afoot … And this small town may never be the same ever again.

THE REVIEW: “Well … that was … different.”

If you’ve seen one and/or both of the trailers for WEAPONS, you already know that seeing scores of people running in a trance-like state at full speed would be cause for concern in the real world … So it might come as a bit of a surprise that the film is a MUCH slower burn than you might originally believe. Likewise, whereas there is some definite gore and violence, WEAPONS is much more story driven than it is by the former, so those coming a typical hack-and-slash might need to pump the brakes on that expectation.

There are some issues with WEAPONS that keep it from being as great as it could be. There’s some foreshadowing that can be hard to ignore, the characters – Garner’s in particular – utilize logic that at times seems to show the absence of any and the ending may leave some desiring a bit more answers since some open-ended questions definitely remain. What the film has going for it, however, is a bit of unexpectedness to it that makes up for it that, for the average person, is enough to keep them intrigued until the film’s final act pieces everything together as to why what is happening is happening (for the most part).

In an era where most horror movies are really just psychological thrillers with a lot of cursing and jump scare scenes, WEAPONS manages to come armed with enough tension and surprise to make most moviegoers not wanting to draw one demanding a refund. Just know that whatever you think you’re getting, you likely are not … Even if you jump ahead and start to figure things out before Justine and Archer do.

OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN):

DCDC Launches 57th Season with Free Community Celebration

August 7, 2025 By Dayton937

Dayton Contemporary Dance Company (DCDC), one of the nation’s leading contemporary dance companies, will transform its outdoor and indoor spaces into a free family-friendly block party on Sunday, August 10 from 2:00-6:00 PM.

What could be more fun than a free event with Dayton Contemporary Dance Company dancers, staff, family, friends and community? DCDC kicks off the season by opening its doors and partying like no other. Take a journey through DCDC’s spaces where the magic begins, see DCDC’s unparalleled dancers in performance, get up and line dance with DCDC dancers. There will be great food, special activities planned for children, music to groove to, local vendors and more. And best of all, DCDC will give away book bags filled with school supplies just in time for the school year.

“This season, when we say you are family, we mean it, and this free community event is our show of appreciation for your support and love of our performances, arts engagement programming, and our presence in the Gem City,” said Debbie Blunden-Diggs, Chief Executive & Artistic Director.

For 57 years, the Dayton community has affirmed, through its continued support, that it loves, values and honors the work begun by DCDC founder Jeraldyne Blunden. Dayton holds in high esteem the fact that wherever DCDC performs, this contemporary dance company continues to represent the best of Dayton, Ohio. With Street Beats Community Daze, Chief Executive & Artistic Director Debbie Blunden-Diggs, wants the community to know, DCDC is forever grateful for past, present and future support, and that we are prouder than ever to be born of, nurtured by and living in the Gem City.

Dayton Porchfest is back on August 16th

August 7, 2025 By Dayton937

Dayton Porchfest. Photo by Libby Ballengee

Getting that sinking feeling that the summer is over? Not so fast! We have one of the biggest music festival events of the year happening on Saturday, August 16th: Dayton Porchfest.

“Dayton Porchfest celebrates the breadth and depth of the Dayton music scene, while the porch and backyard venues allow the performers and the audience to deeply engage,” organizer Peter Benkendorf shared with us. “The diversity of the line-up means there is something for everyone. Throw in some food trucks, a beer garden and a family-friendly environment, all wrapped up in the charm of the St. Anne’s Hill Historic District, and you have all the makings for one of Dayton’s most popular summer events.”

Dayton Porchfest was founded in 2017, inspired by the original Porchfest, which was started in 2007 in Ithaca, NY and Larchmere Porchfest in Cleveland, which began in 2009. Today there are over 200 Porchfests throughout the United States and Canada, with Dayton being the 94th to join this growing movement.

Dayton has a rich musical history and active music scene that continues today. Dayton Porchfest is committed to reflecting that diversity in its selection of musical artists, from funk and blues to indie rock and jazz, classical and country, to bluegrass and old-timey music with deep Appalachian traditions here. The festival also celebrates the ethnic diversity of the region, a reflection of our “Welcome Dayton” spirit that has contributed to a significant influx of immigrants and refugees over the past decade.

Dayton Porchfest is an initiative of The Collaboratory, a civic innovation lab that moves ideas to action. The Collaboratory provides infrastructure for people and organizations to collaboratively develop community initiatives that generate new economic, civic and creative opportunities and value. The result is a healthier, more thriving region. All proceeds from Dayton Porchfest go to support the work of The Collaboratory.

Event Details:

When: Saturday, August 16, 2025, 12:15 – 6:45 PM
Where: St. Anne’s Hill Historic District, Dayton, Ohio
Cost: Free and family-friendly

Schedule:

12:15 – 12:45 PM: Pre-Porch Kick-Off with T.R.S.S. Drum Corps
1:00 – 6:45 PM: Main event – “If this porch is rockin’ then please come a knockin'”
- Note: get the full detailed schedule of performers here: https://www.daytonporchfest.org/lineup
7:00 – 9:00 PM: Afterfest at Levitt Pavilion Dayton
7:00 – 10:00 PM: Music at Fifth Street Brewpub

Tips for attending:

Bring water and stay hydrated
While the streets are tree-lined, you can bring shade with you with a hat and/or sunglasses
This is a walking event, so please wear comfortable shoes
Please bring cash to tip the performers

For more information and to view the interactive map of participating porches, visit www.daytonporchfest.org.

10? with Meadlowark Owner & Chef Dave Rawson

August 7, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

Chef Dave Rawson

Chef Dave Rawson started his career at Meijer, where he was a backer. He attended Sinclair’s culinary program and then started working at The Winds in Yellow Springs, where he met his wife Robin, who also worked in the kitchen. It was also there he met Elizabeth Wiley, who eventually left to open The Meadowark in 2004. In 2006 Rawson was hired on as her kitchen manager and he’s been there since then. Wiley describes Dave as, “solid, feet-on-the-ground, creative and hard-working, a good communicator and fantastic cook. To watch him make risotto, or ratatouille is poetic.” Wiley sold Wheat Penny and Meadowlark in 2022 to her long time business partners and friends, Chefs Dave Rawson and Liz Valenti

What is your favorite ingredient to cook with?

Peppers! I love them. Sweet, hot, fresh, dried, smoked, grilled on a bratwurst, ground into romesco, simmered in ratatouille. I feel they don’t get enough credit.

What ingredient do you dread?

This is a hard one. Ingredients or methods that take extra care or are difficult or monotonous to prepare are more of a challenge than a dislike for me. I’ll go with an ingredient that I don’t like to eat, which there are few, liver.

What’s your favorite dish to make?

Ratatouille. My Chef at the Winds, Kim Korkan, showed me how to make it years ago. It’s such a beautiful combination of summer vegetables, all of which can grow in Ohio. (and in talking with him this will probably appear on the menu next week).

What’s your favorite pig out food?

Chef Dave cooking down tart cherries

There are too many! I would have to say ice cream if made to choose.

What restaurant, other than your own, do you like to dine at in the Miami Valley?

Another tricky one. Chefs tend to keep similar hours, so most are closed at the same time as Meadowlark. The list is long though. Dayton has quite a few stellar restaurants.

What’s your best advice for home chefs?

Just like anything else, practice. Take advantage of today’s technology and watch cooking shows, get some cookbooks, take some cooking classes, become familiar with your tools. Keep at it and continue to build off what you know. Call the Meadowlark and ask me questions!

If you could invite any 4 guests to a dinner party, who would they be and why?

I’m taking the liberty of adding “living or dead” to this question.

My grandmother. She was a good cook, and she taught my mother to cook. She never got to see me do this, and I think she would be “tickled pink” as she would say.
My mother. She was a good cook and taught me the excitement of trying new things.
My wife. What point would there be of having a dinner party without Robin there? Besides, she’s a better cook than me.
My mother in-law. She and my mother didn’t get to spend enough time together and she’s an awesome lady!

Wiley & Dave

Who do you look up to in the industry and why?

I’ll go with people I know as opposed to famous (or not so famous) chefs. Elizabeth Wiley, Kim Korkan and Mary Kay Smith. They helped form my approach to cooking and the business side of cooking. The main lesson is you must really care about your ingredients, your customers and your staff.

What do you do in the Miami Valley on a day off?

As little as possible! But in all seriousness, hanging out with my wife, our dogs, and our friends, which doesn’t happen enough!

Share a kitchen disaster, lucky break or other interesting story:

As you know, the restaurant business can be very volatile. Although I had been a baker for many years, I was relatively new to professional cooking when I found myself, only nine months into my first restaurant job, being promoted to kitchen manager. I think my bosses at the time thought that since I seemed to be fairly responsible and eager to learn, that they would teach me as we went along. I think it turned out all right.

Meadowlark

Where comfort food meets creativity and local charm.

5531 Far Hills Avenue
Dayton Ohio 45429

937-434-4750

Tues – Thurs: 11:30am – 8:30pm

Fri & Sat: 11:30am– 9:30pm

online reservations

Lucho All-Day Taqueria & Espresso Bar Now Open

August 6, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

Get ready to kick off your day—or wind it down—with tacos, burritos, bowls, espresso, and mezcal! Lucho, a new fast-casual mezcal and espresso bar is now open in the Dayton Arcade.

Drip Coffee and Espresso available for $3. Flavored coffees and lattes $5 – $7

Breakfast taco’s run $5.

For lunch or dinner Burrito bowls and salads are $9. Add chips and salsa for $, chips and queso or guacamole for $8,

Desserts range from $4 -6.

Lucho

in the Dayton Arcade

37 W. Fourth Street

Dayton, OH 45402

Open 7am – 9pm Mon – Fri

(for now)

Pictured right:

Chicken Breakfast Taco and Spiced Chai

(photo by Sarah Caplan)

‘Wednesday’-themed Meal of Misfortune available at Wendy’s

August 5, 2025 By Dayton937

What happens when two iconic pig-tailed provocateurs join forces in the kitchen? They create a meal that is pure punishment in a bag: introducing the Wendy’s^®x Wednesday™ Meal of Misfortune.

Designed by Wednesday Addams, the other pig-tailed outcast herself, the limited-time Meal of Misfortune is centered around the “Dips of Dread,” four inferno-inspired mystery sauces, along with “Rest in 10-Piece” Nuggets, small “Cursed & Crispy” Fries and a small “Raven’s Blood” Frosty^®, all served in custom packaging only Wednesday could have devised.

Fans can grab their very own Meal of Misfortune just in time for the Wednesday Season 2 Part 1 premiere on Netflix on Wednesday, Aug. 6.

Speaking of misfortune… no one will escape the Dips of Dread unscathed. With two mystery dipping sauces in each meal, only fate will decide which of the four dips accompany each order. Don’t bother asking which sauce you’ll get – you must surrender to your destiny. Those brave enough to try them all must endure multiple visits.

This meal features four mystery dipping sauces, dubbed the “Dips of Dread” are:

You Can’t Hyde: Believed to be a spicy ketchup.
This Will Sting: Thought to be a hot honey garlic sauce.
Grave Mistake: Likely a scorpion pepper sauce.
Nowhere to Woe: Described as a spicy signature sauce.

Wayward souls can dip into the Raven’s Blood Frosty, complete with a “Spoon of Gloom”** and Wednesday-themed Frosty cups, perfect for seeing that delicious dark cherry swirl.

“Wendy’s and Wednesday are both cultural icons famous for challenging convention with wit and a bit of sass,” said Lindsay Radkoski, U.S. Chief Marketing Officer, The Wendy’s Company. “This isn’t a typical collaboration, because not just any brand could scheme up a Meal of Misfortune with Wednesday Addams. But for a brand that’s proudly customer-obsessed and unapologetically bold, it was a match made in dark, dry-witted heaven.”

In addition to the Meal of Misfortune, U.S. fans have a chance to win $10,000 by helping Wendy dodge the perils of normalcy with an interactive game experience, “Escape from Wednesday’s Woe.” This gravity-defying adventure features treacherous traps, delicious Wendy’s x Wednesday treats and exclusive rewards and is available only in the U.S. Wendy’s app.***

“Normally I’d be against this kind of capitalistic corporate synergy,” said Wednesday Addams, Nevermore Academy student. “But when the fast-food-slinging pigtailed provocateur said I could do whatever I wanted to her customers, I couldn’t resist.”

9 Places to Enjoy Oysters in the Miami Valley

August 5, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

Oysters are highly nutritious shellfish that offer a wide array of health benefits. They’re packed with high quality protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants — all of which benefit health.

East Coast oysters are known for their briny, salty, and complex flavor, with hints of seaweed, minerals, and sometimes butter. West Coast oysters are known for their sweet and fruity flavor, with notes of melon, cucumber, and citrus.

East Coast oysters are long and smooth, with a narrow base and tear drop shape. West Coast oysters are round with rough, fluted edges.

The size of the oyster doesn’t much matter, it’s a personal preference whether you look them big or small, but it should look full within the shell. A quality oyster won’t be too thin or too salty.

While some people believe you should let it slide down your throat without biting it, chewing it one or two times will allow you to get all the flavor.

While it’s not necessary to use condiments, and some people actually prefer their fish plain, there are a variety of garnishes that can add an extra pop of flavor! Lemon, cocktail sauce, or a shallot mignonette are all common choices. These all add a little zing, without completely overpowering the taste of the oyster.

Where to order oysters in the Miami Valley:

Club Oceano Seafood & Bar
4429 Cedar Park Dr, Beavercreek
(937) 988-0909

Oysters Rockefeller  - Baked Oysters Topped with Cheese, Chopped Spinach, Green Herbs, and Citrus Bearnaise.

Fresh Oysters – by the dozed or half dozen
Monday Special- $1 oysters all day when ordered 6 at a time.

Flemings Steak House
4432 Walnut Street at The Greene
937-320-9548

harvested by hand, flown in daily, freshly shucked and served with house-made mignonette |

Papi Grande

Foremost Seafood

1912 Woodman Center Dr, Kettering

937-298-1986

Initially just a wholesale provider, we have expanded to provide fresh seafood to local customers as well.
Here’s what’s in stock this week: In-shell chesapeake bay oysters
West Coast papi grande

Shucked
12 in-shell frozen dozen

Jay’s Seafood

Oysters on the half shell

225 E. 6th Street in the Oregon District
(937) 222-2892

Oysters on the Half Shell -Blue Point from Long Island Sound, juicy and mild in taste

Oysters Rockefeller – (6) Freshly opened oysters with fresh spinach and spices topped with mozzarella cheese

Sea Jax Tavern

5900 Bigger Road, Kettering
937.439.1664

OYSTERS RAW OR FRIED*
each extra select oyster served with Jax House made cocktail sauce, lemon wedge and saltine crackers. Delivered fresh daily- subject to sell out

The Paragon Super Club
797 Miamisburg Centerville Rd. Washington Twsp
(937) 433-1234

Oysters Rockefeller- A classic beginning to any meal

Fried Oysters

The Silver Slipper
1105 Wayne Ave, Dayton
(937) 344-8531

Oysters are delivered each Wednesday essentially direct from the farms. Our weekly oyster selections aim to highlight regional differences (west coast puget sound, west coast british columbia, canadian maritime and new england) as well as geographical differences (oceanic vs river influenced, beach grown vs tidal raised, etc.). Range from $3-$4.50. Served w/ mignonette & lemon, tabasco on request, cocktail or horseradish .50¢

Sonora Grill
5438 Burkhardt Rd. Dayton

(937) 963-2205

Ostoines Zarandeados- 12 pieces marinated in garlic butter and a touch of chipotle perfectly grilled on the grill.

Ostoiones Permidaos – 12 fresh pieces, accompanied with shrimp and octupus ceviche.

The Pine Club
1926 Brown St, Dayton

937-228-5371

Blue Point Oysters on Half Shell* 20.95

Got a favorite place we missed, leave us a comment below.

Remembering the Victims of the Oregon District Mass Shooting

August 4, 2025 By Dayton937

Today we remember the nine lives lost in the tragic Dayton shooting that happened on August 4, 2019, in Oregon District, resulting in nine fatalities and 27 injuries. Police reported that all the fatalities occurred outside the bar on East 5th Street.

Lois Oglesby, 27
Megan Betts, 22
Saeed Saleh, 38
Derrick Fudge, 57
Logan Turner, 30
Nicholas Cumer, 25
Thomas McNichols, 25
Beatrice Warren-Curtis, 36
Monica Brickhouse, 39

The incident began at 1:07 AM local time, near the intersection of East Fifth Street and Patterson Boulevard, in the heart of the Oregon District. Betts was armed with a .223-caliber rifle and high-capacity magazines. The quick response of law enforcement is credited with preventing further casualties.

The gunman, Connor Betts, was killed by police within a minute of opening fire. The shooting happened in the early hours of the morning in a popular entertainment area.

A memorial, known as the “Seed of Life”, was created in the Oregon District to honor the victims and support the community in their healing process. The memorial was a collaboration by Terry Welker, Jes McMillan, Sierra Leone, and James Pate and contains multiple components, including a stainless steel sculpture of nine leaves and a unity bench. But the most notable component might be the multi-colored mosaic. An estimated 5,000 people contributed to putting tiles in it.

Gionino’s Pizzeria Open in Patterson Park Monday

August 3, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

The fourth area Gionino’s Pizzeria will open Monday, August 4th in Patterson Park. Franchise owner Tony Clark brought the Ohio based chain to Dayton in 2019 at 1528 E. Third St., next to his video arcade, DK Effect. In 2021, he added Kettering and Bellbrook locations. He’s been working on this Wilmington Ave location for a while, but delays from Kettering’s planning office on approvals took longer than expected.

Known for its scratch-made dough, signature sweet tomato sauce, and real aged provolone cheese they also offer a wide menu beyond pizza, including the standout Italiano Fried Chicken, Jo-Jo potato wedges, subs, salads, pasta, and Gionino Bread—garlic butter with melted cheeses and red sauce.

Two of their most popular pizzas are:

Gionino’s Best Pizza: Loaded with pepperoni, sausage, ground beef, mushrooms, onions, green peppers, bacon, black olives, and banana peppers
Caprese Pizza: Thin crust topped with fresh mozzarella, provolone, spinach, basil, tomatoes, and Parmesan, finished with their signature sauce

They’ll be serving up this grand opening special basket for just $6.99 from August 4th – 7th.

3 All-White Meat Fried Chicken Tenders
4 JoJo’s
4 oz. Coleslaw
Dipping Sauce of Your Choice

Be one of the first 10 customers in line to order food and you’ll score a FREE exclusive Gionino’s T-shirt with your order! Take a picture with the Mickey Mural for a chance to win a free gift card of $100, $50, or $25!

Gionino’s Pizzeria Patterson Park

1331 Wilmington Ave

Dayton, OH 45420

(937) 641-0780

Mon – Sat:

10:30 – 11:00 PM

Sun:

2:00 PM – 10:00 PM

It’s Opening Day for Cowvin’s Corny Maze

August 2, 2025 By Dayton937

Cowvin, the baby of the Cow Family, has created a family fun maze at Young’s Jersey Dairy. The maze is created from more than 9 acres of cornfield and has over one mile of paths.

The maze is open 11am everyday (weather dependent) to around 6pm to give the last group at least an hour before it starts getting dark to find their way out through November 2nd.

Cowvin’s Corny Maze goes through our cornfield and has many twists, dead-ends and tricky twists. It’s an adventure! At the end of the maze, you’ll be greeted with a playland full of activities for kids to celebrate! There are 9 acres of cornfield and 1 mile of paths to explore.

The price is $10/person age 5 and older. Age 4 and under are free. Children age 11 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Price includes a wagon ride to and from the maze. Tickets can be purchased at the the Young’s Farmstead Cheese Marketplace in The Dairy Store.

Local Brewery Up For Sale

August 1, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

Bock Family Brewing in Washington Township near Centerville will be going up for sal soon. It will be listed with a realtor soon, but if you have ever thought about owning a brewery, here is your chance!

Owner Jen Bock says “it was a hard decision to make.” Jen and her husband took over the license and location of Sojourner’s Distillery in 2021. In 2024 they added a German street food kitchen. The Bocks “want to get back to our normal lives with our kid and day jobs we always still had. The brewery isn’t failing, we just ran out of gas.”

Everything is basically brand new and this is a true turn-key business. You can come in and operate on day one! The lease is 5 years at this beautifully renovated 6,000 square foot spot with ample parking. The brewery includes a 7 bbl brewhouse, six 7 bbl fermenters, hundreds of kegs, a 2 keg powerful keg washer, glycol chiller, a kitchen and lots of wood seating. The sale includes an A1C, A1A, A2, D6, Level 4 food license and 3 music licenses, as well as a Ford Transit van! Owners will stay on to train and the staff is willing to stay on as well for the right owners.

Email us at [email protected] for more information. Serious inquiries only. The sale must be finalized by the end of 2025.

Centerville’s Mudlick Tap House Soft Opening Happening Now

August 1, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

Yesterday the doors opened for the first day of the soft opening of the new Mudlick Tap House in Uptown Centerville. In September of last year they had the official ground breaking. Oberer managed to complete the build in just under a year. Yesterday a full house most of the day and the weather cooperated for enjoying the large patio as well.
The city of Centerville has created a public lot behind the restaurant, with plenty of parking.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the support and enthusiasm for our new location,” said Jennifer Williams, Co-Owner of Mudlick Tap House. “We’re incredibly excited to welcome guests and to kick things off with events that give back to organizations we truly care about.”

Lots of staff, some that came from the downtown location, as well as many new faces were behind the bar, in the dining room and staffing the kitchen.
During the soft opening, Mudlick invites you to join them, but reminds you that team is still learning the ropes, so they thank you for your patience as they fine-tune the experience.

This weeks soft opening benefits SICSA Pet Adoption and Wellnes Center, next week supports Camp Joy, with their mission to help people grow and succeed through life-long experience based learning and Aug 12 – 17 will benefit HoofPrints Ohio, an equine therapy program. Reservations can be made online for the soft opening via Mudlick’s website. This weekend the most open reservations are for the Boozy Brunch on Saturday and Sunday. During the soft opening, Mudlick is not doing carryout orders.

Enjoy scratch-made pub fare, craft cocktails, and a welcoming vibe all while supporting causes close to the heart!

MUDLICK TAP HOUSE

110 W. Franklin St.,
Dayton, OH, 45458

937-895-4066

Open
Tues – Sun, 11am–10pm

3 Car Lovers Events This Weekend

August 1, 2025 By Dayton937

Get ready to shift into gear for a day of chrome, classics, and community at these 3 area Car Cruise-Ins! Whether you’re a gearhead, a casual admirer, or just looking for a fun day out, these events have something for everyone. Stroll through rows of vintage rides, muscle cars, hot rods, and custom builds—each with a story and style all its own.

Enjoy the chance to meet fellow car lovers who share your passion for all things on wheels.