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

The Featured Articles

Cake Hope & Love Launches Community Cake Co-op

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Cake Hope & Love believes everyone deserves something sweet—especially during tough times.
Owner Shannon Teague shared,  “the government shutdown affecting so many of our neighbors, we want to help bring a little comfort and joy where it’s needed most. So they are  launching a Community Cake Co-op, a way for our customers to pay kindness forward.”
Here’s how it works:
You can donate any amount—$10, $20, $50, or more—and they’ll use 100% of those funds to bake and gift cakes to families and individuals affected by the shutdown. No strings. No spotlight. Just a genuine gesture of care from one neighbor to another.
They’ll handle the baking and throw in a extra dozen of cupcakes! You just help us fill the world with a little more love (and frosting).
Because sometimes, a slice of cake is more than just dessert, it’s hope. 💛
If you’re needed a cake for a special occasion- you can make a request on line here.
Cake, Hope and Love
1490 N Fairfield Rd, Ste B
Beavercreek, OH, 45432
(937) 912-9253
Tues – Fri 10am – 6pm
Sat 10am – 2pm
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Gulzar’s First Ever Chef Dinner

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After creating quite a following with their downtown restaurant, Gulzar’s Indian Cuisine will be hosting its first private Dinner with the Chef event on Thursday, November 13th at 6- 8pm.

This event offers an opportunity to try some of Chef Jay’s very favorite dishes, ask him questions and indulge in some of India’s finest wine.

This is an exclusive event only available to 10 special guests. Get your $100 ticket now!

Reserve your seat at the table here.

 

The Menu:

Starters:

Fried Salmon with R4ddish
Spinach Pakora Chat

Entrees:

Lamb Shank Curry with Spiced Rice
Homestyle Chicken Curry with Lentil Wafers
Street Style Chickpeas with potatoes in a Pita Pocket
Yellow Moong Massoor Lentil with Home Style Roti

Dessert:

Fried Sweet Pretzel with Condensed Cardamon Milk

Wines:
Sula, Sparkling Brut
Sula, Sauvignon Blanc

Owners Jay and Deepika

Gulzar’s Indian Cuisine

 

41 Grill & Draft House Now in Troy

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Kim Frazier  opened Speakeasy Ramen in Springfield in May of 2019 and it quickly gained the reputation as Springfield’s 5 star Dive Bar!  A serial entrepreneur with a background in food service, she acquired the 571 Grill and Draft House in New Carlisle in December of 2024 and in April of 2024 she purchased Speakeasy Miso in Troy.

In a very candid conversation with Frazier, she admitted that Speakeasy Miso hadn’t been profitable since it had opened in 2023. The space was huge and while they did have some raving fans, just not enough of the community embraced the  ramen and sushi concept and the rising cost of the Asian goods just weren’t adding up for profit and she knew it was time to pivot.

What she knew would work in Troy was a traditional eatery with a more approachable menu with great craft cocktails, like she was running at the 571 Grill in New Carlisle. So last week the new signs went up and 41 Grill & Draft House was born. Frazier admits it will be a slow transformation, as her kitchen team is adapting menu items from the New Carlisle eatery as well as creating some new dishes of their own. Of course they are bringing over the best selling burgers, but they will also put an emphasis on vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options for their guests. Their chefs are currently working on perfecting a black bean burger they all approve of.

They’ve already added  big sellers like their mac and cheese balls to the transitioning menu.

Guests will also be able to enjoy thier Smoked Wings- Brined overnight and then, dry rubbedwith 13 spices, and slow smoked  for 3+ hours; then flash fry them per order.

The plan is currently to grow the limited starting menu over the next few weeks, eventually adding a pizza oven and a few elevated dinner options like salmon and steaks,  do a little refreshing of the interior and host a grand opening after the holidays.

41 Grill & Draft House

101 W Main Street
Troy, OH 45373
937-703-1103
Monday-Thursday: 11am-8pm
Friday & Saturday: 11am-9pm

Subway Festive Feast Collection

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We might all say that the Thanksgiving feast is our favorite part of the holiday—and don’t get us wrong, gathering around the table is special. But if we’re being honest, the real magic often happens the next day, when all the leftovers are piled high between two slices of bread in a perfectly messy, flavor-packed Thanksgiving sandwich. You just can’t beat that day-after bite.

Three deli sandwiches with fillings including turkey cheese vegetables and sauce placed on a branded paper wrapper with dipping sauce

Subway is introducing its Festive Feast Collection, featuring three all-new sandwiches that deliver pure post-holiday comfort in every bite.

First up is the Festive Turkey, stacked with Subway’s signature oven-roasted turkey. Next is the Festive Chicken, featuring juicy, rotisserie-style chicken cooked sous vide for extra tenderness. And the star of the show: the TurHamKen. Here you have Subway’s clever take on the Turducken, layering oven-roasted turkey, Black Forest ham, and rotisserie-style chicken together into one meat-lover’s sub.

Each sub comes topped with Monterey Cheddar cheese, spinach, red onions, and mayo. And, like the fast food chains that came before it, Subway is going all in on the taste of Thanksgiving, topping each sandwich with a brand-new stuffing and cranberry sauce.

If you’d rather stick with your usual sub order, but still want to add a slightly festive twist, you can. Both the stuffing and cranberry sauce are available to add to any sandwich for just $1 extra.

The Festive Feast Collection hits Subway locations nationwide on Nov. 13, giving you plenty of time to enjoy a taste of Thanksgiving before the big day—and hopefully long after, too.

Local Pie Shop Hosting Pie Raffle to Help The Hungry

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Partial to Pie Bakery has already maxed out their capacity for making for pies for Thanksgiving with pre-orders, but they know more people want pies. So they’ve decided to raffle off a Holiday pie for Thanksgiving that will benefit Gem City Action and Miami Valley Meals.

Tickets are $2 each or $3 for $5. Cash only, no limit on how many you can purchase.
One lucky winner will get to a pie for the holiday (11/26)
(pumpkin, pecan or sweet potato)
Raffle drawing will take place Thursday 11/20
All proceeds will be split 50/50 with gemcity action and Miami valley Meals
So whether you missed out on getting your pie order in for the holidays or just want to support a good cause, stop by the bakery to buy some raffle tickets!
200 Shroyer Rd.,
Dayton, OH 45419

Hardee’s Grilled Cheese lineup

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Grilled cheese is back on the menu at Hardee’s with the return of the fan-favorite Grilled Cheese Bacon Burger and Grilled Cheese Breakfast Sandwich at participating locations

With prices starting at $4.79 (may vary by location), here’s a closer look at Hardee’s Grilled Cheese lineup:

 

Hardee's Debuts Grilled Cheese Bacon Burger and Grilled Cheese Breakfast Sandwiches
  • Grilled Cheese Bacon Burger: A 100% Angus beef patty topped with crispy cherrywood‑smoked bacon, American and Swiss cheeses, and mayonnaise on toasted, buttery sourdough.
  • Grilled Cheese Breakfast Sandwich with Sausage: A grilled sausage patty topped with American and Swiss cheeses and a fried egg on toasted, buttery sourdough bread.
  • Grilled Cheese Breakfast Sandwich with Bacon: Crispy cherrywood-smoked bacon topped with American and Swiss cheeses and a fried egg on toasted, buttery sourdough bread.

Also back for the holiday season is the popular Cinnamon ‘N’ Raisin Biscuit, available in single, two-pack, and four-pack options, featuring a baked-in-house biscuit loaded with raisins and cinnamon, finished with a drizzle of icing.

Available all day, each Cinnamon ‘N’ Raisin Biscuit carries a suggested price of $1.74, although prices may vary depending on location.

 

Dayton at Work and Play: Tour of Judge Steven K. Dankof’s courtroom

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Recently three of my NOT CRIMINAL pieces were exhibited at the Edward A. Dixon Gallery (222 N St Clair). I was with Ed Dixon at the gallery when Judge Dankof came in and bought one of the pieces. He said he planned to hang it in his courtroom, and that he’d invite us there when he had it up.
We visited last week. You can tell before you even enter that Judge Dankof’s courtroom is unique. His door has a PLEDGE OF FAIRNESS plaque, inspired by one used in all courts in Alaska. In the pledge, the judge promises that he will listen to any person involved in a proceeding, that he will answer their questions, and that he will treat them with respect.
Entering the courtroom you see a lot of art, including two beautiful pieces by the Judge’s wife, artist Nancy Dankof. One was Nancy’s portrait of Dayton’s Grafton Payne. My NOT CRIMINAL piece was hung at the front of the courtroom near a portrait of Frederick Douglass.
At the rear of the courtroom there were three portraits. Two show William Sherman and Ulysses Grant, Union generals from Ohio. The third shows capitol policeman Eugene Goodman who single-handedly diverted a mob of January 6 rioters away from the Senate chambers. There were also portraits of Bobby Kennedy, and a quote by John Lewis: “If you see something that is not right, not fair, not just, you have a moral obligation to do something about it”.
I asked Judge Dankof why he had filled his court with art. “There’s a lot of stress in a courtroom – on defendants, jurors, lawyers and even on the judge” he explained. “I should do anything I can to reduce that level of stress. A prosecuting attorney once asked a prospective juror to look at the art in the courtroom and use one word to describe it. She said ‘Welcoming.’ That’s exactly what I was going for.”
The Judge told me he’d gotten several positive comments about the NOT CRIMINAL piece since he’d put it up, including from an attorney from Mexico City who was in the courtroom as an interpreter. Thirty of my NOT CRIMINAL pieces are now in people’s homes, at church, at non-profits, in lawyer’s offices and now in a courtroom. If you’d like one, they are available for the cost of printing. Contact me at [email protected]

 

D’s Birria and More Has A New Location!

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Chef Darion Laquan Lewis who runs D’s Birria and More, which originally opened in Miamisburg in 2022 as More Than A Apron has closed down this location.

He will now running his business out of the kitchen of  The Dog Leg Tavern (formerly Boston’s Bistro for you old Daytonians),
a private sports bar in Harrison Township, located at
7500 N Main St, Dayton, OH 45415. Chef Lewis shared “he loved being in Miamisburg but the traffic was inconsistent and he just needed a better situation to succeed.”  He was approached by an employee of the Tavern and asked to take over the kitchen. 
The Dog Leg is open to the public daily from 11am – 3pm so anyone can stop by for lunch.  After 3pm Chef Lewis will offer carry out orders you can pick up at the side kitchen door, pay via card when you pull up, or pay ahead with Venmo, Cash App or Apple Pay, or order delivery through Door Dash.  He’ll be cooking from 11am – 9pm.  He also still has a food truck for onsite events and catering. 
You also have the option to join the private club for about $50/year. Hours for the club are Monday- Sunday 11-11pm.
Here’s the new menu:

Blue Berry Cafe Offering Free Meal For Furloughed Workers

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Kelley Andary, owner Blue Berry Cafe

Blue Berry Cafe owner Kelley Andary has one of the biggest hearts in the business.  Here’s the latest example of this, she posted on Facebook:

“One of my best friends works at WPAFB. She is also a single mom to a spunky and sweet little girl. I check in with her about once a week. She is being super smart with her money and budgeting like crazy…but i can hear the stress in her voice…super hard as she tries to not to let her daughter know what is going on.
She just started dipping into her savings to pay for things. 😔
So I talked to the staff and we thought…what can we do for our friends?!?
Well, While it may not be much…we feel a meal made and packaged with love is a perfect way for us to “do something. ”And with that, we would like to offer a free meal prepared by our very own Chef Jaime and Staff.
Our first meal will be available for pick up starting on Wednesday, November 5th and offered until we give them all away!
Just come in to our Kettering location and see the hosts…tell them you would like ___adult and ___kids meals and they will bring them right out to you!
*please one meal per person so that we can share with as many as possible
The pre-packaged meals will be in microwaveable containers and are at no cost.”
After many comments on the above Facebook post from folks wanting to help they’ve share their Venmo: @BlueBerryCafe
It will use only to help pay for groceries and take out containers and other community projects. But, also…please just keep coming to the cafe and being our customer 💕🫐🤩

Buffalo Wild Wings New Brown Sugar Heat Sauce

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Buffalo Wild Wings is cranking up the flavor with its newest limited-time sauce: Brown Sugar Heat! This bold flavor features a rich brown sugar glaze  with a spicy kick from black pepper and smoked chile seasonings – a perfect combo of sweet and heat that fans won’t want to miss.

Explore the Water Street District Pint Path

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Sip your way through local brews, grab a bite at buzzworthy spots and discover why Water Street District is where Dayton comes to play. Pick up a free Water Street District Pint Path passport from any participating business. Once a passport has been picked up, purchase a menu item of choice at each stop to receive a stamp on the passport.

Once you’ve sipped and stamped at all 14 locations, turn in your passport to Water Street District’s leasing office (115 Madison Street) to claim your prize. Pint Path Passport stops can be completed at the leisure of each participant. Cheers! Please remember to drink responsibly.

Participating businesses

  • Brixx Ice Company- 500 East 1st Street

  • Warped Wing Brewing Company- 26 Wyandot Street 

  • The Dayton Beer Company- 41 Madison Street

  • Little Fish Brewing Company- 116 Webster Street

  • Dayton Barrel Works- 318 East 2nd Street

  • The Foundry Rooftop – 124 Madison Street

  • Sueño- 607 East 3rd Street

  • Tender Mercy – 607 East 3rd Street

  • Southern Belle Tavern- 34 North Patterson Boulevard

  • Joui Wine – 117 East 3rd Street

  • Pins Mechanical Company- 416 East 1st Street

  • The Silos – 810 East 1st Street

  • The Barrel House – 417 East 3rd Street

Mikey’s Late Night Slice – Coming soon to: 503 East 1st Street

Exclusive Pint Path Prizes

  • Professor Pilsner T-shirt
  • Pint Path Pennant
  • Navy Can Koozie
  • Major Bragging Rights

Last Weekend for Ella Mae’s Broaster Hut in Trotwood

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Leiland and Melanie Woods originally opened Ella Mae’s Broaster Hut as a food truck in 2023. In February of 2025 they opened Consumer Square in Trotwood.  They’ve become well known for their broasted chicken, fish and pork chops with sides of fresh-cut potato wedges, green beans, fried cabbage, bourbon baked beans, and macaroni and cheese.  Broasted chicken uses the trademarked Broaster Pressure Fryer that combines deep frying with pressure cooking to create a crispy outside and a very juicy inside.
But a big change is coming. Ella Maes Broaster Hut will soon have a new name and a new location.
This weekend will be their last at their 5519 Salem Ave location.  They invite you all to attend their closing weekend “Fish Fry” today & Saturday, while supplies last! Come say goodbye and have some extra fish on them.

YWCA’s Women of Influence Awards is Back

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For more than 25 years, the YWCA’s Women of Influence Awards have honored our communities female leaders who use their voices, vision to make a lasting impact in the community. In a release, YWCA stated honorees exemplify the organization’s mission to “eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.”

“This event helps highlight YWCA’s goal to help women break the glass ceiling,” said Teresa Sanders, YWCA Dayton Interim CEO. “We can’t wait to honor these remarkable women and tell their stories, while also highlighting the lifesaving services that YWCA Dayton has provided for women and children in our community for more than 150 years. The YWCA is in a time of growth and rebuilding, and we need the support of our community to serve the women and children who walk through our doors every day – seeking shelter, security, and a safe place to land.”

The 2026 honorees are:

  • Debbie Blunden Diggs – CEO and artistic director, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company
  • Myla Cardona Jones – CEO, Brunner Literacy Center
  • Robyn Lightcap – Executive director, Preschool Promise
  • Heather Salazar – President and CEO, Pink Ribbon Good
  • Lisa Wagner – Executive director, Levitt Pavilion Dayton

Betsy B. Whitney

The YWCA Dayton is proud to announce the renaming of its most prestigious honor to The Betsy B. Whitney Lifetime Achievement Award, in recognition of its longest-serving champion. Betsy Whitney’s dedication to the organization is unparalleled, spanning over 65 years and including 50 continuous years on the Board of Directors, culminating in more than 80,000 hours of service. Her leadership proved foundational to the YWCA’s mission: she was a driving force behind the organization becoming the second in the country to open a shelter for battered women, and she personally inspired the creation of the annual Women of Influence Luncheon, the major event where this very award is bestowed. This permanent designation ensures that all future recipients will be measured by the exceptional standard of service, tenacity, and commitment to gender and racial equality that Betsy Whitney set for the entire community.

Vicki Giambrone

Vicki Giambrone– Partner, CBD Advisors, will be the recipient of the 2026 Betsy Whitney Lifetime Achievement Award.

For over 23 years, she served as the vice president for strategic partnerships and business development for Dayton Children’s Hospital. She managed the hospital’s highly successful business development efforts and strategic partnerships. She developed the nationally recognized public affairs and advocacy program; developed the referral physician program and community outreach efforts and as well as leading marketing, strategic planning and Foundation Services. She is a very active community advocate and has served on many boards over the past 30 years. Currently she serves as a member of the Board of Trustees for Pink Ribbon Girls and Greene Inc and as a board member for two private corporations. In addition, Vicki serves the City of Beavercreek as an elected official to the City Council and was selected by Governor John Kasich to serve on his Executive Workforce Task Force Board.  She has earned Fellow status in the American College of Healthcare Executives and is board certified in health care administration; and earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Dayton.

Rachel Jessup

Rachel Jessup, YWCA Dayton board chair

“We would like to thank YWCA Dayton’s Board of Directors, led by Chair Rachel Jessup, the Y staff led by Teresa Sanders and our incredible community stakeholders for working tirelessly to bring this beloved event back,” Earl and Broughton said in a joint statement. “This celebration means so much – to this community and to us personally. We hope you’ll join us in honoring these extraordinary women, whose leadership and impact truly embody what it means to be Women of Influence in our community.”

The YWCA Dayton will honor the 2026 Women of Influence and Betsy B. Whitney Lifetime Achievement Honorees on March 12, 2026, from 11:30 am-1:00 pm at the Dayton Convention Center.  Tickets can be purchased online here.

BCT brings ‘Let the Right One in’ to life this weekend!

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Beavercreek Community Theatre is celebrating the spooky season with ‘Let the Right One In.’ This weekend is the final chance to see the production which is directed by Chris Harmon. Here is what he shared with us about this coming-of-age story.
937: Why did you choose ‘Let the Right One in’ this Halloween season? 
It’s a different take on both classic vampire lore, and coming-of-age stories. As a director, it presents as a new challenge to stage in a compelling, and accessable way.
937: What does this production promise for the audience? 
The assembled score is comprised of a lot of early 80’s punk, and new wave music. The cast had a chance to offer a lot of input into this aspect of the production so it’s very collaborative in that sense. In terms of atmosphere, the space is really transformed into a stark Scandinavian vibe by the set, and  experimental — and at times avant-garde lighting design. And it’s a vampire story, so of course there’s blood! Lots of it. At one point nearly half a gallon of blood in three seconds! Which is to say nothing of the actors who have invested considerable time into not only their craft but some exceedingly quick and clever set transitions.
937: Is it like the film?
Yes, and no. Yes in that the essence of the main character’s vulnerability and frankness is definitely present. No, in the sense that we don’t have a lake on stage that a body is discovered in.
937: What do you hope the audience walks away feeling? 
I hope they feel that they have experienced something new in the theatre. I want them to feel exhilarated by an unconventional script. I definitely want them to question if this is a love story about Oskar and Eli, or is it not a love story.
937:  Who makes up this strong cast?
The two leads, Karter Hoffman as Oskar, and Sophia Harvey as Eli are fantastic in their roles. They are supported by an incredible ensemble which includes Everett Green, Jamie McQuinn, TJ Montgomery, Sasha Kozlova, Steven Mongelli, Grayson Thompson, Kobe Smith, and Maren Wasser.
Janet Powell has designed some really delightful 80’s Northern Europe costumes. Becky Howard’s design for props is exquisitely detailed. Both Michael Cardoza, and Nick Vanderpool have crafted some amazing very special, and surprising blood effects. Alex Kancler’s sound design is crazy compelling. Angelé Price-Maddah has been a fantastic assistant director. Kayla Graham is fight and intimacy coordinator – her work is incredibly essential to the piece.  Andrew Darr’s lighting design is mysterious and vibrant.  And my set design…well, it’s okay.
Tickets and Times: This Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets at bctheatre.org 
Anything You’d like to add? Yes. Lady Cardoza is a fabulous producer.

937: I’m sure our readers are as intrigued as I am. Make sure you catch the show at BCT this weekend! Thanks Chris!

Gem City Provisions: Meat and Cheese Masterpieces

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A business that creates charcuterie boards is all about turning food into art — blending creativity, flavor, and presentation into edible experiences. These businesses curate beautiful assortments of meats, cheeses, fruits, nuts, and other gourmet bites, often styled on wooden boards or trays for any occasion — from intimate date nights to large-scale corporate events. Bridget Robinson, who bartends at McDiggers and O’Leary’s, recently  launched Gem City Provisions. 

She can create customized boards, offering themed boards (like brunch, dessert, or seasonal) and catering to dietary preferences such as vegetarian, keto, or gluten-free. The artistry is just as important as the ingredients — think handcrafted cheeses, locally sourced honey, artisan crackers, and a pop of color from fresh herbs or edible flowers.

From intimate birthdays and casual weeknight dinners to large corporate events, Bridget provides beautifully curated boards that bring people together.

From rich cheeses to unique cured meats, seasonal fruits, fresh nuts, and local honey, every ingredient is chosen to create a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Whether selling ready-made boxes for pickup, delivering grazing tables for weddings, this  charcuterie entrepreneur is redefining how we snack, celebrate, and share food.

Gem City Provisions offers: 

  • Custom Charcuterie Boards – Tailored to fit any occasion or dietary preference.
  • Party Platters & Catering – Perfect for weddings, corporate events, and large gatherings.
  • Small Batch Local Products – We source only the finest, locally-sourced ingredients to make each board a delicious work of art.
  • Perfect for any Occasion, Big or Small: Whether it’s a Monday afternoon treat, a milestone birthday, or a large corporate function, we’ve got you covered.

Call 937-657-8446 or Email to book your board!

[email protected]