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Yellow Springs Smokehouse To Close

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You’ve got until Sept 7th to enjoy the craft BBQ being served up at the Yellow Springs Smokehouse at 1535 Xenia Avenue.  Opened in Nov of 2024 the eatery serves up brisket, pulled pork, macaroni and cheese, collard greens, boiled peanuts and more. Owner Brian Rainey says,”I’ve spread myself way too thin for way too long. Im tired of the stress defining my persona. I just want to love and nurture Sunrise. I just want to like my job again.”
Prior to it’s run as the smokehouse, the location was home to Calypso Grill from March of 2018 to 2024. After a six year run,  he put the business for sale, and when it didn’t sell he decided to transform it into the smokehouse with Chef Gavin St. Denis.
Rainey still owns and runs Sunrise Cafe in Yellow Springs, which he took over in 2004 and is open seven days a week from 7:30am – 9pm.  He is looking forward to concentrating on just the one eatery, while having more time to spend with his wife and four children.

 

Renaissance Festival Returns for 9 Weekends

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The moment you walk through the gates of the Ohio Renaissance Festival, the modern world seems to melt away. Instead of cars and concrete, you’ll find yourself strolling cobblestone lanes lined with timber-framed shops, the scent of roasting turkey legs drifting through the air.

Laughter echoes from a nearby stage as jesters perform clever tricks, while the thunder of hooves signals the start of a joust in the arena. Around every corner, artisans display hand-forged blades, delicate glasswork, and custom leather creations—each piece a reminder that craftsmanship is alive and well. Musicians wander the lanes with lutes and drums, inviting you to slow your pace and soak in the rhythm of another time.

What makes the festival special isn’t just its carefully built 16th-century village—it’s the energy of the people who fill it. Visitors arrive in elaborate gowns and shining armor, or just jeans and T-shirts, but all share a willingness to step outside the ordinary. For a day, you can eat like royalty, cheer for knights, trade jokes with a pirate, and disappear into a world that feels both far away and strangely familiar.

The Fest kicks off August 30, 2025  and runs through October 26, 2025 on – Saturdays, Sundays & Labor Day

Tickets:

  • ADULT DATE SPECIFIC TICKETS $32-35 (online) or IF AVAILABLE $35-38 (ticket booth)
  • Children $10 (ages 5-12) – Children tickets are NOT limited.
  • Children under 5 FREE

Must see Attractions: The Swordsmen, two itinerant gentlemen with sharp swords, quick reflexes and even quicker wits for an entertaining balance of comedy and the manly art of swordfighting. Death-defying, daring, dangerous, and dynamic, Ichabod Wainright will amaze and amuse you with the Wheel of Death. Theatre In The Ground (aka The Mudde Show) presents literary classics with a comedic twist performed in Ohio’s only Muditorium, where comedy meets Earth. The Kamikaze Fireflies feature dangerous feats and comedic stunts.

Test your skills in the gaming area, then visit the Tower of London Dungeon of Doom. Eat, drink, shop, enjoy the shows, ride human-powered rides, and visit with Royalty at the 2024 Ohio Renaissance Festival.

More than 150 world-class artisans display wares in this unique shoppers’ paradise. Master artisans demonstrate timeless arts of glassblowing, jewelry making, blacksmithing, stone carving, leather crafting, weaving and more.

Be Sure to enjoy Giant Turkey Legs, Steak-On-A-Stake, Barbecue, Wraps, Stuffed Spuds, Bread Bowl Stews, Pizza Parlor, Hearty Ales, Flavorful Wines, Delectable Desserts and Vegetarian selections offer even the most discriminating taste buds a true Taste of the Renaissance.

Special Dining Events you won’t want to miss:

Savor a 5-course dinner show featuring delectable starters, a diverse array of entrées, a heavenly dessert, PLUS a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, all complemented by a collectible tankard as a keepsake. Don’t miss out on this incredible dining experience!
One seating per festival day, 3:00 – 5:00 pm. Tickets run $85.99 ($80.00 + $5.99 fee), buy online.

5-Course Feast Royal Feast Menu

Starters: Fruit & Cheese Platter, Onion & Mushroom Bisque

Sides: Honey Roasted Carrots, Herb Roasted Potatoes

Main Courses: Beef, Poultry, and Pork

Desserts: Chef’s Selection

Beverages: A selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.

 

Witches of Willy-Nilly Whiskey Tasting:
A Spirited Adventure at the Ohio Renaissance Festival!

Embark on a magical journey of whiskey, bourbon, and scotch with the enchanting Witches of Willy-Nilly. Sip, savor, and learn at this exclusive tasting event.
At the Tipsy Cauldron at 1 pm every festival day. $43.76 ($40.00 + $3.76 fee)

 A fun tasting event hosted by the Witches of Willy Nilly. Enjoy six premium tastes of spiritous beverages that rotate throughout the season.

 

Please arrive to the Tipsy Cauldron by 12:45pm to check in and get your seat. Tickets not checked in by 12:45pm are subject to be resold.  Must be 21 years of age. 

WINE TASTING

This unique experience invites you to savor a selection of fine wines, each chosen for its historical significance and exceptional quality. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a curious novice, our host will guide you through the rich tapestry of flavors, sharing stories of winemaking traditions from bygone eras. Raise your goblet and toast to an unforgettable journey through the vineyards of history!

Check-in at 3 pm at the Noble Nook.

The tasting will begin at 3:15 pm and last for about 45 minutes.

Price: $43.76 ($40 + 3.76) includes tastes of 5 savory wines (2 whites, 2 reds and 1 Rose) rotating throughout the season.

Ohio Renaissance Festival

10542 Ohio 73
Waynesville, Ohio 45068

I-75, exit 38 on State Route 73

Hours:
10:30am – 7:00pm

Moe’s Tequila Lime Chicken is Back

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Moe’s Southwest Grill brings back Tequila Lime Chicken – the most popular limited time protein offering of 2024 – with a tangy twist from Tajín.

Moe’s Southwest Grill announces their new collaboration with Tajín® to bring back Moe’s most popular limited time protein of last year, with a tangy twist – Tequila Lime Chicken* and a dash of Tajín – available starting August 26th.

Tequila Lime Chicken features Moe’s signature white meat chicken tossed in agave sauce with a smoky blend of lime, jalapeño, and garlic. To celebrate the return of the popular protein, the Queso Crunch Taco is also coming back for an encore. Indulge in a hard-shell taco wrapped in a soft tortilla with queso in between, featuring Tequila Lime Chicken and topped with Tajín Chile Lime seasoning.

“Our Tequila Lime Chicken was an instant hit last year and sold out in two weeks, and we’re excited to bring it back with the bold flavor of Tajín,” says Mike Smith, Chief Brand Officer at Moe’s Southwest Grill. “Tajín’s unique blend of natural chile peppers, lime, and sea salt perfectly complements Moe’s tangy Tequila Lime Chicken. Because what pairs better than the flavors of tequila and Tajín?”

For a limited time, guests can top off any Entrée with Tajín at no additional cost. Moe’s Southwest Grill continues to get creative with the endless ways to add bold flavors and customization to your meal, and Tajín is the latest limited time addition to Moe’s lineup of 20+ fresh and free ingredients.

“At Tajín, we’re passionate about providing a unique zest and kick to every dish,” says Juan Carlos Limon, Brand Marketing Manager at Tajín USA. “Our collaboration with Moe’s Southwest Grill and their Tequila Lime Chicken is a perfect fusion of our brands, delivering a vibrant taste experience that we know guests will love.”

But the flavor fiesta doesn’t stop there. Through September 7th, Moe Rewards Members can enjoy a Queso Crunch Taco on us** with purchase of any Entrée. Terms apply, see Moes.com for more details. These limited-time offerings are available while supplies last.

**Moe Rewards members receive one Queso Crunch Taco on us (excluding add-ons, extras, and taxes) with the purchase of a regular menu item at participating locations 8/26 – 9/7/25. Limit one per person, while supplies last. Must apply Reward at checkout. Not valid with any other offer or reward, or third-party delivery. Void where prohibited. Moe’s reserves the right to modify or terminate this promotion at any time without prior notice.

Moe’s Centerville
990 Miamisburg Centerville Rd
Centerville, OH 45458

Open Daily 10am – 9pm

Enjoy burritos, quesadillas, tacos & more made from 20+ fresh ingredients. Kid’s, vegetarian, low-cal & catering options are available. And chips & salsa are free with every meal!

Bdubs Dinner for 2 for $19.99

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Looking for a great deal on Dinner for Two, Buffalo Wild Wings has you covered! For a limited time only, they’ve brought back their Pick 6 Meal Deal starting at just $19.99!! 2 Entrees, 2 sides and 2 drinks!

Entree Choices:

3 original or spicy chicken dippers
All American cheese burger
Triple Bacon Cheeseburger
Buffalo Ranch Chicken  (original or spicy)
Buffalo Ranch Grilled Chicken
Beer Cheese Cheesesteak
Honey BBQ Chicken Salad

Side Choices:

French Fries
Tots
Potato Wedges

Drink Choices:

20oz fountain drink
Iced Tea
Strawberry Lemonaid

Dine-in or order online or in the app today.​ Valid at participating locations for a limited time only!

Set sail for savings with Long John Silver’s $6 baskets of fish, shrimp or chicken

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As guests look for ways to save without sacrificing flavor, Long John Silver’s® is offering more treasures to choose from at a price that’s hard to beat. For the first time, the $6 Basket lineup features an expanded mix of chicken and seafood favorites all available at once, including tender Chicken Planks®, hand-battered fish, batter-dipped shrimp, or grilled shrimp.

“As guests look to stretch their budget, value is a top factor in deciding where to go for their next meal. They want affordable options that do not skimp on flavor or quality,” said Christopher Caudill, senior vice president of marketing and innovation at Long John Silver’s. “Our $6 Baskets deliver on that need, giving guests a way to enjoy their favorite chicken and seafood items at a great price point.”

$6 Baskets: Four Options, Endless Flavor
Pick your own adventure with Long John Silver’s $6 Baskets. With four protein options, each basket is packed with high-quality ingredients and bursting with flavor:

  • Two-piece Chicken Basket – Two pieces of tender, all-white meat chicken, hand-battered and cooked to crispy perfection. Includes a choice of side, our signature Crumblies®, and two hushpuppies.
  • Two-piece Fish Basket – Two pieces of thick, flaky, wild-caught Alaska pollock, hand-battered in our signature batter, along with your choice of side, our signature Crumblies®, and two golden hushpuppies.
  • Six-piece Battered Shrimp Basket – Six hand-battered, juicy shrimp, served with your choice of side, our signature Crumblies®, and two hushpuppies.
  • Six-piece Grilled Shrimp Basket – Six succulent, seasoned grilled shrimp on a bed of savory rice, served with your choice of side for a flavorful meal.

Whether you’re craving crispy, golden goodness or something grilled, Long John Silver’s $6 Baskets will satisfy your appetite without sending your wallet overboard.

Reel in Savings with Buy One, Get One (BOGO) FREE Variety Platters
For guests looking to score an even larger bounty of chicken and seafood favorites, Long John Silver’s is offering a special digital-only promotion featuring Buy One, Get One (BOGO) FREE Variety Platters from August 25 through August 27.  Guests can claim their BOGO FREE Variety Platters by using promo code AUGBOGO25 when they add two variety platters to their order at ljsilvers.com or in the Long John Silver’s mobile app.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Returns
End your voyage on a sweet note with a piece of pumpkin cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory Bakery. Rich and creamy, each slice is filled with a secret blend of seasonal spices and topped with a garnish of whipped cream.

Join the Seacret Society™ Rewards program for access to exclusive offers, digital rewards, and surprise member-only drops throughout the year.

Domino’s Pizza’s “Best Deal Ever” Promo Happening Now

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Domino’s Pizza Inc. is turning up the heat as summer winds down with the return of its “Best Deal Ever” promotion. For a limited time, starting on Aug. 25, customers can devour any pizza with any toppings for $9.99 each.

Domino's "Best Deal Ever" offer is back for a limited time, starting on Aug. 25.

“Summer may be wrapping up, but the fun doesn’t have to,” said Kate Trumbull, Domino’s executive vice president – chief marketing officer. “We’re bringing back our hottest deal yet so customers can enjoy all sorts of delicious pizza combinations at a great value. Whether you’re preparing to send the kids back to school, hosting a Labor Day party or getting ready for football season, Domino’s has your meals covered with our ‘Best Deal Ever.'”

Domino’s $9.99 deal includes Hand Tossed, Handmade Pan, New York Style, Gluten Free and Crunchy Thin Crust, as well as an assortment of sauces and toppings. Customers can upgrade to Parmesan Stuffed Crust for an additional charge.

To order or find the nearest store, visit www.dominos.com or use Domino’s mobile app.

Pringles Bold New Flavors to Hit Stores

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When it comes to Pringles®, flavor innovation never takes a summer vacation. The brand is continuing to deliver what its fans crave with more new, unique flavor combinations hitting shelves starting in September. From a brand-new collection of crisps with a smoky twist to launching a well-known flavor combination and introducing new sweet and savory Pringles Mingles flavors, there is truly something to satisfy every craving.

Introducing New Pringles Smoky lineup, Pringles Sharp White Cheddar, Pringles Mingles Cinnamon & Sugar and Jalapeño & Queso, plus a unique opportunity to give one flavor a first try

Pringles is releasing multiple new flavors of the iconic crisps including three mouthwatering smoky flavors and a bold sharp white cheddar, available at retailers nationwide starting in September:

  • NEW Pringles Smoky Bacon brings that irresistible bacon flavor into a snackable crisp. With notes of hickory smoke and pork flavors, the crisps deliver a savory wood-fired smoky bacon taste.
  • NEW Pringles Smoky Mesquite BBQ combines a barbeque sweetness with tangy notes for a savory bite featuring that familiar barbeque flavor with a smoked twist.
  • NEW Pringles Smoky Cheddar blends a mild sweet applewood smokiness with a bold and creamy cheddar cheese flavor to create the perfect smoky, cheesy snack experience.
  • NEW Pringles Sharp White Cheddar fuses rich and slightly nutty flavors with a touch of acidity to replicate that perfectly aged white cheddar cheese taste.

But that’s not all hitting shelves this September; Pringles is also expanding its offering of Pringles Mingles. The brand’s newest puffed snacks will now include:

  • NEW Pringles Mingles Cinnamon & Sugar features the brand’s first sweet flavor since 2016. With warm notes of cinnamon complemented by sugary sweetness, it is the ideal shareable sweet snack. The puffs will be bringing the holiday cheer to the snack aisle with special limited-edition packaging for the season of sharing.

  • NEW Pringles Mingles Jalapeño & Queso balances a creamy queso cheese taste with a fresh jalapeño flavor that offers a slight heat in a light, airy, and crispy puff.

“At Pringles, we’re constantly thinking of new ways to satisfy our fans’ cravings, and bringing this suite of sweet, smoky, savory flavor to shelves is an exciting expansion of the unique snacking experiences Pringles offers,” said Mauricio Jenkins, US Head of Marketing for Pringles. “With the addition of the Smoky collection to our offerings, launching Sharp White Cheddar and creating even more poppable Pringles Mingles flavors to share, we hope our fans find an exciting new snack to enjoy for any occasion.”

Be on the lookout for the new Pringles Smoky lineup, Pringles Sharp White Cheddar, and Pringles Mingles Cinnamon & Sugar and Jalapeño & Queso at retailers nationwide this September. Pringles fans local to NYC can head to Bonnie’s to get an exclusive first taste of Pringles Smoky Mesquite BBQ as a part of Chef Eng’s latest creation starting Tuesday, Sept. 2. Visit Pringles.com for more information and follow @Pringles on your favorite social media platforms to keep up with the latest Pringles and snacking news.

McCoy on Movies: Honey Don’t

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Margaret Qualley shines in a dark, LGTBQIA+ dark comedy
that’s not as bright as her performance

Don’t have time to read a full, detailed movie review? Been meaning to talk about a movie for a while but just haven’t gotten around to telling a friend? Have no fear – get caught up with Quick Hits!

“Take notes … I’m the best thing about this film and you
know it.” Honey O’Donahue (Margaret Qualley) investigates
in a scene from Ethan Coen’s HONEY DON’T! Credit:

 

Karen Kuehn © 2025 Focus Features LLC. All Rights Reserved.
HONEY DON’T! 
 
There are exactly two reasons to see HONEY DON’T, the second installment of Ethan Coen’s “lesbian b-movie trilogy” written alongside his lesbian, non-traditional partner Tricia Cooke: (1) To watch Margaret Qualley, who stars as a queer, Bakersfield, CA-private eye that’s more masculine 1925 than she is 2025 in her demeanor, own every scene she’s in and (2) the gratuitous surely to some and likely not gratuitous enough to others nudity and sex crammed into the film’s 90 minute run-time. (Those who cheered the removal of the Pulse Nightclub crosswalk in Florida need not buy a ticket for reasons that should now be overtly obvious.
Moral objections to seeing LGTBQIA+ characters on screen – along with possibly the most corrupt preacher of the year in Chris Evans as drug dealing, murdering, fornicating church leader Drew Devlin – notwithstanding, HONEY DON’T finds Qualley outperforming the thin-yet-familiar material she is given to work with at every turn. That’s not to suggest that the other actors don’t bring their best to their roles as much it is to say what they were given to work with is b-movie pulp at best and sometimes, not in the best way. The film is far better, however, than the first installment in the Coen/Cooke three-pack, the long-forgotten, ostensibly goofy Drive-Away Dolls, but it’s staying power – outside of those who long to stare at star actors naked and/or REALLY enjoy ALL Coen brothers films (not just the hits) – is minor. Charlie Day adds a few laughs as a clueless detective, there are the standard schlubby/mysterious foreign Coen characters and quirky violence leading to a climax … But Bound, this is not.
So, if you’re wondering if you should put HONEY DON’T on your honey-do list, the answer is … Maybe – if you have 90 minutes to kill or just want to see an actress make honey out of a rather spent hive of a story that could have delivered so much more.
 

RATING (OUT OF FOUR BUCKETS OF POPCORN): 2 1/2 of 4

 

 

 

Hardee’s Rolls Out Summer Sips and Spicy Value Deals

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Hardee’s new Sweet Cherry Shake and Sweet Cherry Lemonade

Summer never has to end with Hardee’s® new limited-time cherry-inspired menu items: the Sweet Cherry Shake and Sweet Cherry Lemonade. Crafted to deliver bold cherry flavor, these refreshing beverages elevate any meal with a taste experience worth remembering. The Sweet Cherry Shake and Sweet Cherry Lemonade are available now through October 21.

The Sweet Cherry Lemonade blends Hardee’s new and improved handcrafted lemonade with a vibrant splash of cherry flavor for a crisp, refreshing finish. A swirl of ruby-red cherry flavor meets creamy hand-scooped vanilla ice cream in the Sweet Cherry Shake that is a worthy treat for guests’ Instagram feeds and tastebuds.

“We’re excited to introduce this standout flavor to our menu,” said Sarah Breymaier, vice president of brand marketing at Hardee’s. “Cherry is trending among consumers – in fact, searches for ‘cherry flavor’ are up 20% in the last month. With these new menu items, we are giving guests what they want and offering our unique take. These beverages are all about making the last days of summer tastier, more vibrant and truly memorable – turning everyday moments into flavorful, indulgent experiences.”

To extend the summer goodness, Hardee’s is also upgrading and bringing back the Original Bag. The value deal will now include the new Spicy Chicken Sandwich, and for $6.99*, guests can choose between two hearty options including the Spicy Chicken Sandwich, Double Cheeseburger, Sliced Ham and Swiss on a toasted bun, or Hand-Breaded Chicken Tender Wrap (ranch, honey mustard, or spicy), served with small fries and a small drink. Original Bag is available now through October 21.

New Lunch Option Downtown

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There’s a new lunch spot downtown. Bistecca, located inside Hotel Ardent  is now open for lunch Monday through Friday from 11 am – 1:30 pm.

The lunch menu features items like Smoked Salmon Bruschetta, Tuscan Chicken Salad Croissant, a Tuscan Burger, and flavorful salads and soup. You can take a peek at the menu here.

Bistecca

137 N. Main Street,
Dayton, OH 45402
937.637.0465
Breakfast
Weekday
(Mon-Fri): 6:30am – 10:30am
Brunch
Saturday & Sunday: 7:00am – 1:30pm
Lunch
Monday – Friday: 11:00am – 1:30pm
Negroni Hour
(Mon-Sat): 4:30pm – 6:30pm (bar only)
Dinner
Weekday (Sun-Thurs): 4:30pm – 10:00pm
Weekend (Fri & Sat): 4:30pm – 11:00pm

Reservations can be made online.

Noodles & Company Combo Duo Meals starting at $9.95

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Noodles & Company has launched a duo meal that offers guests a small entrée and a side starting at $9.95. Whether it’s an early lunch, afternoon refuel or evening meal, you can Duo on your own schedule. Choose any small Noodle or Mac bowl with Duo-sized protein + Side for a bundled price.

Small Entree Choices include:

Creamy Cheddar Mac
Rigatoni Roni With Parmesan Chicken
Buttery Parmesan Noodles
Pad Thia
Crispy Bacon Chicken Alfredo
Buffalo Chicken Ranch Mac
Pulled Pork BBQ Mac
Japanese Pan Noodles
Basil Pesto Cavatappi
Spicy Korean Steak Noodles
Spaghetti & Meatballs
Cajun Shrimp Fettuccine
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scamp
Pasta Fresca
Roasted Garlic Cream Tortelloni
Chipotle Chicken Cavatappi
Bulgogi Steak Mac & Cheese

Side Choices Include:

Caesar Salad
Garden Salad
Chicken Noodle Soup
Lemon Parmesan Broccoli
3 Piece Potsticker
Baguetts
3 piece Cheesy Garlic Bread

Noodles & Company

Austin Landing

3400 Rigby Road
Miamisburg, OH 45342

The Greene

11 Greene Blvd
Beavercreek, OH 45432

 

10:30 AM to 10:00 PM

Dayton At Work and Play: Duohome

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I find that stores run by artists tend to be interesting places, so after dropping my art off at the Springfield Museum of Art I visited Duohome (149 W Jefferson St, Springfield, OH).
I first visited the building back in 2016 to tour the art studio of Vicki Rulli and her husband Tom Heaphey. They bought an old industrial building in Springfield and then opened Itinerant Studio. It is a production art studio that sells art to designers, hotels and boutiques all over the world. Their work is beautiful. The black & white photo shows Tom and Vicki back in 2016.
During the pandemic the couple started renovating areas of the building that hadn’t been used. Two years ago, they opened Duohome. Vicki was there and I asked her to describe the store and how it came about.
“We’ve been selling to the design trade since 2008 with showrooms in New York, High Point and Atlanta. The brands we’re selling here have been our friends and colleagues, people selling alongside us at the same shows. We think of this as a “Lifestyle Store” and it’s modeled after how we live our own life.”
“Every single product that comes into DUO HOME must follow our “Four Goods”. They must be made by a good company that treats their employees well, have intentional and good design, be made with good materials, and have a good story to tell.”
Then Vicki started telling me some of the good stories of some of her products – about the employee-owned Ohio furniture company and the third-generation Danish company and others. I was reminded of my friend London Coe who sells chocolate from all over the world. If I ask about a chocolate bar, she can tell me about the person who made it and how it was made and the history of chocolate in that part of the world.
So, when you’re headed to Springfield to see the members’ show at the Springfield Museum of Art, check out Duohome and let Vicki show you some good products with good stories.

Culture Work Hosts Martini Competition Inspired by Local Artists

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Culture Works, the United Arts Fund and Local Arts Agency that serves Dayton, Montgomery County, and the seven-county surrounding area, is holding their annual Artini fundraiser on August 21, 2025 in the Dayton Arcade.

“Artini is my favorite Culture Works event,” says Director of Engagement, Curtis Bowman. “The collaboration between local artists and bartenders is really unique, and the art inspired drinks offer such an array of tastes and visual appeal—-I’m glad I don’t have to pick the winner!”

Winners of the art inspired mixology competition are chosen by ticketed guests, who sip, savor and vote for their favorites. The event also features music from the Deron Bell Trio, savory bites from Speakeasy Miso, and art for sale. 

Last year’s champion, Hayden from Stella Bleu Bistro is partnering with Lori Daugherty. According to Hayden, “Lori is always a breath of fresh air to work with. Just like her paintings, the spunky, unique, and vibrant vibe she brings is unmatched—and quite frankly, perfect to match my cocktails with! I’m looking so forward to pairing my art in mixology with hers for another great year at Artini!”

Other pairings include: Julie Riley with Fifth Street Brew Pub; Amy Williams with Whisperz Speakeasy; Jes McMillan with The Silos; Brian Mathus with Coco’s; Samantha Mang with Mercenary Bartenders; CaymanK with Wheat Penny; Rodney Veal with De’Lish; Jen Perkins with The Garden Grille & Bar at the Hilton Garden Inn in the Dayton Arcade; Jon Daugherty with Bistecca in the Ardent Hotel; and Erin Smith Glenn with West Social Tap.

Culture Works Artini is August 21, 2025 at the Dayton Arcade Rotunda, 35 W 4th St, Dayton, OH 45402. Tickets are $55.00 General Admission, $65.00 VIP.

KFC Brings Back Potato Wedges & Hot Wings

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The Hot & Spicy Wings, back for the first time in nearly two years, feature a spicy marinade with double hand-breading in KFC’s signature Extra Crispy flour. “Wedge-lovers, we heard you — and we agree it’s been five long years without wedges. But the wait is over,” KFC U.S. president Catherine Tan-Gillespie said in a statement. “This isn’t just a nostalgic nod. It’s an example of how we’re turning feedback into action as we chart our Kentucky Fried Comeback, broadband-wide rally to give people more reasons to fall in love with us all over again.”

Customers can order wedges on their own, substitute any side for wedges, or try them as part of a new six-piece wings-and-wedges combo that comes with a medium drink. 

KFC is also offering other deals for the back-to-school and football season:

  • $3.99 KFC Chicken Sandwich**: An Extra Crispy™ chicken breast filet on a toasted brioche bun, topped with pickles and the Colonel’s real mayo or spicy mayo (deal available starting Aug. 18).
  • $20 Wings & Wedges Fan Favorites Box***: Weeknight dinners just got easier—10 Hot & Spicy Wings, 12 KFC Chicken Nuggets, Potato Wedges, four biscuits and four dipping sauces, offering something for everyone in the family (deal available starting Aug. 18).
  • 20 Wings for $20****: Your game day group meal unlocked—starting Sept. 4 enjoy 20 Hot & Spicy Wings and four dipping sauces of your choice for just $20 (a KFC digital exclusive offer).
  • $10 Tuesdays*****: KFC’s popular deal continues—your choice of eight pieces of classic fried chicken or eight Original Recipe® Tenders for just $10 on Tuesday.

Download the KFC app and sign up for KFC Rewards****** to stay up to date on all offers and start to earn points on KFC orders to unlock free fried chicken—and don’t sleep on your chance to get wings and wedges at KFC, available at KFCs nationwide while supplies last.

KFC’s “comeback” campaign was launched in July. As part of the campaign, the chain offered free buckets of chicken for digital orders while soliciting feedback on how “to reclaim our rightful place in the fried chicken game we started,” Tan-Gillespie said.

“The Colonel would not be happy about our market share, and we’re serious about reminding America exactly who we are: the game changer with a relentless pursuit of the best fried chicken. We won’t smile until our customers do,” she said in a statement.

KFC had a tough 2024, with sales down 5.2%, according to Technomic data. The chain was leapfrogged by Raising Cane’s in the process, which grew sales by 32% year-over-year, while rivals Popeyes and Chick-fil-A grew sales by nearly 4% and 5.4%, respectively.  KFC’s same-store sales declined less in the first quarter of 2025, down just 1%.

Graeter’s Ice Cream Releases Final Summer Bonus Flavor!

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Graeter’s Ice Cream, America’s oldest family-owned and operated craft ice cream maker, wraps up its summer of nostalgic indulgence with the release today of its sixth and final limited-time Bake Shop Bonus Flavor: Caramel Pecan Cheesecake.

 

Rich, creamy mascarpone ice cream meets buttery praline pecans, gooey caramel truffles, and soft cheesecake pieces for a flavor that’s equal parts crunchy, chewy, and melt-in-your-mouth indulgent. Every bite brings the perfect balance of caramel sweetness, nutty crunch, and cheesecake richness.

Caramel Pecan Cheesecake is now available by the scoop and in pints at all Graeter’s scoop shops. Pints are available online for nationwide shipping at Graeters.com.

The Bake Shop Collection is Graeter’s homage to summertime nostalgia and oven-fresh baked goods featuring six flavors – all handcrafted in ultra-small batches using the brand’s signature “French Pot” method. Each limited-time flavor is announced and celebrated across Graeter’s scoop shops, online store, mobile app and social media. Once a flavor is gone, it’s retired for the year, so fans are encouraged to try it while it lasts. Stay tuned to Graeter’s social media channels or join the Graeter’s email list for future flavor announcements.

 

 

Wingstop Initiates Weekly “Wingstop Drops”

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Update: Wingstop is doubling down on flavor with the next Wingstop Drop – and this time, it is all about tenders. Starting today, August 18, through Sunday, August 24, fans can score Wingstop’s newest menu innovation (and more of it) with Buy-One-Get-One free 4-piece tenders*.

That’s 8 tenders – hand sauced-and-tossed in any 12 bold, distinctive flavors to choose from.

From sneaker drops to surprise albums to pop up shops, drop culture runs on hype and heat. And now, Wingstop is getting in on the drop action, bringing that same anticipation and craveability to the world of flavor, launching Wingstop Drop – a series giving fans access to irresistible offers, flavors, merch collabs and limited-run releases that fans are craving.

Each drop is a new reason for our fans to pull up – debuting each week through the start of football season for flavor that only Wingstop can deliver. The first Wingstop Drop? Buy-One-Get-One free chicken sandwiches* now through Sunday, August 17, with Wingstop challenging guests to try all 12 bold flavors on the Wingstop chicken sandwich. Fans won’t want to miss the next drop, and Wingstop promises to bring the heat.

“Wingstop Drop is our way of bringing drop culture into our world of flavor,” said Wingstop’s Chief Revenue Officer, Mark Christenson. “It’s made for the trend setters – the flavor cravers, the culture creators and the fans who know what’s hot and want it first. Summer is almost over, but Wingstop is bringing nothing but heat for the start of football season, starting strong with BOGO chicken sandwiches, and setting the tone for what’s to come: bold, can’t-miss moments.”

Fans can claim their BOGO free chicken sandwich with promo code BOGOSAMMY when they add an a la carte sandwich or sandwich combo on Wingstop.com or the Wingstop app – but only for a limited time.