The Featured Articles

Christopher’s Adds Restaurant Hours

January 3, 2023 By Dayton937

Christopher’s Restaurant has been operating at their new location on Linden Ave since October, opening 3 day a week with a limited menu. Dinner on Monday’s feature their home cooked favorites, Thursday they serve prime rib, salmon and a chef’s feature. Sunday’s they serve up breakfast favorites. Their menu often includes vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options.

Today they announced they’re adding Friday night dinner service and Saturday brunch. Here are the new hours:

Here’s the breakfast menu:

The Monday night home style menu:

Thursday & Friday Prime Rib & Chef Features Menu:

To order for Carry-Out call (937) 299-0089. DoorDash handles their delivery.

3rd Old Scratch Pizza Location Open in Beavercreek!

January 3, 2023 By Dayton937

Old Scratch Beavercreek will open to the public for dine in and carry out service January 4, 2023 at 4pm.

Similar to the first two locations in downtown Dayton and Centerville, the newest Old Scratch features seating for 150 guests in a communal beer-hall style setting and a 16 seat bar, with 20 rotating taps of regional craft beers. A patio remodel is planned for the spring.

The open kitchen allows guests to watch the pizza making process, from dough stretching and topping, to seeing the pizzas bake in one of the three wood-fired pizza ovens.

“The Old Scratch Beavercreek team has worked hard setting up the space, practicing in the kitchen, and internalizing the Old Scratch approach to exceptional service,” Owner, Eric Soller, says about the new restaurant launch. “We are excited to open the doors to the public on January 4th, and hope new and old Old Scratch fans come out to see us.”

Mr.Soller and the whole crew at Old Scratch Beavercreek look forward to becoming a part of the Beavercreek community and providing guests with the Old Scratch experience.

There is a 4th Old Scratch Pizza coming to Troy this summer.

Old Scratch Pizza

2450 Dayton Xenia Rd
Beavercreek, OH 45434

Hours:

Tuesday – Thursday and Sunday 11am-9pm Friday and Saturday 11am -10pm

DeWine Signed Bill That Make Holding Cell Phone While Driving An Offense

January 3, 2023 By Dayton937

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has signed Senate Bill 288, which significantly strengthens laws in Ohio related to the use of cell phones and other electronic devices while driving.

“Signing this bill today is a great honor because this legislation will, without a doubt, prevent crashes and save lives,” said DeWine. “Right now, too many people are willing to risk their lives while behind the wheel to get a look at their phones. My hope is that this legislation will prompt a cultural shift around distracted driving that normalizes the fact that distracted driving is dangerous, irresponsible, and just as deadly as driving drunk.”

Senate Bill 288 designates the use of cell phones and other electronic communications devices while driving as a primary traffic offense for all drivers and allows law enforcement to immediately pull over a distracted driver upon witnessing a violation. Under the previous law, distracted driving was a primary offense only for juvenile drivers, preventing officers from stopping adult distracted drivers unless those drivers also committed a separate primary traffic violation, such as speeding or running a red light.

“This bill helps ensure that Ohio law reflects modern realities while supporting law enforcement in their mission to keep drivers safe,” said Lt. Gov. Jon Husted. “I commend Gov. DeWine for championing this effort, which will bring about real change when it comes to distracted driving – ultimately saving lives.”

“My prayer is that this law will save lives. We can do nothing to bring our Maria back, but we are determined to keep other families from going through the nightmare of losing a child or a loved one on our roadways,” said Dom Tiberi, sports anchor for WBNS 10-TV and founder along with his wife, Terri, of the Maria Tiberi Foundation named in honor of their late daughter, Maria, who was killed in a distracted driving accident. The foundation encourages defensive driving and educates about the dangers of distracted driving.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol reports that there have been at least 73,945 distracted driving crashes in Ohio since 2017, including 2,186 fatal and serious injury crashes. Traffic fatalities overall have increased in eight of nine years from 2013 to 2021, with deaths reaching their highest point in nearly two decades in 2021 with 1,355 fatalities. Preliminary traffic data from 2022 indicates that at least 1,269 people were killed in traffic crashes last year.

“Certainly not all fatal traffic crashes are caused by distracted driving, but it’s no coincidence that evolving smartphone technology has coincided with increasing roadway deaths and injuries,” added DeWine. “Other states with similar distracted driving laws have experienced fewer fatal crashes, and we expect that this enhanced distracted driving law will have the same impact here.”

Under the new law, a driver may still use their device in specific circumstances:

*When their vehicle is parked or stopped at a red light.
*Drivers are also permitted to swipe their phones to answer a call
*Drivers can hold their phones to their ears during phone conversations.
*Emergency calls are also permitted in all circumstances.

Senate Bill 288 will go into effect in 90 days. Law enforcement will issue warnings to drivers found violating the law for the first six months following the effective date. After this six-month grace period, law enforcement will have the authority to issue citations. Penalties include a fine of up to $150 for a driver’s first offense and two points on their license unless a distracted driving safety course is completed. Increased penalties can occur if the driver is a repeat offender.

DeWine Signed Bill That Make Holding Cell Phone While Driving An Offense

5 Ways to Get Active This Week

January 3, 2023 By Dayton937

It’s a new year and a good time to set off on a new journey, with a new set of goals to accomplish. Whether you’re a PR-focused powerlifter, a mile-churning marathoner, or just someone who wants to stay active and healthy, the start of another year provides you with an opportunity to refocus (or if you’re just starting out, establish) your fitness identity for the year. No matter what, choose to commit to yourself. You won’t regret the time you spend if you’re putting in effort for you. Here are a few workouts to try:

January 4 @ 6:30 pm

Pub Run

Star City Brewing Company 319 S. Second St., Miamisburg, OH

January 7 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 am

Fitness Under the Wings

National Museum of the U.S. Air Force 1100 Spaatz Street, Riverside, OH

January 7 @ 10:00 am – 10:45 am

Pound- sweat | sculpt | rock

Greater Dayton Recreation Center 2021 West Third Street, Dayton, OH

January 7 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am

Resolution Ride

Huffman/MoMBA 4485 Union School House Rd, Dayton, OH

January 8 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Free Tennis Lesson

KTC Quail Tennis Club 4225 Brown Road, Dayton, OH

Northmont Branch Library Grand Opening Jan 7th

January 2, 2023 By Dayton937

The new Northmont Branch, located at 700 West National Road in Englewood, will open to the public with a Grand Opening on Saturday, January 7, from 10 am – 12 pm. A ribbon cutting will be held at approximately 10:15 am.

Patrons and community members from Englewood, Union, Clayton, Phillipsburg, and other surrounding areas will be able to celebrate the new Branch by enjoying light refreshments, meeting the Northmont Branch staff and DML’s famous mascots Pip and Cosmo, engaging with ReImagining Works artists who created new artwork specifically for the Branch, and touring the Branch.

The new Branch is more than 19,000 square feet and will have many of the same dedicated spaces DML’s other new and/or renovated facilities have:

A Quiet Reading Room for adults
A “Building Connections” themed Children’s Area, including the unique design of a 16’x4’ Lego mosaic that was built by youth patrons of the Library and a structure built from Tubelox
A Teen Edge with a gaming console
A Community Room
Collaborative Meeting Spaces
Laptop Lending
Public Computers with Wi-Fi
Learning Stations
24-hour Holds Lockers
And much more

The ReImagining Works artists and their work for the new Branch are:

Tricia Calvert, Dayton: a glass work composed of small, light boxes and playful colors in abstract geometric composition will be in the Quiet Reading Room.
Amy Deal, Dayton: a nature-inspired diptych panel using a variety of media will be in the Community Room.
Gae Helton, Dayton: titled Dragonflies and Poppies, this glass mosaic will be in the Marketplace and references the beauty of the natural world.
Gary Hinsche, Dayton: Ode to Kenneth is a large-scale acrylic featuring the artist’s signature hard-edge color field style, which will also be in the Marketplace.

Architects for the new Northmont Branch were Ruetschle Architects, with Shook Construction handling construction management.

The opening of DML’s newest Branch is a result of the Library’s facilities project, Libraries for a Smarter Future. This project stems from a $187 million bond issue passed by Montgomery County voters in 2012, which has allowed the Library to update or renovate its Branches and Operations Center downtown. One facility remains in the project: Huber Heights’ new Branch, opening tentatively in the Spring 2023.

Regular operating hours for the Northmont Branch will be Monday/Tuesday/Thursday: 9:30 am – 8:30 pm, Wednesday/Friday/Saturday: 9:30 am – 6 pm, and closed Sunday. Programming will begin soon. Patrons can visit DaytonMetroLibrary.org/Programs to check the status of programs or may call the Library’s Ask Me Line at 937.463.2665 with questions.

Bloody Mary Showdown Returns!

January 1, 2023 By Dayton937

Last held in 2020, the pandemic prevented this annual event from happening for 2 years, but on Sunday, February 5th the competition for Dayton’s Best Bloody Mary resumes in 2023! Produced by Planned2Give, co-founder Jeff Jackson shared, “we are so please to be able to bring this event back, it’s a fun easy way to raise funds for a local nonprofit each year.”

Bartenders from Dayton’s bars and restaurants will compete, bringing their own bloody mary mix and garnishes to the table. Guests will have a chance to sample the different cocktails and then vote for their favorite.

At the very first Showdown, held in MacKenzie Manley took the title. She described her winning cocktail as Mack’s BBQ Burger Mary- a smokey, hearty, beefed up BBQ bloody mary that has a spicy sriracha salted rim and garnished with a sweet lil smokey wrapped in yummy caramelized bacon slice.

The next year MacKenzie tied with Scott Conrad, from The Vue Ultralounge. In year 3 Scott took the undisputed top prize. Since then Conrad has gone on to launch a commercial business selling his award winning RADS Bloody Mary Mix.

In 2019 bartender Jenn Elsass from TJ Chumps in Miamisburg took home top prize thanks to an impressive garnish that included a large shrimp, a deviled egg and a shot of beer back.

In 2020 the winning cocktail was “Papi’s Sassy Bloody Mary” by Vicki Wedworth of Papi Joe’s Tennessee Pepper Sauce Company.

The event takes place this year from noon – 2pm on Sun, Feb 5th at Top of the Market on Webster Street. There are two options to purchase your judging credential:

VIP Tickets: Include a buffet breakfast of eggs, bacon & sausage, and toast and an exclusive VIP hour from at 11am and 12 Bloody Mary sampling tickets and judging credentials for $75

General Admission: Includes 8 Bloody Mary sampling tickets and judging credentials for $30. Doors open for GA at noon and event concludes at 2pm.

Guests will also vote for best garnish and best table decor. Best Bloody Mary walks with bragging rights and a $500 cash prize!

Purchase your tickets here.

Bartenders- think your Bloody Mary has what it takes? PROVE IT!

To enter, click here. There is a $25 entrance fee and we will provide you with Vodka, sample cups, ice and a covered table. You bring your own bloody mary mix and any special garnishes you’d like. Winning bartender walks with bragging rights and $500 cash.

The charity beneficiary for this event is The Castle– a safe haven for adults with with mental disorders in Centerville. Their representative will be on hand to share information about their program and host a fundraising auction as well.

Dayton Restaurants That Closed in 2022

December 31, 2022 By Lisa Grigsby

As we all know the COVID 19 greatly affected the restaurant industry, forcing many restaurants to reduce hours, cut entire service shifts and close on days they were usually open. Almost two years from when the Corona virus first started to spread, restaurants are still feeling the effect. Many struggled to recover from lost profits, pay back debts, and fill staff openings amid a labor shortage.

The following restaurants closed their doors for good in 2022:

The Bun Bros. ConeyLand

Opereated as Coneyland over 10 years with 3 operators but then closed until Mike Davis relaunching it in the summer of 2021 as The Bun Bros Coneyland. After his unexpected deat

h in Nov of 21, the family decided to close the hot dog stand.

Donuts & More
Downtown’s only donut shop that was located at 28 N. Wilkinson St closed their doors for good on Feb 7th, 2022

Wiley’s Tenders
Opened in Jan of 2021 on Brandy Pike in Huber Heights, this concept created by Ray Wiley, founder of Hot Head Burrito’s and Rapid Fire Pizza just didn’t seem to work and was closed in Feb of 22.

Spinoza’s at the Fairfield Commons
Owner Glen Brailey said upon closing the pizza business in March of 2022“Spinoza’s has had a good run. The past 13 years have been filled with many memorable moments…from sold-out beer dinners and fundraising events to jam-packed evenings with world-class musicians to after-hours conversations on the patio with friends and patrons.”

Bob Evans, Englewood
In March of 222 the following notice was posted on the doors of the eatery. “Thank you for being our guest. “This restaurant has closed permanently, but we’d love to have you at our nearby locations.”

Home Sweet Home Brookville
Owners of the successful Englewood’s ‘Home Sweet Home Cafe’ went west to open a 2nd location in January of 2022, but the challenge of keeping both restaurants staffed during covid just proved to be to much and they shut down the Brookville location after a few months.

Apna Punjab Indian Restaurant & Bar
Opened quietly in January of 2022 on Needmore Road, got great reviews and according to it’s Facebook page closed temporarily due to a family medical emergency and never reopened.

Gyro Delight
Opened in Oct of 2016 in the Sugarcreek Plaza. After six years owner Muhanad Khaled closed the business when his lease expired.

Bessie’s HomeMade Noodles Deli
After years of success on the festival circuit, selling their frozen products in local grocery stores, Matt and Monica Easterling opened a bricks and mortar store in Fairborn in Feb of 2022. The deli carried Bessie’s noodles as well as fresh ground beef, steaks, pork chops, baked goods, ice cream, meats and cheeses. In June of 2022, they closed the deli, but kept the building to use for manufacturing and distribution of their noodles.

Rye Toast
Chef Tom Tiner opened the diner in April of 2021 serving up breakfast and lunch in this Miamisburg spot that had previously been home to Star City BBQ “Well it is with a heavy heart that I must inform everyone that due to the rise in the cost of goods we are permanently closed as of today 6/9/22!” was the announcement he posted on Facebook.

416 Diner
Opened in July of 2017, buy Guy Fragmin, a former advertising executive turned first time restaurant owner. On June 9th of 2022 he posted this on his social media.”We have had the honor and privilege of serving this great community these past 5 years. Our pride in product and service is only surpassed by the multitude of new friends we made along the way. I have made the somber decision to close 416 Diner’s current location in The Oregon District.”

Christopher’s Restaurant
Operated for over 30 years, owner Chip Pritchard sold the business in July of 2019 to frequent customersDave and Erika Krites. After not being able to come to a new lease agreement the business closed on June of 2022. But this one has a happy ending, in October they found a new home at 4211 Linden and are now open 3 nights a week.

The Wellington Grille
After 24 years in business in Beavercreek, Owner Mary Seto Miller says she’s happy and sad about closing the business on June 21st. Considered Dayton restaurant royalty, Miller opened her first restaurant, The Barnsider in 1975, followed by Harrison’s in Tipp City and the Blue Berry Cafe in Bellbrook. She said at 81 she is 81 years old, fighting staffing issues, food shortages and rising costs, it was just time. Look for Old Scratch Pizza to open it’s third store at this location in 2023.

The Greene Canteen
Opened in April of 2019, owners Brittany and Tim Baum were were proud to serve a menu “clean food” including an array of salads, soups, sandwiches, many of which were gluten-free and often vegan. On June 30 they announced that due to ongoing pandemic and health issues they had closed the business. Miguel’s Poke Island bought the building at 101 Corry St, Yellow Springs.

Butts BBQ
Once home to Cadillac Jack’s, then Crossroads BBQ & More, April 12, 2021 was opening day for BUTTS BBQ in Fairborn. It closed in July of 22.

Zemore’s Wine Cellar and Bistro
The Zemores purchased the business in 2016 that had originally opened as Cindy’s Wine Cellar in 1999 and then became Cuvée Wine Bar and Cellar by a second owner. After running the business for 6 years, owners Greg and Melanie Zemore decided they were ready to retire and put the business up for sale in May of 2022 and closed the business July 13th.

BBQ Pit Stop
Damon Daniel opened the bricks and mortar eatery on Smithville Road on April 1 after six years of running his Smoking Barrels food truck. He closed the shop at the end of July, but is still operating the food truck

Jason’s Deli
This Texas based chain opened it’s Beavercreek eatery in April of 2019. They announced their closing via social media. “Hello everyone, unfortunately we have come to the tough decision to close the 2819 Centre Dr, Beavercreek, OH deli location, effective on August 1st, 2022.”

KJ’s in Germantown
Know for good pancakes, cinnamon rolls and biscuits, in a friendly setting. On August 13th this was posted on their Facebook page. “I am closing KJ’s as of today.”

The Heights Cafe
Opened in 2010, this neighborhood coffee shop and eatery struggled post pandemic with staffing. In June they stopped their food service, offering beverages only and closed in August. Their neighbors, who own Alematic Artisan Ales will be opening B-Side Coffee Bar in early 2023.

Basil’s on Market
Opened at 312 N. Patterson Blvd in 2016, co-owner Jeff Finklestein said staffing issues and rising costs made them unable to recover after the pandemic and they closed the downtown location on Aug 20th. Their Beavercreek and Troy locations remain open.

The Sugar Guild
Chef DD Pearson opened this breakfast spot in fall of 2021 on Wayne Avenue. Serving up brunch and they were slowly growing a reputation for great omelettes, waffles, andFrench toast. Then suddenly this post appeared on their social media on Aug 23, 2022; “The Sugar Guild will be closing. We will not open this weekend. This is both heartbreaking and unexpected. Not sure what the future holds, but we know it’s not over.” But indeed it’s not over, as they have found a home serving breakfast and lunch Sat and Sun and lunch Friday at The Red Carpet Tavern at 3301 Wayne Avenue.

Orange Leaf Town & Country
Around for about 10 years, it announced in August that “It is with much sadness that we have decided to close this location.”

Chicka Wings
Adam Price, the owner of Chicka Wing opened in May of 2022, but citing rising product costs and electrical issues closed this Huber Heights spot in Sept. This location will soon be opening as Cassano’s

Subway Yellow Springs
The franchise stated that the business had not recovered from a drop in sales precipitated by the pandemic and closed the business in Sept of 2022,

Hot Head Burritos
The 6228 Far Hills Ave. locaiton in Washington Twp., has closed its doors saying they never recouped its sales from COVID and they were struggling with continued staffing issues.

Rolling Mill Brewery Co
Owners Joshua and Megan Laubach opened Ohio’s only dedicated gluten-free brewery in 2017 in Middletown. They closed Sept 30th stating “we barely survived the COVID shut down and now are facing inflation on our materials and services with already more expensive gluten free inputs. we simply can no longer operate in this scenario.”

Rusty Taco
This was the 3rd Dayton area franchise run by John Slaughenhaupt and was opened in March of 2017. It was closed in Oct of 2022. The location will soon be the new home of Thai Kitchen, which is moving from their Kingsridge location.

Yagoot
This franchised frozen yogurt shop opened in the Marketplace at Settlers Walk in Springboro in fall of 2018. They closed in November of 2022.

Burger King
With a still unexplained suddenness, the home of the whopper closed locations in Centerville, Sugarcreek Township, Fairborn, Vandalia and Dayton

Sweeney’s Seafood
This Centerville eatery, originally opened by Ron and Christy Sweeney in 1994 and sold to Lisa Long and partners in 2012, was put up for sale and then Long announced she’d be retiring and closed the business on December 3rd.

Evans Bakery
In 1969 Bill Evans bought the business and ran the bakery with his family before he sold in in 2004. The new owner operated it for about 7 years before it closed. Evans, who still owned the building, found a new owner, his daughter who then ran the bakery for 10 years and just recently closed it on Dec 17th.

Cheeky Meat Pies
A staple at the 2nd Street Market for years posted on social media “We have decided, after long deliberation, that we are closing at the end of the year. We are currently looking for a buyer.”

The Sugar Shoppe Bakery Brookville

This was posted to their Facebook page in November. “We have decided to close our bakery completely. We want to thank all of our amazing customers that have been so supportive all these years. We truly could not have done any of this without you. We feel at this point in our lives, our children and families deserve our time, and we cannot give that to them while keeping the bakery open.”

TeaBerries
1600 E Leffel Ln, Springfield, OH 45505
Posted on their social media sight today that they are permanently closing.

Steve & Tammy’s Tavern
209 Byers Road in Miamisburg
Announced the business is up for sale Dec 26th and Dec 31st would be the last day open.

The coast isn’t clear just yet; we may still lose some more beloved eateries. We implore you to support our local restaurants and be aware that staffing continues to be a challenge and prices continue to increase.

Smoothie King Introduces Power Meal Smoothies

December 31, 2022 By Dayton937

Smoothie King offers a high-protein, low-calorie meal replacement option with the debut of new Power Meal Smoothies.

Power Meal Smoothies provide a complete meal in the form of a smoothie. Each smoothie in the lineup boasts 20g of protein and 23 vitamins and minerals, all with fewer than 350 calories per serving.

At launch, Power Meal Smoothies debut in three flavors, Blueberry Raspberry, Cinnamon Banana, and Spinach Pineapple.

Here’s a closer look at the new smoothie lineup:

Power Meal Blueberry Raspberry features a blend of wild blueberries, raspberries, apple juice blend, almonds, Gladiator Protein Vanilla, protein blend, and multivitamin enhancer.
Power Meal Cinnamon Banana features a mix of dates, bananas, almonds, protein blend, Gladiator Protein Vanilla, multivitamin enhancer, and cinnamon.
Power Meal Spinach Pineapple includes pineapples combined with a white grape lemon juice blend, almonds, organic spinach, Gladiator Protein Vanilla, protein blend, and multivitamin enhancer.

You can find all three Power Meal Smoothies at participating Smoothie locations for a limited time.

Smoothie King

2321 Miamisburg Centerville Rd.
Dayton, OH 45459

(937) 434-4100

Mon- Fri 7am – 9pm
Sat 8am – 9pm
Sun 10am – 8pm

3510 Pentagon Blvd
Beavercreek, OH 45431

(937) 429-0779

Mon- Fri 7am – 9pm
Sat 8am – 9pm
Sun 10am – 8pm

Visit Dayton’s Vegan Ice Cream Parlor

December 30, 2022 By Guest Contributor

Cerenity Miller began exploring vegan ice creams when her children were diagnosed with food allergies. Today, VeganMeltz is the region’s first fully plant-based ice cream parlor, located at 4636 Salem Ave in Trotwood.

Launch Dayton recently caught up with Cerenity to learn more about her company and her entrepreneurial journey.

LAUNCH DAYTON: HOW DID YOUR COMPANY START?

Cerenity: My children were born with food allergies, so I transitioned our diets to being vegan. Whenever we would go to birthday parties, they couldn’t eat anything, so I decided to make ice cream for them. After that, it transpired into a whole business.

WHY THIS IDEA?

We could have gone to any vegan area — we didn’t have to do ice cream. I tasted a few vegan ice creams, and I wasn’t a fan of them. When I decided to make my own, I realized I could make so many different flavors. That’s when I chose to go with ice cream. There are places in Dayton that serve vegan options, but I haven’t seen a whole vegan ice cream parlor.

DID YOU ALWAYS WANT TO BE AN ENTREPRENEUR?

Yes. I knew that I wanted to do this. I wanted to be a full-time entrepreneur by the time I was 30, and I’m 29. I made it just in time!

WHAT IDENTITIES DO YOU BRING TO ENTREPRENEURSHIP THAT HELPED PREPARE YOU FOR THIS LIFESTYLE?

I graduated from Wright State University with my bachelor’s degree in business marketing. That allowed me to wrap my mind around why marketing is important and who the target market is. I have friends and family members who have been entrepreneurs their entire lives. I’ve had that momentum going, so that went into knowing what I wanted to do.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST BARRIER YOU’VE FACED IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP?

Reaching my target niche market. Often, when people hear “vegan ice cream,” their first reaction is “ew!” I had to think about my experience with trying vegan ice creams to know where their minds were going. It was hard at first to know how to reach people who are lactose intolerant or have Celiac disease. Finding those people who think they can’t have ice cream and telling them they can was the hardest thing.

WHY DO YOU LOVE WHAT DO YOU?

I get to be as creative as I want to. I can come in everyday and make a new ice cream flavor if I wanted to. I’m always interested in taking my favorite desserts and seeing how they taste as ice cream. It’s so fun to think of new flavors and ways to create those flavors. It’s also fun to pull people out of their norm.

HOW DID YOU GET CONNECTED TO THE DAYTON BUSINESS COMMUNITY?

In May of 2020, I had my first pop-up event at Wright Dunbar Day. It was in the Wright Dunbar area at Tae Winston’s event. Before that I was doing deliveries. As I grew, I was able to do pop-ups, and that was my first time immersing myself into the Dayton business community.

ARE THERE ANY ORGANIZATIONS THAT HELPED YOU ON YOUR ENTREPRENEURIAL JOURNEY?

There are so many pop-up events in Dayton that I have attended that I can’t name them all, but those helped so much. Dayton business accelerator programs. I’ve been in the Dayton Retail Lab; I’m in another accelerator program called Aventi Enterprises out of central Ohio. I have been involved the most with those.

HOW CAN THE LAUNCH DAYTON COMMUNITY SUPPORT YOU?

Visit the store! We are located at 4636 Salem Ave, Trotwood. Share my posts and stay up to date with our page. And recommend new flavors! I am always open to suggestions because my favorite flavors of ice cream aren’t everyone’s favorite flavors. We do Flavor-of-the-Week, so we can try the recommendations, and if they’re a fan favorite, we’ll put them on the permanent menu!

Connect with VeganMeltz online here.

This story originally appeared on Launch Dayton’s Website.

Launch Dayton is a collaborative effort to connect entrepreneurs to peers, resources, and supporters, and to tell the stories of our region’s thriving startup community.

Curious if the Downtown Dayton Retail Lab might be a fit for your business?
Learn more and apply here.

New Bubble Tea Shop Opens in Centerville

December 29, 2022 By Dayton937

Now in their soft opening stage T4Dayton is located across from Centerville’s Lock 27 on Dayton Lebanon Pike.

They have over 50 teas, smoothies and milk tea’s on their menu, as well as a few snacks that include french fries, popcorn chicken, calamari and chicken wings.

As part of their soft opening they are offering a BOGO on selected drinks through January 15th.

T4 created adding passion fruit pulp into beverages, for finding the perfect balance of sweet and sour taste. T4 blends fruity passion fruit with milk, a refreshing sweet-sour smoothie, topped with a fragrant passion fruit pulp sauce, the delight of a quick freezing!

Here’s a look at the full menu:

Tell them DaytonDining sent you!

T4 Dayton
9146 Dayton Lebanon Pike
Centerville, OH 45458

937-7239941

Open Noon – 8pm daily

Fuji Grill Hibachi & Sushi Buffet Opens In Miami Township

December 28, 2022 By Lisa Grigsby

Fuji Grill Hibachi & Sushi Buffet is now open in the former Golden Corral on Kingsridge Drive behind the Dayton Mall. As part of their grand opening special enjoy 15% off all meals through Jan 1st.

They describe themselves as a Japanese eatery with sushi & a selection of hot entrees like hibachi meats & teriyaki.

They’ve brightened up the interior of the 10,000-square-foot building with lots of fresh white paint, and some water walls at the entrance, but overall it still feels like a Golden Corral inside.

Prices:

Lunch: adults $13.99, Seniors $11.99, kids 7-10 $8.99, kids 2-6 $6.99

Dinner: adults $19.99, Seniors $17.99, kids 7-10 $11.99, kids 2-6 $8.99

Drinks $2.49

Fuji Grill Hibachi & Sushi Buffet

8870 Kingsridge Drive

Miami Township, OH 45458

937-813-1307

Hours:

Sun – Thurs 11am – 9pm
Fri & Sat 11am – 9:30pm

Dayton Hits The Jackpot With Wahlburgers

December 28, 2022 By Nikki Nett

***Teeny tiny disclaimer – if you’re here to read a hard hitting, unbiased, objective review dripping with journalistic seriousness, maybe this ain’t it. Maybe this is something with more exclamation marks. Maybe this is written with all the excitement of a once middle school girl who’s bedroom was plastered with posters of NKOTB and who was quite literally on a boat with Donnie Wahlberg for the NKOTB cruise the day it was announced that Hollywood Racino in Dayton would be getting a Wahlburgers. Maybe there was screaming. And maybe we all need something to be this giddy over when it’s so dang cold and gross outside.

Beginning at 11:00 am on Thursday, December 29, the Hollywood Gaming Dayton Raceway will now have “The Right Stuff”! Regular hours will be 11am – 9pm Wed, Thurs & Sun, and 11am – 11pm on Friday and Saturday.

The latest location for a Wahlburgers, made popular by the A&E reality tv show with the same name, and even more popular because of the three brothers that started it. Donnie Wahlberg of New Kids On The Block (*cue screaming and jumping up and down) and now Blue Bloods, Marky Mark Wahlberg who’s good vibrations turned into a film career, and Paul Wahlburg who took his love of cooking for the family and brought it to the public. They have done this in locations all across the country with humor, hype, and at the heart of it all, honoring their mother Alma.

Wahlburgers sign and menu boards inside Hollywood Gaming Dayton Raceway

Paying homage to their hardscrabble roots in Dorchester, MA, the center of their menu is the “Our Burger” complete with “Government Cheese”. It’s a solid choice, a great classic burger that checks all the boxes. To answer the next question people always have, I pulled this straight from the Wahlburgers website: Government Cheese? “Today at Wahlburgers, we use a premium American cheese to top our burgers, but give a wink and a nod to where we came from. Growing up in a house with 9 kids, things were tight. Back then, blocks of cheese, known as “government cheese”, were given out to folks who needed a hand up. And we were so thankful.”

You can fancy up your burger with Donnie’s choice:

BBQ BACON
beef burger, white cheddar, bacon, fresh jalapeños, BBQ sauce & avocado

You can even go full Hollywood with Mark’s choice:

THE IMPOSSIBLE BURGER
plant-based patty, smoked cheddar, lettuce, caramelized onions, housemade chili spiced tomatoes & Paul’s signature Wahl Sauce

While the Dayton location doesn’t have the larger menu that other Wahlburgers have, you are also able to order chicken sandwiches (yep, even Jenn’s chicken!), salads, and of course, Alma’s favorite chili. Wash it down with one of their famous milkshakes or a Wahlbrewski.

No matter what you choose, you’ve gotta grab some tater tots and Wahl Sauce. It just makes sense.

Wahlburgers cheese burger and BBQ bacon burger with tater tots and onion rings at the Dayton, Ohio location

Personally, I have only been to the Racino once for an event, but knowing this is so close, I bet that changes. Maybe this will bring a whole new demographic to “Hang Tough” at the slot machines? After all, we did say “I’ll Be Loving (Them) Forever”. I know I’m down to grab some friends and have a “Block Party” there. Ok, Ok, I’ll stop now!

Writer, Nikki Nett, posing in front of green selfie station and mural of Mark, Paul, and Donnie Wahlberg at the Dayton Ohio location of Wahlburgers inside Hollywood Gaming and Racino

***One detail to note for other local Blockheads that are familiar with the layout and photo ops at various Wahlburgers locations (like St. Charles, IL), being inside a casino there are certain photography restrictions, but fear not! They have created a specific area by the merch for all of our selfie-ing just like our favorite Selfie King himself – Donnie! Would you expect anything less?

TL;DR for people who care about none of the above: Good burgers, first floor of casino, back left corner, get the tots & Wahl sauce with anything you order, there weren’t actually that many exclamation marks used here.

Restaurants Taking A Holiday Break

December 28, 2022 By Lisa Grigsby

Our local eateries have worked hard through the holiday season, hosting parties, catering and serving up many meals and now some of them are taking an extended holiday break. January is traditionally a slow month for restaurants, so they use this time for some much needed rest and often schedule repairs and maintenance for this time. As we hear of more places taking a break, we’ll update this story.

On break now:

Ashley’s Pastry Shop will be on break January 3 thru January 9th

Bear Creek Donuts will reopen at 6am on Tuesday 1/10

Ellie’s Restaurant & Bakery at Mills Park Hotel will be closed Dec 31 – Jan 12th.

Hairless Hare Brewery is closed and will not open back up until Jan 4th

Hole N One Donuts will reopen on Jan 8th

Mother Stewart’s Brewing has started their winter break and will reopen at 3pm on Jan 6th.

Roma’s Pizza&Pasta – is closed and will reopen Jan 13th.

Smales Pretzels will reopen on Jan 4th

The Donut Haus Bakery will reopen on Sunday 1/8 at 6am

Troni’s Italian Restaurant – will reopen on Jan 9th.

The Barrel House – will be closed Jan 1 – 9 reopens Jan 10 at 11am

Grist is closed until Jan 13th at 10pm

Jay’s Seafood will be closed Jan 1 – 10 and will reopen on Wed, Jan 11th

Mamma DiSalvos– will be closed Jan 1 -10 and reopen on Wed, Jan 11th at 4pm

Napoli’s Pizza Closing Jan 1st – 11th We will open back up on 12 January Thursday from 4:00 pm

Roost in the Oregon District will be closed until January 11

Rumbleseat Wine will be closed 1/1/23-1/8/23.

Third Perk Coffeehouse & Wine Bar will reopen on Jan 9th

Tony & Pete’s are on break and will reopen Tuesday, January 10 at 11am.

The Winds – will Close for their Annual Winter Break Jan 1st thru Jan 16th and reopens for dinner on Tues, Jan 17th at 4pm

Zink’s Meats and Fine Wines will close Dec 31st and reopen Jan. 11 at 11am

Sonic New Under $2 Craves Menu

December 28, 2022 By Dayton937

Did you overspend your holiday budget? Then Sonic’s new under $2 craves menu might just be what you’re for.

Select menu items available as part of the Under $2 Craves menu include:

Jr. Cheeseburger: A Jr beef patty, ketchup, mustard, pickles and a cheese slice on a lightly toasted plain bun for $1.99
Fritos Chili Cheese Jr. Wrap: Chili and melted cheddar cheese are all wrapped up in a warm flour tortilla for $1.49
Oreo Cookie & Chocolate Sweet Mini Sundae: A mini sundae topped with Oreo Cookie Pieces and Chocolate Syrup for $1.99
Snickers Bars & Caramel Sweet Mini Sundae: A mini sundae topped with Snickers Bars Pieces & Caramel Syrup for $1.99

Customers can also place orders through the chain’s app or website for pick-up and deliveries. With items priced under or at $2, the value deal will be available at all participating stores for a limited time.

The Line Up for the 2023 Battle of The Bands Released!

December 27, 2022 By Dayton937

We are thrilled to announce the Dayton Battle of the Bands 2023 concert line-up!

The whole team – with Venus Child Productions & Sound Valley have announced the line-op for the 2023 edition of the Dayton Battle of the Bands. Organizer Libby Ballengee says, “we’re thrilled to have rock, R&B, hip-hop, rap, folk, singer-songwriters, jazz, blues, world, electronic, Americana, country, bluegrass, funk, reggae, and jam styles all represented this year! One big change this year is that we had so many artists from different genres sign up we only have 1 rock week.” The battle, that kicks off Jan 12th will take place each week at The Brightside Music & Event. The finals will take place on March 11th and winner will get a cash prize, an EP recording at Dayton Sound Studios and other prizes still being finalized.

Over 35 New Year’s Eve Events to Ring in 2023

December 25, 2022 By Dayton937

Communities used to bid adieu to the old year and welcome the new one by ringing bells, often in churches. The tradition may have grown out of other occasions where bells marked an end “passing bells” tolled when someone died—or celebrated a beginning (like wedding bells).

In short, people thronged the streets just before midnight ringing bells was once a central part of the New Year’s Eve holiday. And now you know why we say ring in the New Year!

The Miami Valley has lots of celebrations to say goodbye to 2022 and welcome 2023, here are some suggestions for you?