In December, the Dayton region saw 12 restaurants close, 4 open

CLOSED

Dayton’s Red Star Vodka Bar to close

Dayton’s Soviet-themed Red Star Vodka Bar and Cocktail Lounge has announced that it will be closing down for good, over four years after it replaced the Proto BuildBar at 534 E. First St.

In a social media post, the bar said its last day will be Friday, Dec. 27.

“The bar business — while rewarding — can be a challenging one, and a number of factors, both personal and business related, brought us to this difficult decision,” the post read.

The Red Star opened its doors just before COVID restrictions began in February 2020, reopening again in June 2021. The bar featured a moody design that the owner described as a “cross between the opulence of Soviet-era Kremlin and a punk rock dive bar”.

Taste of Belgium closes restaurant in Dayton region

Credit: Submitted Photo

Credit: Submitted Photo

Taste of Belgium Austin Landing is closed its doors Sunday, Dec. 22 after being open less than six months.

The restaurant, which opened in July at 10267 Penny Lane in Miami Twp., was the second Taste of Belgium bistro to open in the Dayton market following the opening of its established Beavercreek bistro, according to a statement by the company.

“Closing our Austin Landing location was an incredibly difficult decision, but one we needed to make to ensure the survival of our business as a whole,” said Taste of Belgium founder Jean-Francois Flechet in the statement. “While we originally chose this site for its promise as a vibrant community hub, shifting dynamics have made it challenging to meet our goals. Despite our efforts, we were unable to generate the momentum needed to thrive in this location.”

Flechet said Taste of Belgium will continue to serve customers at its Beavercreek bistro.

7 Frisch’s in Dayton region closed in December

Another round of Frisch’s closures have happened this month in the Dayton region.

Restaurant locations no longer listed on the company’s website include:

Two Frisch’s Restaurant Inc. executives, Don Short and Cheryl White, are leading a buyout of “select” locations from the company’s Atlanta-based owner.

“We are very grateful and extremely excited to have the opportunity to carry this beloved icon forward,” Short said in a press release. “Some Frisch’s units are no longer viable. However, other units are well situated to move forward, and we plan to invest in those locations and add new units in the years ahead.”

Restaurants that remain open in the Dayton region include 11122 Hamilton Ave. in Forest Park, 1255 Main St. in Hamilton, 5570 Liberty Fairfield Road in Liberty Twp., 2120 W. Michigan St. in Sidney, 2201 E Main St. in Springfield and 8545 Cincinnati-Dayton Road, West Chester Twp.

Moeller Brew Barn in downtown Dayton closes

Credit: Tom Gilliam

Credit: Tom Gilliam

Three months after closing its Troy location, Moeller Brew Barn has announced the last day of operation for its downtown Dayton brewery.

“It is with sadness and disappointment that we announce Moeller Brew Barn Dayton will be closing on Monday, December 23rd,” the brewery posted in a social media post on Dec. 6. “It has been an incredible journey making lots of memories.”

The decision to close was “primarily a consequence of external challenges,” the post said.

The downtown Dayton brewery, located across the street from right field at Day Air Ballpark, opened Aug. 2022. When Cox First Media talked with owner Nick Moeller in September, he said the brewery had a good summer with the Dayton Dragons in town and hoped the momentum would continue in the fall and winter months.

Two Wendy’s closed in Dayton region

Credit: Natalie Jones

Credit: Natalie Jones

Two Wendy’s locations in the Dayton region have closed its doors after the fast-food chain announced last month it would close 140 U.S. restaurants before the end of this year.

While closures are expected, the company said in its earnings call they are part of a plan to open between 200 and 300 new restaurants. Closing stores are considered underperforming.

The restaurants at 4465 Indian Ripple Road in Beavercreek near The Greene and 2948 Miamisburg Centerville Road in Miami Twp. near the Dayton Mall are closed. Both restaurants are no longer listed on Wendy’s website.

TEMPORARILY CLOSED

2 Hardee’s in Dayton region ‘temporarily closed’

Credit: Natalie Jones

Credit: Natalie Jones

A fast-food chain known for its made-from-scratch biscuits, hand-breaded chicken tenders and charbroiled angus beef burgers has two locations in the Dayton region marked as “temporarily closed.”

The Hardee’s restaurants at 4010 Colonel Glenn Highway in Fairborn and 7508 Brandt Pike in Huber Heights are “temporarily closed,” according to information online.

Cox First Media stopped by the Fairborn location and it appears to be undergoing a remodel. The inside looks to be getting a facelift and a new ordering screen sits behind the older one on the outside of the restaurant.

We’ve reached out to Hardee’s for more information on these two locations.

COMING SOON

El Toro looks to new Kettering site for ‘Express’ location

Credit: Natalie Jones

Credit: Natalie Jones

An applicant acting on behalf of El Toro restaurants has submitted plans to the city of Kettering for a new Far Hills Avenue location.

The plans would transform 3910 Far Hills — a former OinkADoodleMoo barbecue restaurant, as well as a former home for Chipotle and (much earlier) the Kettering Village Inn — into an El Toro Express.

The applicant, a Springfield architect, applied for a permit at the Far Hills address and submitted drawings on Dec. 6, Tom Robillard, the city of Kettering’s planning and development director, told the Dayton Daily News.

“The drawings are still under review,” Robillard said. “As long as the proposed use and site improvement meet the Kettering zoning code, then no other approvals are needed.”

New Springboro restaurant planned near Dorothy Lane Market

Credit: Natalie Jones

Credit: Natalie Jones

A new restaurant is preparing to open for business in the Springboro shopping center anchored by Dorothy Lane Market.

Wasabi, owned by Skywasabi Inc., has received zoning permit approval for a restaurant at 784 N. Main St., the site of a former China Cottage location, in the Marketplace of Settlers Walk, Springboro Planner Dan Boron said.

Xiong Wei, who identified himself as co-owner of the property, said last week the target date for restaurant opening is about four months away.

The restaurant has signed a 10-year lease for the site, Wei said.

Prime BBQ Smokehouse to open 2 locations in Dayton

Credit: Facebook Photo

Credit: Facebook Photo

After opening Prime BBQ Smokehouse in Monroe four years ago, the owners are planning to open two locations in Dayton.

“We’re working to improve the city,” said chief operating officer Wally Yasso, who owns the business with his brother, Eddie, and cousin, Sam Jabro. “We’re looking to invest back in Dayton. We’ve always believed Dayton deserves better and Dayton deserves more.”

The first location the owners have been working on is at 3013 Salem Ave. Yasso said its about 75 percent done and they hope to open in March or April. They also are in the midst of negotiating a location near the University of Dayton. The goal would be to open that location two months later.

Prime BBQ offers 11 smoked meats including ribs, pulled pork, pulled chicken and wings. Brisket is the restaurant’s top seller.

Pins Mechanical Co. to open in downtown Dayton brewery space

Credit: Tom Gilliam

Credit: Tom Gilliam

Pins Mechanical Co., known for its blend of old-school entertainment, handcrafted cocktails and social atmosphere, is coming spring 2025 to the former location of Moeller Brew Barn in downtown Dayton.

“We’re thrilled to bring Pins to Dayton and be a part of this lively community,” said Troy Allen, CEO of Rise Brands. “We believe in creating spaces where guests can unwind and connect with each other in memorable ways. We hope to offer Dayton a place where everyone, from sports fans to families, can come together.”

Pins Mechanical Co. will feature two floors of games and gathering spaces in the11,000-square-foot venue. It will include eight duckpin bowling lanes, classic games such as pinball, foosball and Hookie, multiple bars, a patio with fire pits, and scenic views of Day Air Ballpark. In addition, there will be a slide taking guests from the second floor down to the patio, a press release said.

Panda Express adding another location in the area

Credit: Bill Lackey

Credit: Bill Lackey

A new Panda Express is planned in Beavercreek near the Mall at Fairfield Commons, city documents show.

Panda Express has planned a location north of the Beavercreek shopping mall, at the intersection of Pentagon Boulevard and Fairfield Commons Boulevard. The site is next to the Courtyard Marriott in Beavercreek, and formerly the location of a PNC Bank branch.

The proposed store is just over 2,500 square feet and includes a drive-thru with space for 9 cars and 50 parking spaces, per documents submitted to the city’s planning commission. These plans also include a sidewalk on the east side of the property, “to create a more connected, pedestrian-friendly mall development,” documents say.

OPEN

First look inside The Silos: Bar opens before 4 food vendors

Credit: Natalie Jones

Credit: Natalie Jones

The Silos, a new food hall and beer garden near 2nd Street Market in downtown Dayton, is inviting the public into its space for a soft opening of the bar as final inspections are being completed for its four food vendors.

The bar, featuring nearly 16 taps of Ohio-made beverages, is open 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. The four food vendors are expected to open in January 2025.

The Silos invited friends and family into the space in early December.

“It went wonderfully,” said Wes Hartshorn, who owns The Silos with Shannon Thomas. “We spent a year physically working here and physically building the place and going through all of the things in which that demands. The moment customers started coming in to purchase drinks that’s when it turned the page.”

Chicken Salad Chick opens in Centerville

Credit: Facebook Photo

Credit: Facebook Photo

The Dayton region’s first Chicken Salad Chick celebrated its grand opening Dec. 18 in Centerville.

“We’ve seen strong community support and enthusiastic adoption of our brand in Ohio, and we’re excited to continue our expansion in the state,” said marketing manager Hannah Verdun. “We believe Dayton’s vibrant community will enjoy our wide variety of delicious chicken salad options, and we look forward to becoming a part of this growing area.”

The restaurant occupies 2,800-square-feet of the mixed-used development’s newest building at 5264 Cornerstone North Blvd. The 10,000-square-foot space described as the “Shoppes at Cornerstone IV” is the final retail building being developed on the property.

Yellow Springs Smokehouse opens dining room

Credit: Natalie Jones

Credit: Natalie Jones

After closing Calypso Grill and Smokehouse in October, Yellow Springs restauranteur Brian Rainey has teamed up with his longtime friend, Dayton chef Gavin St. Denis, to open a new barbecue concept.

Yellow Springs Smokehouse was planning to do a soft opening over the winter, but it has evolved faster than expected. The restaurant’s dining room is open noon to 8 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. Customers can also order carryout or delivery via DoorDash.

“Part of what we set out to do here was to create something that’s sort of community focused in the sense that it’s affordable,” St. Denis said. “We’re trying to create a budget friendly, simple place for lunch and dinner.”

When asked why barbecue, Rainey said it’s because they really like smoked meats and the place was already set up for it. At Calypso, customers could get smoked wings, pork, jackfruit and several other items.

“We’re pulling from some of what Calypso was doing, so there’s a little bit of Caribbean elements still on the menu,” St. Denis said.

Charcuterie business opens coffee bar inside Maraluna in Oakwood

Credit: Submitted Photo

Credit: Submitted Photo

A Pretty Picnic, a small business specializing in charcuterie and grazing boards, has opened a coffee bar inside of Maraluna in Oakwood.

Owners Austin Kohlberg and Chase Kreitzer started using the commercial kitchen space in the back of the store in 2023.

“We were really lucky that Maraluna moved into here because they were wanting to get someone in this coffee bar space,” Kohlberg said.

The space was previously occupied by Katie Mathews, the owner of Ordinarie Fare, who is opening a new concept in The Silos in downtown Dayton.

CHANGES

El Rancho Grande in Huber Heights rebranded to Mexican restaurant with entertainment

Credit: Facebook Photo

Credit: Facebook Photo

El Rancho Grande on Old Troy Pike in Huber Heights has been rebranded into El Asadero Bar & Mexican Grill.

The soft opening of the restaurant kicked off Dec. 1, said marketing director Nathan Taylor. An official grand opening will soon be announced.

El Asadero is a Mexican restaurant concept featuring a party-like dining experience with entertainment such as a dancing robot, DJ and drinks delivered with sparklers. This concept is part of the El Rancho Grande family.

The owners of El Rancho Grande have several other restaurant concepts including Sonora Grill Seafood Steak Bar & Grill and King Corona Latin Kitchen & Cantina.

This Kettering restaurant has a Thai dish not found in this region

Credit: Submitted Photo

Credit: Submitted Photo

When Thai Street Noodles opened on Bigger Road in Kettering five years ago, there weren’t many Thai restaurants throughout the region. With several now in operation, owner Pim Tintong said they wanted to offer a new dish that would make them unique.

“When we opened this location we wanted to focus on noodles,” said Tintong, who operates the restaurant with her sister, Warisa Brown. “After five years, we decided the item that we have, many Thai restaurants had it too.”

Thai Street Noodles started offering chicken and rice — a popular dish in Thailand that is not found in the Dayton region — on Monday, Dec. 9.

Customers can order the chicken fried, steamed or a combination of both. The fried chicken is served with a sweet chili sauce and the steamed chicken is served with a ginger sauce.

Dayton Barbecue Company to leave Hidden Valley Orchards

Dayton Barbecue Company is looking for a new location to serve its southern style barbecue as it closes up shop at Hidden Valley Orchards in Lebanon at the end of this month.

“As of Dec. 28, Dayton Barbecue Company will no longer be a part of the Hidden Valley Orchard family,” Evans said in a video posted on social media. “This change was not something that I saw in the future. We thought this would be home for us for awhile.”

Dayton Barbecue Company joined Hidden Valley Orchard in March as a permanent vendor after operating at the orchard for nearly three months in 2023.

“With that, we are going to be moving forward with a new location,” Evans said. “We are currently exploring different options right now that’s going to best fit us.”