In November, Roost returned to its original fine dining concept after rebranding to Culina — a fine casual service model offering Italian-inspired small plates.
“While the change to the Culina concept from Roost has been well received, our loyal customers have spoken,” a press release on Nov. 14 stated. “So much so, that the decision has been made to return to the Roost Italian offering classic Roost entrees and sneaking in some of Culina’s most popular small plates.”
Downs made the decision to rebrand Roost to Culina in September “to be more relatable to the Dayton market.”
“Fine dining is not dead, but it’s difficult,” Downs previously said. “We just don’t want to be a celebration place. We want to be a place you can come all the time.”
Prior to opening Roost, Downs had a booth at 2nd Street Market called Black Rooster Pasta Bar. Her desire to pursue fine dining grew after encouragement from a friend who owned the building at 524 E. Fifth St.
Downs and her wife, Katherine, know what they want to do in their next chapter and are excited to move forward with it.
“We want to thank Dayton for their support for so many years,” Downs said.
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