Dayton937

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

Archives for February 2021

Fatbacks 2.0

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No one is more excited about the return Fatbacks Barbeque than me. For more than five years this little spot on Linden Avenue has been my favorite go-to barbecue spot. Today would’ve been the eighth anniversary of the restaurant formally owned and operated by Larry “Bub” Britton.

There has been a passing of the keys (and pit) to the new proprietor Curtis Fackler. Curtis is a friend and former student of Bub’s. Curtis is a New Carlisle native who has big plans for Fatbacks while keeping the charm and menu the same as it was under Bub’s ownership.

Curtis took the keys it recently and I had a chance to sit down with him to  talk BBQ and specifically the future of Fatbacks.

Curtis told me he has already began to make some tech upgrades including new point of sale system that will allow online ordering and is investigating adding Uber Eats to increase local awareness of this locally known and adored bbq spot.

Curtis said there are no changes planned for the menu and mentioned that he is looking into more local sources for the beef and pork. Curtis is also coaxing as many of the staff back as possible. The longtime pitmaster has already agreed to return. That kind of knowledge and skill isn’t easy to come by.


Curtis lives just blocks away from the Linden Ave address where the restaurant operates and is home base for the popular Fatbacks Catering business.

During our chat I learned that the he and his partners are waiting on final health department inspections and certifications. Red tape can take time but the kitchen and smoker are ready to go on short notice. Under Larry’s coaching they have started ordering food and supplies for the upcoming grand re-opening.

Curtis Fackler

I asked Curtis if folks will be seeing Bub around the shop in the coming weeks. He said that Bub is committed to a successful hand off and will be around for an undetermined amount of time but will always have a seat at FatBacks.

I did learn a few more facts about the owner and what we can expect in 2021.

1) He’s a big Red’s fan and we may see some sports memorabilia among the Pig Hall of Fame collection that adorns the walls

2) He’s working to finishing the Fatbacks food truck that Bub started (he estimated its 90% ready)

3) Pending approval from the health department we can expect to be eating brisket, ribs and those famous pig pops in Mid-March.

Happy 8th Anniversary to Fatbacks and best wishes for a great year ahead.

Falafel Meal Sale For Charity

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St. Ignatius of Antioch is hosting a Falafel Meal sale this Sat, Feb 27th from 10am – 2pm.

The meal combo includes: One Falafel Sandwich (Fried Vegetarian Chickpeas patties topped w/ tahini sauce, mixed veggies, & wrapped in pita bread), one piece of Nammoura (baked dessert made w/ semolina flour, yogurt, & topped w/ simple syrup), and one 1.5oz bag of Lays Potato Chips for $10

100% of the proceeds will  be supporting a needy family in their parish.  Pre-order online.

Pick up is at St. Ignatius of Antioch Maronite Catholic Church, located at 50 Nutt Road in Centerville.

 

Wright Dunbar Village Park Rejuvenation

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This city of Dayton park was established in 1998 as part of the development of the Wright Dunbar Village.  Located at 700 Anderson-Goodrich Court, neighborhood association president Jeff Jackson explained that “in the last year the neighborhood lead a $10,000 renovation that included refreshed landscaping and this new sign.”
Funded in part by a Make Montgomery County grant, donations from the area businesses and residents made up the rest.  The new cooper signage was installed just yesterday.

The park is named after Paul Laurence Dunbar’s first published book of poetry and the neighborhood residents have hosted several outdoor concerts featuring jazz, classic rock and R & B music, as well as spoken word poetry and even a neighborhood garage sale.

Dayton Made: Famous People From Our City: Charles Michael Davis

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If you’ve been watching mainly network television over the years, you’ve probably noticed this guy. Or, your wife or girlfriend has noticed him. This handsome actor/entertainer is Charles Michael Davis. And Davis was born right here in the Dayton area. 

Davis grew up in Riverside, and he comes from a mixed marriage. His African American father is from Kentucky, and his Filipino mother is from Manila, the capital city of the Philippines.  He graduated from Stebbins High School, and Miami (Ohio) University.  He got his start in the entertainment industry by modeling with Wings Model Management, which was based in Cincinnati. He later worked with the talent agency Actors, Models, and Talent for Christ (AMTC). Soon after, Davis did television commercials and print ads for Nike and FootLocker.

Here’s an interview from 2014:

Davis transitioned from modeling, to acting. Throughout the 2000’s and the 2010’s, he appeared on a number of television shows, including Grey’s Anatomy, Switched At Birth, The Game, and That’s So Raven. In 2013, Davis got the first of three lead roles in TV shows that he would come to have. He was made a lead character in the CW vampire show The Originals. In 2018, he was named a lead in the series Younger, in its fifth season. And, in 2020, he was cast in the role of Special Agent Quentin Carter in NCIS: New Orleans.

At the rate Davis is going, we shouldn’t be surprised if he were to end up a leading man on the big screen, movies, any day now. Davis shows us all that nothing is impossible with a little bit of Midwestern magic, and a lot of Ohio grit. 

New ADA-Compliant Entrance to be Constructed at City Hall

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The City of Dayton will improve access to City Hall (101 W. Third St.) with construction of a new ADA-compliant entrance on the building’s Ludlow Street side.
The two-phase project will get underway in early March, with completion expected by Oct. 1. It will create an exterior ramp and reconstructed steps at the Ludlow entrance and modifications to the entrance’s interior area, including a lift. The existing sidewalk/slab along Ludlow, which also serves as a roof for a portion of City Hall’s lower level offices, will be fully replaced.
During construction, the main public entrance to City Hall will be on West Third Street. Until the new Ludlow entrance is in use, ADA access will continue to be available on City Hall’s third floor, via the Municipal Parking Garage at 123 W. Third St.
Parking spaces and parking meters along the east (Ludlow) side of City Hall will not be in use during construction. Metered spaces will be available on West Third Street (north side, between Main and Ludlow, and south side, across from City Hall).
During construction, the 24-hour utility payment drop-box currently located at the northeast corner of City Hall will be relocated to the west side of the building, between City Hall and the Municipal Garage.
The total cost of the improvements is approximately $950,000, an expense approved by the City Commission in January.

Virtual Grand Opening Set For The Hub at Dayton Arcade

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The University of Dayton and the Entrepreneurs’ Center will host a public grand opening for The Hub Powered by PNC Bank at the Dayton Arcade. At 95,000 square feet, it is among the largest university-anchored innovation hubs in the country, including shared and private office spaces, meeting rooms, conference areas, pop-up retail opportunities, learning labs and classrooms. The virtual event will be at 5:30 pm on Thursday, March 4th.

 

“We could not be more excited for the Hub to become a reality,” said Eric F. Spina, president of the University of Dayton. “This is a ‘triple play’ for the University of Dayton in that it provides excellent learning opportunities for our students; facilitates greater collaboration and connection between our faculty, research staff and students and the greater Dayton entrepreneurial ecosystem; and will help reinvigorate a key part of our city’s downtown and the historic Arcade that was vacant for decades. This truly is a great day for UD and for Dayton.”

“The Hub is visible proof that Dayton’s long heritage of innovation remains vibrant, healthy and growing,” said Scott Koorndyk, president of the Entrepreneurs’ Center. “In one space, we’ve brought together the support, talent and energy that small businesses and entrepreneurs need to be successful. We are thrilled to join our partners at the University of Dayton and PNC Bank in making the Hub a catalyst for the future of our region’s innovation economy.”

“Our goal in supporting the Hub was to foster collaboration, which is the key to success,” said David Melin, PNC regional president for Dayton. “The Hub Powered by PNC Bank will serve as a catalyst that will merge creative ideas from students, entrepreneurs, businesses and the community to create a stronger future for the region.”

The virtual grand opening will include videos with entrepreneurs and UD faculty introducing Hub spaces, such as:

  • Innovation Hall, where the Entrepreneurs’ Center offers comprehensive business and commercialization support services, along with its Small Business Development Center; and the University has offices for the L. William Crotty Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership, a satellite office of the Greater West Dayton Incubator to drive equitable access and inclusion, as well as others;
  • UD’s studios for painting, printmaking, photo and graphic design for students and faculty;
  • UD’s The GEM, a non-traditional learning space that connects the University and city with a focus on community-centered approaches to social innovation;
  • A representative workspace that showcases the environment that entrepreneurs and small businesses can find at the Hub; and
  • A café with a menu that will be intentionally curated by the Greater West Dayton Incubator to feature underrepresented entrepreneurs.

The event also will feature a panel discussion with Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley, City Manager Shelley Dickstein, PNC’s Melin, developer Cross Street Partners CEO Bill Struever, University of Dayton’s Spina and the Entrepreneurs’ Center’s Koorndyk. The grand opening will conclude with a blessing and a ribbon-tying ceremony to symbolize the coming together of all the partners and stakeholders that have made the project possible and will be involved in the Hub going forward.

Vince Lewis, president of The Hub

Local entrepreneurs and startups are currently working in the Hub or making plans to move in during the coming weeks. Additionally, university classes will begin in the space as public health conditions allow beginning in fall 2021.

“The Hub Powered by PNC Bank could fundamentally shift how universities and community partners collaborate in support of startup ecosystems,” said Vince Lewis, president of The Hub Powered by PNC Bank and director of UD’s Crotty Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership. “I think the thing that I am most excited about is the opportunity for University of Dayton students to be down here, connected into the startup ecosystem in a space where they’re working with students from all over campus, working with local entrepreneurs and other local businesses. All that connection and opportunity is really what we envisioned years ago when we first started down this down this path. You can’t understate the impact that this project has on the city, especially right now. Since UD signed our letter of intent with The Entrepreneurs Center back in 2017, the Arcade has been a project that people say is never going to happen. And that’s been driven into the psyche of the community. The Hub opening and getting off the ground really resonates the feeling that Look, things are happening, things are moving forward! This will have a huge impact on the psyche of the city and how we feel about downtown.”

Additionally, UD and the Entrepreneurs’ Center will host community programming. This will include the University’s Flyer Pitch competition, one of the largest business plan competitions at the collegiate level; small business acceleration programs; the Dayton Arcade Entrepreneur Academy; summer internships; and opportunities to participate in other competitions and programs.

To join the grand opening, visit Youtube.

Free McDonalds Crispy Chicken Sandwich

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McDonald’s is set to rollout a trio of new chicken sandwiches this February: the Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Spicy Chicken Sandwich and Deluxe Chicken Sandwich.  Joe Erlinger, president of McDonald’s USA added that the new sandwich would “jump-start our chicken journey,” suggesting more chicken products to come. McDonald’s launched Spicy Chicken McNuggets this past fall, its first new McNugget flavor in the United States since the item was introduced to the US menu in 1983.  Popeyes, which saw its new sandwich offering sell out just two weeks after it launched nationally in August 2019, has pointed to the sandwich as one reason that it continued to grow during the pandemic. Chick-fil-A, known for its line of chicken sandwiches, has been growing steadily for years.

All three McDonald’s sandwiches will offer a new fillet of all-white meat chicken and a novel crispy breading. The Crispy Chicken Sandwich serves as a simpler option with the fillet and pickles while the Deluxe Chicken Sandwich arrives with the additional lettuce, tomatoes and mayonnaise. Meanwhile, those with a more adventurous palate can opt for the Spicy Chicken Sandwich with crinkle cut pickles and spicy pepper sauce.

“We’ve heard our customers loud and clear, and we know they’re craving more chicken options,” McDonald’s VP, Innovation Linda VanGosen said in a statement. “We’re confident all chicken fans – from traditionalists to spice enthusiasts – will discover a new menu favorite they’ll come back for time and time again.”

McDonald’s Crispy Chicken, Spicy Chicken and Deluxe Chicken Sandwiches will be available starting February 24.

On Thursday, Feb. 25 starting at 5pm, McDonald’s is offering the first 100 cars in the Drive-Thru a FREE new Crispy Chicken Sandwich, no purchase necessary! One sandwich per car, available while supplies last.

We Care Arts Virtual Auction Now Open

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Since 1983 We Care Arts has served the Dayton region, though the healing power of creating and producing art, which transforms physical, developmental and emotional challenges.  They are currently serving more than 1300 individuals with their programming. Creating art compliments medical therapies, increases self-confidence, and ultimately improves existing quality of life.
To help support their programs they are hosting the We Care Arts Virtual Auction, which is now OPEN for bidding through noon on Friday, Feb. 26th ! Browse the artwork for sale and bid on themed baskets that include wine, dining out golfing and car care.
You can even purchase your $10 raffle ticket for a chance to win a $1,000 Amazon gift card.  Winner will be drawn on Facebook Live, (We Care Arts Facebook page @wecarearts) on Friday Feb 26th at noon. Winner will be notified by phone and email and may pick up the Amazon.com gift card at We Care Arts.
3035 Wilmington Pike
Kettering, OH 45429
937-252-3937
We Care Arts has grown to serve 1700 clients at more than forty off-site locations within the greater Dayton area. Alongside our executive director, our volunteer staff and board contribute more than 28,000 hours annually to our mission.

Giovanni’s Wine Dinner Carry Out

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Comfort Food warms the soul… when someone else cooks that comfort food, it’s even better!
This Tuesday, February 23 Giovanni’s is offering  their Italian Pot Roast with salad & dessert for carry out.

There are several options to enjoy this dinner!
$40.00 dinner for 2 without wine | $55.99 with Wine.
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Call 937.8787.1611 to reserve yours for pick-up 2/23 from 4-6pm at 215 W Main Street in Fairborn.

Get Your Blues on with the Doug Hart Band

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With his energetic and soulful performances, the Dayton, Ohio native is leaving a lasting impression on audiences everywhere he performs. His voice has a hypnotic feel that pulls you in, intoxicates you with wonder and leaves you satisfied, but still wanting more. You can almost reach out and touch the emotion that lurks within his guitar playing.

Fish Fry Season Kicks Off in the Miami Valley

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Tonight is the official start of fish fry season in the Miami Valley! More than just a meal – it’s a Friday night tradition, but for the 2nd year in a row the pandemic has put a crimp in this beloved Lenten staple.

In an effort to assist you in getting your fix, we’ve pulled together a guide of some of the best fish fries around town and beyond. Whether you choose to dine-in or carry-out, we hope you find a bit of joy in the observance of the time-tested tradition.

Remember: Be safe. Be kind. Wear your mask. And tip generously.

Grab some fish at these spots tonight:

 

Carry Out Fish Fry

St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church 519 Liscum Dr, Dayton

Fish: Whiting or Tilapia Sides(2) French Fries or Baked Beans or Cole Slaw Dessert: Assorted Cakes Dinners $10, Sandwiches $8…

Antioch Shrine Center Fish Fry

Antioch Shrine Center 107 E. First St, Dayton

$10 per plate and $15 for all you can eat. Desserts are available for a donation and a cash bar will…

$10 – $15
For our full list of upcoming Fry events, please click here.  We will continue to update our list as we hear from organizers, but we have heard that Incarnation is not doing their fry this year. Yankee Trace has done a Friday Fish Fy in the past, but their dining room is getting a remodel and won’t be open until April.

Restaurants Offering Friday Fish Dinners:

THE BISON AND THE BOAR

3377 US 35 E, West Alexandria, OH

All You Can Eat Codfish yet, tomorrow is your chance! Only $16 for All You Can Eat Codfish – comes with fries and your choice of salad!
SLYDER’S FISH FRY: 
836 Watervliet Ave., Dayton
Three pieces of walleye for $7.75. Served with fries and slaw.

GEORGE’S FAMILY RESTAURANT:
5216 N Dixie Dr, Dayton
$9.99 gets you Endless Pollack fish, fries and cole slaw offered year round on Fridays after 4pm.

COMPANY 7 BBQ
1001 S. Main St., Englewood, OH 45322

Friday Lent Specials: 7oz Yuengling Battered Haddock Filet Sandwich w/2 Sides or as an entree w/2 Sides & Corn Bread. Cheddar or American cheese is available for all sandwiches for just .50 cents…..$12.25

 HASTY TASTY PANCAKE HOUSE:
3509 Linden Ave, Dayton
Endless fish fries and cole slaw offered 52 weeks a year on Fridays. What a deal!  The fish is delicious, light, huge pieces cooked with a perfect crunch.  $9

Photo credit: The Big Ragu

 

Greenfire Fresh to Close At End of the Month

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Chef Rob Scott has announced that Tipp City’s Greenfire Fresh, which he took over from previous owner Art Chin on July 7th, will close for good on Feb 27th.
According to his post on facebook:
“There are many factors that have lead us to this extremely hard decision.
While Covid certainly hasn’t helped the journey- I’m sure I’ve made my own share of mistakes along the way too.
Also due to new codes and regulations, it has become financially overwhelming to bring our kitchen up to code, in order to serve you as best as possible.
It has been such an amazing ride with Greenfire.
From feeding all of you wonderful people, to the gained friendships, and extraordinary humans we have met along the way.”
He encourages everyone to “Grab a drink and fresh inspired food and give Greenfire the send off it rightfully deserves after 26 years of serving the community!”

5 Hikes/Walks to Explore this Winter in the Riverway

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Don’t let cold temperatures keep you inside. Bundle up and get out there. The scenic views of the Riverway are beautiful in the winter. The Great Miami Riverway has some tips for safe winter hiking, and 5 great trails for you to explore. Take a selfie and tag us! #RiverwayWinter

Before you head out, plan and prepare to stay safe and warm during your adventures.

  • Check the forecast. Don’t let bad weather sneak up on you and ruin your hike.
  • Check trail conditions. Some trails go under water when it rains, or can be closed for construction. Find all closures on our Trail Conditions map.
  • Leave your travel plans with a trusted family member or friend. Let them know where you are going, when you are leaving, and when you think you will be back. They can help call for help if you don’t turn up when you are supposed to.
  • Dress appropriately. Layer up with at least three layers. Even if you don’t wear all the layers at the outset, it’s a good idea to take all layers on every outing. You can peel off layers if things heat up, but you can’t put on layers that you didn’t bring with you.
  • Take some essentials with you. A few things that should be with you include your phone with a full charge, a map and compass, sun protection, a first aid kit, a pocket knife, plenty of snacks and water, and matches or a fire starter.

 

  1. Brookside Park Loop in the City of Sidney’s Tawawa Park is a 1.2 mile trail that features a scenic woodland forest setting. Log a twofer and stop by the smaller Riverside Park on your way to Tawawa Park, and marvel at the gargantuan Big Four Bridge.



  1. Spend time and look for winter season birds in the woods along the Great Miami River at the City Park in Tipp City. This spacious park offers access to the Great Miami River Recreation Trail, lots of nature trails, tall trees and picnic tables. In the warmer months this park is buzzing with ball games, but in colder months there are plenty of trails to explore. Take a winter picnic with you!
  1. Run, Cycle, or stroll along the Great Miami River in downtown Miamisburg if you want both nature and access to hot chocolate after your outing. Park your vehicle at Riverfront Park and walk north on the Great Miami River Recreation Trail and you might see an eagle fly over the river. Visit the Curious Styles and Coffee shop for something hot to drink.

    1. A beautiful natural park, the Woodsdale Regional Park is 119 acres along the Great Miami River. Managed by MetroParks of Butler County, the park features three loop trails to choose from – a .7, a 1.0 and a 1.2 mile option. Free parking for Butler County residents – others can purchase a permit at https://www.yourmetroparks.net/about/motor-vehicle-permits

 

  1. The Winter Hike Series with Great Parks of Hamilton County has been getting folks outdoors in the beauty of winter for over 30 years. This year’s hikes offer multiple days and times at various parks to limit group hike sizes to 15 people.

Home Brewing: A Four Class Series at Star City Brewery

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Ever been interested in making your own beer? The state of Ohio permits you to make up to 100 gallons of beer a year for personal consumption, so why not take advantage of it? This is your opportunity to learn just how it’s all done, and how you can do it for yourself! Join Star City Brewing Company and their friends from HBYOB “Home Brew Your Own Beer” as head brewer Chad Klehamer guides you through the steps needed to turn grain into one of the world’s most ancient and delicious beverages.

For the Home Brew Classes at Star City Brewery, you’ll experience four 30-45 minute brewing classes with increasing levels of home brewing education moving from Beginner to Advanced. Each class includes one beer voucher, to be enjoyed each day of the class, lunch during the final class, and one growler fill of the class-made beer when it is ready.

Cost: $60 (no refunds) at the brewery or with a small fee here on EventBrite.

Class 1: Saturday, March 13 at 11am Intro to Beer and Brewing

Class 2: Saturday, March 27 at 11am All Grain Brewing

Class 3: Saturday, April 10 at 11am Ingredients and Recipe Creation

Class 4: Saturday, May 1 at 8am Putting it all together, Brewing a full batch in the Star City brewhouse (Lunch will be provided.)