The Featured Articles

Ben & Jerry’s 3 New Limited-Edition Flavors

July 5, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

Ben & Jerry’s kicked off National Ice Cream Month by introducing three brand-new ice cream flavors.

The new additions include a marshmallow-packed flavor with cookie pieces and fudge shavings, and two indulgent non-dairy options. The Vermont-based ice cream brand behind so many cult-favorite flavors, such as Cherry Garcia and Chunky Monkey, is constantly churning out bigger and bolder flavors that keep us coming back for more. And now, to kick off National Ice Cream Month, Ben & Jerry’s is releasing three new flavors—but you’ll only find them in its Scoop Shops.

A few weeks ago, Ben & Jerry’s dropped an all-new flavor, UltraViolet, featuring purple-hued vanilla ice cream, They describe this flavor as “vanilla ice cream, gooey marshmallow swirls, gluten-free chocolate cookies and fudge flakes.”

Now, it’s adding two more flavors to the shop-exclusive lineup: Non-Dairy Mochaccino Chip and Non-Dairy Strawberry Swirl.

The Mochaccino Chip has a non-dairy chocolate-coffee base swirled with caramel and studded with fudge flakes. It’s bold, creamy, and delivers a sweet hit of caffeine to help you beat the summer heat. Enjoy it in a cup, cone, or as a shake.

The Strawberry Swirl, on the other hand, is a celebration of summer’s favorite fruit. It features non-dairy strawberry ice cream with ribbons of strawberry swirl that can be taken up a notch in a Strawberry Swirl Sundae that gets drizzled with marshmallow sauce, strawberry cookie crumble, and whipped cream—all dairy-free.

Dayton At Work and Play: Independence Day

July 4, 2025 By Bill Franz

On July 4, 1776 the members of the Continental Congress put their lives and property at risk as they signed the Declaration of Independence. The second sentence of that document is one of the best known in the English language: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

To the 55 rich white men who signed the document, that sentence referred to the rights of people like themselves. They weren’t suggesting that women were created equal to men, or that Native Americans were created equal to those who came here from Europe. But their words inspired those and other groups to fight for equal rights.

You can track the progress of these groups by looking at the dates when the group gained the right to vote. The history is complex because voting rules vary by state, but the progression goes something like this:

1828 all white men, not just property owners, can vote

1870 the constitution’s 15th amendment gives black men the right to vote. Some states comply

1890 Native Americans can vote

1920 Women can vote

1965 Voting Rights Act forces all states to follow the constitution and let Blacks vote

The struggle for voting rights continues. The current Supreme Court has weakened the Voting Rights Act, which allows the party in power to make voting more difficult for groups that tend to support the opposition. But much progress has been made since July 4, 1776.

Today we celebrate the brave men who signed the Declaration of Independence, and the millions of brave men and women who were inspired by their lofty words and worked to make the promise of equal rights come true for all Americans.

Taco Bell’s New Refrescas Drink Menu

July 3, 2025 By Dayton937

Taco Bell says it has a “vision to make its beverages as iconic as its food.” That’s one of the reasons the chain just unveiled multiple new drink options nationwide. Here are the just launched six new wild drinks- New Taco Bell Refrescas! These are all available now but only for a limited time. Here’s a quick description of the new drinks:

Dragon Fruit Berry Refresca

The first drink Taco Bell added to the roster? The Dragon Fruit Berry Refresca. Tropical dragonfruit and mixed berry flavors, real freeze-dried The dragonfruit pieces, and green tea. Contains 51mg of caffeine.

Mango Peach Agua Refresca

Mango Peach Agua Refresca has been describes as a tropical mango and juicy peach flavors, real freeze-dried mango pieces, and green tea. Contains 51mg of caffeine.”

Strawberry Passionfruit Agua Refresca

Flavor three is Strawberry Passionfruit Agua Refresca. Strawberry passionfruit flavors, real freeze-dried strawberry pieces, and green tea. Contains 51mg of caffeine.

Tropical Punch Rockstar Energy Refresca

Tropical Punch Rockstar Energy Refresca Tropical punch–flavored beverage featuring Rockstar Focus Energy, packed with Lion’s Mane, B vitamins, guarana, and taurine for a charge of energy. Contains 200mg of caffeine. says Snackbetch. “I tried the Tropical rockstar punch. Taste like no sugar Rockstar punch,” one follower writes.

Pineapple Lime Rockstar Energy Refresca

This pineapple lime–flavored beverage featuring Rockstar Focus Energy, packed with Lion’s Mane, B vitamins, guarana, and taurine for a charge of energy. Contains 200mg of caffeine.

Strawberry Lime Refresca Freeze

A twist on their Wild Strawberry freeze, infused with tart citrusy lime flavor and crafted with real freeze-dried strawberry pieces. This drink contains no caffeine.

McDonald’s Launches Lil Happy Meals with Miniature Toys

July 1, 2025 By Dayton937

McDonald’s is going small in a big way this summer with the launch of Lil McDonald’s Happy Meals, a limited-time collection of 21 miniature toys inspired by the fast-food giant’s most iconic features. Starting July 1 through August 11, 2025, customers across the U.S. can collect tiny versions of McDonald’s staples—from a Boo Bucket and Happy Meal box to a mini cash register, delivery truck, and even a pint-sized PlayPlace.

The Lil McDonald’s collection taps into the joy of imaginative play and nostalgia, with toys that replicate everything from a McNugget box to a self-ordering kiosk. “There’s something magical about watching your child’s imagination come to life with these tiny toys,” said Anna Engel, Director of Marketing for McDonald’s USA. The toys are designed to let kids “play McDonald’s” at home—turning kitchen tables into drive-thrus and living rooms into mini restaurants.

Each Happy Meal includes one of the 21 collectible toys and a scannable code that unlocks Drive Thru Dash, a digital game where players race to take orders and earn points. Families can also download a Lil McDonald’s placemat from HappyMeal.com to create their own play zone, or use the McDonald’s app to find nearby restaurants with real PlayPlaces.

Making A Difference in Dayton: Libby Ballengee

July 1, 2025 By Dayton937

Libby Ballengee’s career started as a photo researcher and studio photographer in the educational publishing industry. She found that job the old-fashioned way: a newspaper classified ad! She either took photos for the books or researched ones that were historical or otherwise too costly to photograph in the studio. She also learned how to be an art buyer, which is someone who commissions custom illustrations from artists.

It wasn’t until she was in her mid-thirties that she found a new career path: being a concert promoter. It very much started as a hobby. It started as just wanting to throw one show for her best friend’s birthday. He wanted New Riders of the Purple Sage to perform in our hometown, and she happened to know someone who recently bought a music venue. The venue owner was willing to show me the ropes, which was invaluable. That first show came together beautifully, sending me down a path of producing more concerts for my friends and neighbors in Dayton, Ohio, over the last decade.

So this month is the official 10th Anniversary of Venus Child Productions! After that first show with New Riders of the Purple Sage at Oddbody’s, she slowly started to get into promoting shows, including developing Dayton Porchfest with Peter Benkendorf and culminating with him connecting her to Carli Ricciardi Dixon, where we developed The Brightside Music & Event Venue!

With her production company she view concerts and live experiences through the lens of the audience. Musicians themselves produce a lot of the local concerts she has attended in the past, and they often have a different perspective on building a show. They like to book their friends rather than who would fit best together. There is also usually a lot of politics about who performs in what order, which doesn’t necessarily lead to the best outcome.

Libby likes to ensure there is a natural flow and crescendo of energy during the concert. So, she tend sto place bands in an order that feels good to her, not necessarily in an order of who has been a band longer or has more clout. She wants the experience to feel good to the people paying to be there.

She admits she’s a fan, first and foremost, so little things matter. Is the ticket staff-friendly when you arrive? How is the sound quality? Is there toilet paper in the bathrooms at the of the show? I’m proud of the reviews we’ve received, especially from other women who really feel cared for at our shows.

Libby always dreamed of being a ballerina when she was little, and while that didn’t work out, she still wanted to support dancers in our community. For several years, she served on the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance board, which is home to the Dayton Ballet, Dayton Philharmonic, and Dayton Opera. She also volunteered for the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Stivers School for the Arts as well as the Board of Advisors for the Dayton Dance Initiative and the Dayton Ballet Barre.

“Anywhere can be boring – it’s up to you to engage with the community and explore. I’ve traveled a lot, but there’s no place else I’d rather be. As a music lover, Dayton was the perfect place to grow up in the 90s. If I can keep that tradition alive in any small way, I’ve achieved my goal! “

Thanks Libby for all you bring to the Miami Valley, keep bringing us the music!

If you’d like to nominate someone for Making a Difference In Dayton, drop us an email and tell us about your nomineed.

An App for Discounts on Groceries!

July 1, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

Flashfood is an app that partners with grocery stores to sell surplus food at a discounted rate. We’re talking up to 50% off on items ranging from fresh produce to bakery goods. The app is designed to help reduce food waste while saving you some serious cash.

Using Flashfood is a breeze. You simply download the app, enter your location, and a list of participating stores pops up. Seems Meijer is the biggest local partner From there, you can browse daily deals and snag whatever catches your eye. Be aware many of the items have a short shelf life, likely why they are discounted. After purchasing through the app, you just swing by the store to pick up your items near the customer service desk. Be sure and check back often, deals change daily.

Beyond personal savings, Flashfood plays a part in a larger movement to tackle food waste. By supporting this app, you’re joining a community that values sustainability and smart consumption. It’s about making small changes that collectively make a big difference.

Save $5 on your first purchase:

Once you download the app you can get $5 off your first purchase of $7 or more when you use my code: Lisa70857. In full disclosure, I’ll get $5 off my next purchase when you use this code. Once you’ve done this, you to can get you code to share the savings.

Dayton’s Most Instagrammable Spots

June 30, 2025 By Guest Contributor

Discover the Unexpected: Dayton’s Most Instagrammable Spots

Looking to give your Instagram feed a serious glow-up? 📸✨ You might be surprised to learn that Dayton is full of colorful, creative, and jaw-dropping photo ops—if you know where to look! Whether you’re a selfie queen, a local influencer, or just love capturing the moment, we’ve rounded up some of the most Instagrammable spots that perfectly show off Dayton’s style, history, and natural beauty.

Here’s where to point your lens:

Dayton Inspires Mural

Location: Oregon District on the side of the BRIM (hat store) building
This bold, bright mural in the heart of the Oregon District is practically made for selfies. With its inspirational message and vibrant colors, the #DaytonInspires mural has become an iconic backdrop for locals and visitors alike.

Dayton Inspires

Dayton Postcard Mural

Location: 142 S Keowee Street, Dayton, OH
Another fan favorite! The Dayton Postcard Mural gives off vintage vibes with a modern twist. Its postcard-inspired design offers the perfect pop of nostalgia and city pride for your feed.

Postcard Mural

Dayton Peace Sign

Location: Schuster Center Plaza at 2nd and Main
One of the newest photo-worthy stops in downtown, this Peace Sign sculpture has made its way from RiverScape to its new home at the Schuster Center and is the perfect symbol of community, creativity, and connection. Strike a pose and spread some positive vibes!

Dayton Peace Sign

Dayton Art Institute Steps

Location: 456 Belmonte Park N, Dayton, OH
These grand steps, leading up to the beautiful Dayton Art Institute, are pure drama—in the best way. Perfect for portraits, wedding shoots, or just flexing your outfit of the day (#OOTD). Bonus: Inside, there is even more art to see 😉

DAI Steps Wedding

Woodland Cemetery Lookout

Location: 118 Woodland Ave, Dayton, OH
Yes, it’s a cemetery—but also a Level II Arboretum and home to one of the best panoramic views of the Dayton skyline. From the “Lookout” point, your photos will capture the city’s blend of nature, history, and modern charm.

Woodland lookout

Carillon Bell Tower

Location: 1000 Carillon Blvd, Dayton, OH
Rising 151 feet tall, the Deeds Carillon is an architectural gem and one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Whether snapped in full daylight or glowing at dusk, this towering beauty always delivers an Insta-worthy shot, especially when turned into the tree of light for the holiday season!

An aerial view of the Carillon Tree of Light at Carillon Historical Park

National Museum of the U.S. Air Force™

Location: 1100 Spaatz Street, Dayton, OH
A must for aviation fans! From vintage bombers to futuristic jets, the world’s largest military aviation museum offers photo backdrops you won’t find anywhere else. Pro tip: The gigantic hangars themselves make for awesome wide-angle shots.

National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

Trolls at Aullwood Audubon

Location: 1000 Aullwood Road, Dayton, OH
Say hello to Bo, Bodil, and Bibbi—giant recycled-material Troll sculptures hidden among the trees. These whimsical works of art add a playful, fairytale vibe to any nature walk (and your feed).

Aullwood Troll with Kids

Five Rivers MetroParks Gems

Tree Tower at Cox Arboretum
Climb this towering, rustic structure for panoramic views and one of the best spots to snap a nature-inspired pic. The treehouse-meets-observation-deck is especially magical at sunrise or sunset.

Eastwood Lake
This shimmering lake, surrounded by lush greenery, is a popular spot for kayaking and paddleboarding photos—not to mention those dreamy, golden-hour reflections.

RiverScape Fountains
Downtown meets waterfront fun! The interactive fountains at RiverScape MetroPark offer playful, energetic shots—especially great for capturing kids, families, or spontaneous moments.

Hills and Dales Lookout Tower
Known as the “Witch’s Tower” or “Frankenstein’s Castle,” this stone tower has sparked imaginations for decades. While interior access is no longer available, you can still snap some atmospheric, moody shots for a different kind of Dayton vibe.

Kayaking at Eastwood Metropark

From iconic murals to soaring towers to hidden garden gems, Dayton is full of unexpected beauty and Insta-worthy moments—you just have to get out and explore. So, grab your camera (or your phone!) and start your own Dayton photo tour. Don’t forget to tag your pics with #DiscoverDayton—you might just see your post featured on our socials!

By Destination Dayton

Dayton at Work and Play: Kokopelli Gift House

June 30, 2025 By Bill Franz

Visit to Kokopelli Gift House (4125 Little York Road).

By chance, I saw a photo of this store online. It looked so interesting I was surprised I had never heard of it. From the sign I could see they have Native American jewelry and rocks and crystals. I didn’t see how a business like that could make it in Dayton.

“We’ve been here for 30 years” Lisa told me. She explained that she and her mother were rockhounds, and that they lived in the West quite a while. They started trading some of their stones to Native Americans for their jewelry and built a wholesale jewelry business.

Thirty years ago, Lisa and her mother returned to Dayton and opened this shop. Now she runs it with her daughter. She still deals with some of the same Native American families she first traded with.

I asked about the store’s name and Lisa explained that the figure on her sign (bent over playing a flute) is Kokopelli. He is a fertility figure in the tradition of some of the tribes in the Southwest. He’s also known as a trickster.

The store is packed with interesting items, and there are signs explaining things to a novice like me. For only $3.50 I might want to carry a piece of turquoise with me, to protect myself from depression, exhaustion and panic attacks. I’m sure that my wife would feel that the turquoise jewelry in the shop would be a better way to get that protection.

Learn To Make Biscuits With Master Baker Bill Evans

June 30, 2025 By Dayton937

Master Baker Bill Evans

In a unique fundraiser, join Miami Valley Meals founding board member Bill Evans, a retired certified master baker (CMB) and former owner of Evans Bakery, for a fast-paced, hands-on lesson in Biscuit making.

In a one-hour class on Sunday, July 27th at 10am Evans will introduce you to a technique called lamination that will enable you to produce not only flaky biscuits, but also other laminated products-Danish, croissants, puff pastry, even pie crust.

If you are among the 25 amateur bakers to sign up for this $25 event, Bill will guarantee you a fun-filled hour and enough knowledge to have bragging rights the next time you have friends over for biscuits and gravy, strawberry shortcake, scones, or a combination of the two.

Looking forward to a sell-out crowd. The proceeds will be split between Miami Valley Meals and Bill’s charity, Luke meets Nehemiah (LMN), a door-to-door emergency meal delivery ministry that always includes Miami Valley Meals.

As a bonus, if you prove to be an energetic crowd, pay attention, and don’t make a mess, Evans will have time to squeeze in a bonus biscuit recipe, “Hootie’s mystery biscuits.”

Reserve your spot online here. The class will be held at Miami Valley Meals, located at 428 S Edwin C Moses Blvd in Dayton.

Step Right Up! Plan A Visit Your County Fair This July

June 29, 2025 By Dayton937

Taste the Tradition
From deep-fried delights to local barbecue, fair food is a world of its own. You’ll find lemonade shaken fresh, award-winning pies, and plenty of vendors serving up mouthwatering treats you won’t get anywhere else. It’s a perfect opportunity to indulge in your favorites—or discover something new.

Feel the Fun
Midway rides, games of chance, and the nostalgic call of the carousel bring out the kid in all of us. Test your aim at the ring toss, race down a giant slide, or take a spin on the Ferris wheel for unbeatable views of the fairgrounds. There’s no better place to laugh, cheer, and make memories with friends and family.

Celebrate Community
The heart of any county fair lies in its local flair. You’ll find livestock competitions, craft exhibits, baking contests, and homegrown talent on display. It’s a chance to cheer on your neighbors, see youth 4-H projects up close, and appreciate the agricultural roots of the region.

Entertainment for All
From live music and tractor pulls to talent shows and fireworks, the fair’s entertainment schedule is packed with high-energy events day and night. Whether you’re grooving to a local band or catching a daredevil stunt show, there’s always something exciting around the corner.

Support Local & Have a Blast
Your visit to the county fair supports small businesses, local farmers, artisans, and performers. It’s a way to give back to the community while having a whole lot of fun.

So grab your sunscreen, bring your appetite, and get ready to enjoy a summer tradition that never goes out of style. Each county fair only comes once a year—get all the details here.

Get Toasted this Summer with BJ’s S’mores Pizookie®

June 29, 2025 By Dayton937

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse is serving up summer in the boldest, most indulgent way possible—with the return of its beloved Graham Cracker S’mores Pizookie®, a fresh lineup of seasonal brews, including BJ’s Sweet Sin Chocolate Porter™, BJ’s Hard Root Beer and BJ’s Co-Hoperate Hazy Pils™, and the new All-American Smash Burger—perfect pairings for long summer days and starry nights.

Guests can now enjoy BJ’s signature world-famous dessert layered with graham cracker crumbles, toasted marshmallows and Ghirardelli® chocolate—the perfect dessert this summer. For more information, visit bjsrestaurants.com.

The Graham Cracker S’mores Pizookie® is more than a dessert—it’s a full on summer vibe. Inspired by the nostalgic flavors of the classic campfire treat, this limited-time Pizookie® features a warm, gooey Ghirardelli® chocolate cookie base, topped with golden graham cracker crumbles, toasted marshmallows and two generous scoops of rich vanilla bean ice cream. Originally spun off from the cult-favorite Peanut Butter S’mores Pizookie®, this version ditches the peanut butter and adds in a twist that screams summer nights around a campfire.

Want s’more? This crave-worthy dessert returns just in time to accompany a lineup of seasonal brews and a new smash burger that are guaranteed to have you feeling the summer lovin’:

BJ’s Hard Root Beer: A nostalgic yet modern take on a soda shop classic with flavors of vanilla, licorice, sassafras, wintergreen and molasses. Make it extra special by adding 2 scoops of our vanilla bean ice cream for a delicious adult root beer float!
BJ’s Sweet Sin Chocolate Porter™: Crafted with real Ghirardelli® chocolate, just like the Graham Cracker S’mores Pizookie®, this silky, full-bodied porter is a dessert lover’s dream. With notes of both dark chocolate and roasted coffee, BJ’s new chocolate porter will have you wishing it was five o’clock already.
BJ’s Co-Hoperate Hazy Pils™: A hybrid brew that blends the crisp refreshment of a pilsner with the soft, juicy hops of a hazy. This global collaboration with Germany’s König Brewery lets you take a transatlantic trip without the jet lag.
All-American Smash Burger: Nothing says summer quite like BJ’s new All-American Smash Burger, a backyard cookout classic elevated to perfection. Featuring two perfectly smashed and seared beef patties topped with melty American cheese and BJ’s signature sauce, all nestled in a premium parker house bun, this mouthwatering creation delivers the perfect blend of crispy edges and juicy center that’ll transport you to a summertime BBQ. Available Monday through Friday as part of BJ’s $13 Pizookie® Meal Deal, complete with crispy fries and a personal Pizookie® for the ultimate indulgence.

“Summer is the time for making unforgettable memories with friends and loved ones—whether you’re clinking glasses over a refreshing, ice-cold brew or sharing stories around a campfire with an iconic s’more. So, we’re making it easy to savor the summer vibes with an all-new Pizookie® and an assortment of craft beers and hard root beer,” said Heidi Rogers, Senior Vice President of Marketing at BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. “Unlike other chains that outsource their beer production, BJ’s owns every step of the process, brewing in-house from grain to glass. This approach is central to our brewing philosophy and allows us to keep pushing the boundaries with artisanal offerings like the BJ’s Sweet Sin Chocolate Porter™, unique collaborations like our new Co-Hoperate Hazy Pils™ and a refreshing Hard Root Beer—perfect for an adult take on the classic soda. Plus, with the Graham Cracker S’more Pizookie®, you can indulge in the summer’s most iconic treat without striking a match.”

For more information on the Graham Cracker S’mores Pizookie®, Sweet Sin Chocolate Porter, Hard Root Beer, Co-Hoperate Hazy Pils, or All-American Smash Burger, visit www.bjsrestaurants.com.

Bottomless Appetizers At Buffalo Wild Wings

June 27, 2025 By Dayton937

Buffalo Wild Wings has just launched a new Bottomless Apps deal, available for dine-in only. Starting today, you can dig into endless rounds of two apps at a time, which starts at $9.99 for the table. That’s right, you’ll be getting their fan-favorite appetizers such as Fried Pickles, Mozzarella Sticks, Onion Rings, Chips & Salsa, and Hatch Queso.

When you order “Bottomless Apps,” you’ll receive unlimited rounds of appetizers. The only catch is that you can only order two appetizers at time. It’s important to note that price points may change based on how many are in your party and which state you live in (for example, California, Hawaii, or New York could implement slight price increases). This deal only applies to parties of four, with additional costs for more than four guests. There’s currently no end date for this initiative and it’s only available in participating locations within the franchise.

Gather to Transform into Lucho, a Mezcal-Fueled Taco Bar

June 27, 2025 By Dayton937

After two remarkable years as the first food and beverage company to open inside the recently revitalized Dayton Arcade, Gather—owned by Shane Anderson—is ready for its next evolution. Anderson is joining forces with Charlie Carroll and Hospitalité Group to temporarily close Gather and reimagine the space as Lucho, a bold burrito, taco, mezcal, and espresso bar, set to reopen in July.

While Gather will soon undergo a full transformation, the spirit of what made it special remains. From its earliest days, Gather became more than just a café—it was the heartbeat of the Arcade’s mornings. Known for its thoughtful espresso program, signature seasonal drinks, and high-quality beans, Gather served as a daily ritual for downtown regulars and visitors alike. Whether it was a hand-poured latte before work or a spiced Café de Olla shared over conversation, the café offered a warm, grounded sense of community with every cup.

Anderson, who brings more than 15 years of hospitality experience, will now join forces with Carroll, founder of Table 33 and several other Dayton food ventures. Both see this as a chance to level up. “Shane helped breathe life into the Arcade. His ability to build meaningful spaces—through coffee, food, and connection—has been invaluable,” said Carroll. “We’re excited to keep that momentum going with something completely fresh.”

Lucho will be a vibrant all-day taqueria-meets-mezcal-bar, with tacos, burritos, bowls, and cocktails served from morning into the night. The menu is packed with bold, soulful combinations like the “El Desvelo” breakfast taco with short rib and chipotle hollandaise, or the “La Baja” with beer-battered fish, charred pineapple salsa, and cabbage slaw.

While the name and flavors may be changing, Lucho will still carry pieces of Gather’s coffee culture forward. Expect signature drinks like the Café de Olla latte, Oaxacan Mocha, and the Mezcal Affogato—espresso poured over vanilla bean ice cream and a float of joven mezcal. Coffee drinkers can rest easy: their morning ritual will still have a home.

On the cocktail side, Lucho comes ready to party. The bar will serve everything from smoky agave Old Fashioneds to hibiscus-infused tequila spritzes, watermelon mezcal sours, and a decadent Churro Martini rimmed with cookie crumble.

At the same time, Carroll’s Hospitalité Group is launching a second concept—completely distinct from Lucho—called The Dessert Room. Housed in its own dedicated space connected to Table 33, The Dessert Room is a nostalgic after-dinner destination focused solely on elevated desserts and post-meal cocktails.

This isn’t just an add-on or side room—it’s a full-fledged experience of its own. Inspired by the kind of sweets that once graced your grandparents’ table (think pies, puddings, and cakes), The Dessert Room reimagines those classics with modern technique, bold flavors, and a little grown-up mischief. Expect warm slices of pie, boozy milkshakes, and candlelit comfort in an intimate, stand-alone setting made for lingering late into the night.

Both Lucho and The Dessert Room are part of a growing investment in downtown Dayton’s culinary scene. “This is about creating layers of experience,” said Carroll. “Gather started the story. Now, we’re building two completely different destinations—one spicy, one sweet, both unforgettable.”

Gather Bids Adieu

June 26, 2025 By Dayton937

Thank you, Dayton.

“For the past 22 months, Gather by Ghostlight has had the incredible honor of welcoming our community into the historic Dayton Arcade — a space that’s always represented the heart and hope of our city. To be even a small part of its revitalization has meant the world to us.

We want to express our deepest appreciation to the incredible team at The Arcade and Cross Street Partners, who have been far more than landlords. They’ve been champions for our city, working tirelessly with true intention to revitalize this precious gem into something lasting and meaningful for Dayton. It’s been a privilege to partner with people so invested in the soul of this place.

While we’re stepping out of this space, this is not a closing. This is a transition. Sunday, June 29th will be our last service as Gather, but a very exciting collaboration is on the horizon.

Our friends at Hospitalité Group & Table 33 have exciting plans ahead — expanding into both the gallery and café spaces at Gather with fresh concepts & continued community focus. We couldn’t be more thrilled for what’s to come.

Even better news: there will be new opportunities for our amazing Gather team to continue doing what they do best, with coffee, breakfast, lunch & cocktails still a big part of the vision for this space. 🙌 Watch this space for announcements about what’s to come!

The Dayton Arcade is more than architecture. It’s a symbol of resilience, reinvention, and hope. Thank you for allowing us to be a small part of its story.

So much appreciation for all of the staff, guests, artists & musicians who have walked through our 4th Street door. It will only be closed for a little while & then we’ll be welcoming you right back in, with a few changes.

We’ll see you soon — back at our roots on Wayne Ave.”

With love and gratitude,
The Gather by Ghostlight Team

Chili’s Debuts New Premium PATRÓN Frozen Margaritas

June 26, 2025 By Dayton937

Chili’s® Grill & Bar, the seller of more margaritas than any restaurant brand in the U.S. — with more than 25 million sold last year alone — is raising the bar with three new, premium frozen choices.

Made with PATRÓN Silver tequila, the lineup features something for everyone:

PATRÓN Frozen Marg – Timeless and smooth, Chili’s new frozen margarita features PATRÓN Silver, triple sec, lime juice and agave and starts at just $10. Guests can choose to add strawberry, mango, watermelon, blackberry, dragonfruit or even spicy flavor for an added punch.
Flamingo Freeze – This vibrant, pink drink is made by shaking up Tito’s® Handmade Vodka with Owen’s Prickly Pear, then swirling with PATRÓN Frozen Marg for a sweet sip featuring a popular flavor in the southwest.
Arctic Drift – Featuring a refreshing blend of Malibu® Coconut Rum, pineapple juice and Blue Curaçao, shaken then swirled with PATRÓN Frozen Marg, the Arctic Drift brings in flavors of the tropics, garnished with a lime wedge and maraschino cherry.

“As a leader in the margarita space, we saw a big opportunity to elevate and expand our frozen margs to be ones that our guests deserve,” said George Felix, Chief Marketing Officer at Chili’s Grill & Bar. “At Chili’s, margaritas are a core part of who we are – and now we’re proud to serve what we believe to be the best frozen margs in the industry. I can’t think of a better combination on a hot summer day than our all-new PATRÓN Frozen Marg and a Triple Dipper.”

Join the Great American Float!

June 26, 2025 By Dayton937

Calling all paddlers! Join us for a fun paddle event on the Great Miami River. The GREAT Float returns on July 11 in Dayton, Ohio!

Everyone is invited to the 2025 GREAT Float, a celebration of the Great Miami River. Experience the best event of the summer -an approximately two-hour paddle with over 100 participants in canoes, kayaks, and other human-powered craft.

The GREAT Float is scheduled for Friday, July 11 with a launch time of 4:45pm and ending when you’re done having fun! We will launch at Eastwood MetroPark and float down the Mad River to the Great Miami, before arriving at Riverscape MetroPark in time to paddle through the fountains! You can then choose if you’d like to stay and enjoy a Tribute to Jimmy Buffet with Parrots of the Caribbean at the Riverscape Pavilion. We’ll provide security so you don’t have to worry about leaving your boat. Food and beverages will be available for purchase at the Riverscape Cafe.

Registration is required. Participants can rent a kayak, paddle and life jacket for $50, provided by Taiters Kayaks. Or, bring your own kayak or canoe for $15. Transportation is included. Deadline for registration is July 3.

After-Party 🎉

Parrots of the Caribbean, a Jimmy Buffett tribute band, will be performing* at the Riverscape Pavilion. We’ll provide security so you don’t have to worry about leaving your boat. Food and beverages will be available for purchase at the Riverscape Cafe.

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