Happy Tuesday Daytonians!

Thanks for spending another week with The Gem, where good times aren’t hard to find. Let’s take a look at what we’ll be covering in this edition…

• Did You Know: Make Dayton More Senior Friendly

• Hidden Gems: Tear Drops Steakhouse, Thai 9, Koji Burger

• Local Events: 6/3 – 6/10

• Computer Love: High-Tech Hotel in Dayton

• Money: Del Taco and Jack in the Box Plan Big Move Into Dayton

• Sports: Flyer Alum Toppin to NBA Finals, Raiders’ Strong Season Ends

— Tom

Did you know?

New City Plan Aims to Make Dayton More Senior-Friendly 🏠

The City of Dayton is taking steps to become more welcoming and supportive for its older residents. On May 28, 2025, city officials announced the beginning of an "age-friendly city plan." This plan aims to improve life for people aged 55 and older by making it easier to access important services and enjoy community life.

An age-friendly community focuses on helping seniors stay active, healthy, and connected. This includes better access to healthcare, transportation, housing, and social activities. By creating a plan tailored to older adults, Dayton wants to ensure that everyone can enjoy a good quality of life as they age.

While the plan is still in its early stages, city leaders are working on ways to make Dayton a place where seniors feel valued and supported. This effort is part of a larger movement to build communities that are safe and inclusive for people of all ages.

Click here for more info

Hidden Gems

DOWNTOWN SIZZLES WITH TEAR DROPS STEAKHOUSE 🥩 

Dayton entrepreneurs Carl Johnson and celebrity chef Jay Jones will open Tear Drops Steakhouse at 111 W. First St. on June 6, transforming the former 1Eleven Flavor House space into an upscale dining destination. Johnson—owner of Members Only 937—and his nephew Jones, a Meadowdale graduate with a platinum culinary background, introduced Tear Drops through a February soft opening and refined their menu based on customer feedback.

Known for its signature “tear drops” of mixed herb garlic butter that melts tableside, the steakhouse promises elevated service where servers provide a theatrical flair to each steak presentation. Originally set to open May 30, the launch was delayed a week due to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in town. Tear Drops will operate nightly with a full bar, inviting neighbors to celebrate Dayton’s dining scene through fine cuts, warm hospitality and community pride.

Check them out on Facebook

THAI 9: OREGON DISTRICT FLAVOR HUB 🍜

Thai 9 has served authentic Thai cuisine and sushi at 11 Brown St. since 2004, becoming a cornerstone of Dayton’s Oregon District dining scene. Under the vision of former owner David and current owner Phil Clark—who took over in late 2023—the restaurant preserves its vibrant ambiance, offering dishes like Panang curry, Pad Thai and fresh sushi rolls made with daily imported seafood. Open daily, Thai 9 also features a full bar with craft beer, wine and Thai-inspired cocktails.

The sleek space—accented by warm wood tones and lush greenery—welcomes neighbors and visitors alike, while its takeout and delivery options extend Thai 9’s community reach beyond the restaurant’s doors. Whether you’re craving curry, noodles or sushi, Thai 9 invites Daytonians to gather over bold flavors in a welcoming, family-friendly setting. Stop by and find out why it’s a favorite of The Gem’s audience.

Check them out on Facebook

KOJI BURGER MOVES DOWNTOWN THIS FALL 🍔

Chefs Brendon Miller and Zackary Weiner decided their pop-up sensation needed more room and will transform 127 E. Third St. into a full-time Koji Burger this fall. After opening their Huffman District spot nearly two years ago, rising demand outpaced that location’s space. Jollity will close at summer’s end for a remodel and rebrand, reopening as Koji Burger five days a week with a larger menu, fresh bar program and “some surprises”.

Until then, Koji serves lunch 11 AM–2 PM Thursday–Saturday, and Jollity continues dinner service through summer. Miller and Weiner promise “intimate hospitality” and the same laughter Jollity’s walls have known for years. They’re also planning to bring their tasting-menu concept “Champ Blue” to the new space, ensuring the Fire Blocks District gains a fresh destination for burgers and curated dining experiences.

Check them out on Instagram

THE BULLETIN 📌

Want to spread the good word about your business, a project you’re working on, a hire, or just want to say hi to 1000+ Daytonians?

Local Events

TAI CHI FOR ARTHRITIS

• What: Gentle tai chi movements to boost flexibility and relieve arthritic pain in a supportive group setting.

• When: June 3, 2 PM – 3 PM

• Where: Kettering Health Years Ahead – Dayton, 3969 Salem Avenue, Dayton

• How Much: Free

NIGHT SCHOOL: CURIOUS MINDS AT JOUI WINE

• What: Unwind with scholar Dr. Sarah Brady Siff as she explores how “marijuana” once described diverse psychoactive plants—some more potent than cannabis—in a lively late-19th/early-20th-century botanical and legal journey, all paired with a curated wine tasting.

• When: June 3, 6 PM – 7:30 PM

• Where: Joui Wine, 117 E. Third St, Dayton

• How Much: $22 (includes one welcome drink and lecture)

SHEETZ WEST CARROLLTON GRAND OPENING

• What: Celebrate the arrival of Sheetz’s 10th Dayton-area store with free self-serve coffee and soda on opening day, plus prize giveaways—including a $2,500 gift card—on day two.

• When: June 3, 8 AM – 10 PM (free coffee & soda); June 4, 9 AM – 11 AM (grand opening festivities & giveaways)

• Where: Sheetz West Carrollton, 2100 South Alex Road, West Carrollton

• How Much: Free admission

LEVEL UP YOUR BRAND WORKSHOP

• What: Sharpen your brand’s voice with a hands-on workshop from Miami Valley SBDC—learn to define your unique value, align messages across platforms, and stand out.

• When: June 4, 10 AM – 11 AM

• Where: Xenia Community Library, 76 E. Market St, Xenia

• How Much: Free

KETTERING BLOCK PARTY 2025

• What: Celebrate Kettering community with free hot dogs, dilly bars, bicycle helmet fittings, interactive booths, and a Civic Band concert at Fraze Pavilion.

• When: June 4, 6 PM – 8 PM

• Where: Fraze Pavilion, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd, Kettering

• How Much: Free

WEST CARROLLTON’S FIRST THURSDAYS STREET FAIR

• What: A free, family-friendly street fair featuring live music, arts & crafts vendors, food trucks, and community entertainment every first Thursday of summer.

• When: June 5, July 3, and August 7, 5 PM – 8 PM

• Where: Carrollton Centre, 35 N. Elm Street, West Carrollton

• How Much: Free admission; food and vendor items are available for purchase

MIAMI VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL THEATRE AWARDS SHOWCASE

• What: Eleven nominated high school musicals and 28 soaring performances convene for an evening of student talent, culminating in awards for outstanding directors and performers.

• When: June 5, 7 PM

• Where: Schuster Center, Winsupply Theatre, 1 W. Second St., Dayton

• How Much: Free (ticket required)

JOURNEYS IMMIGRANT STORYTELLING ARTS

• What: Celebrate diverse immigrant experiences through live storytelling, interactive art tables, and fiber crafts inspired by Aminah Robinson’s “Journeys Home” exhibit.

• When: June 6, 5 PM – 7 PM

• Where: Metropolis (Third Floor), 102 W. High St, Springfield

• How Much: Free

SUMMER FLEA MARKET

• What: A bustling outdoor market transforms the Lathrem Senior Center and Adventure Reef Water Park parking lots into a space brimming with handcrafted goods, antiques, local vendors, and food trucks, paired with live entertainment and children’s activities.

• When: June 7, 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM

• Where: Charles I. Lathrem Senior Center, 2900 Glengarry Dr., Kettering

• How Much: Free

OHIO VALLEY INDIGENOUS MUSIC FESTIVAL

• What: Enjoy award-winning Native American flute concerts, artisan vendors, educational workshops, and a Saturday night community drum circle under a shaded performance tent.

• When: June 7, 10 AM – 9 PM; June 8, 10 AM – 6 PM

• Where: Patricia Allyn Park, 7266 State Route 48, Springboro

• How Much: Free

TROY STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

• What: Savor fresh strawberry treats, shop 100+ arts & crafts vendors, and enjoy live music, races, and a car cruise—all celebrating community spirit.

• When: June 7, 10 AM – 9 PM; June 8, 10 AM – 6 PM

• Where: Downtown Troy & Great Miami River Levee, Troy

• How Much: Free

JUNE HISTORY TOUR – DAYTON ARCADE

• What: Guided walking tour showcasing Dayton Arcade’s history, architecture, and restoration.

• When: June 8, 2025, 10:30 AM – 12 PM

• Where: Gather at 37 W Fourth St., Dayton, OH 45402

• How Much: Ticketed (prices vary; see link)

JEWISH CULTURAL FESTIVAL AT TEMPLE ISRAEL

• What: Experience music, storytelling, crafts, and kosher bites as Dayton’s Temple Israel opens its doors for a family-friendly celebration of Jewish tradition and community.

• When: June 8, 11 AM – 6 PM

• Where: Temple Israel, 130 Riverside Drive, Dayton

• How Much: Free

NATIVE PLANTS FOR YOUR LANDSCAPE

• What: Learn to identify and cultivate native Ohio plants to support local ecosystems and wildlife habitats.

• When: June 9, 10 AM – 11 AM

• Where: Kettering-Moraine Branch, 3496 Far Hills Ave., Kettering

• How Much: Free

COLORFUL CREATURES TO LOVE WITH WILD HEARTS AFRICAN FARM

• What: Hands-on animal presentation featuring exotic species from Wild Hearts African Farm, aligned with the Dayton Metro Library’s Summer Reading Challenge.

• When: June 9, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM

• Where: Miamisburg Branch, 545 E. Linden Ave., Miamisburg

• How Much: Free

CENTRAL STATE COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE

• What: Mobile food market offering free groceries to Dayton-area families; no eligibility paperwork required. Bring bags/boxes.

• When: June 10, 1 PM – 2 PM

• Where: Norman E. Ward Sr. Center parking lot, Central State University, 1400 Brush Row Rd, Wilberforce

• How Much: Free

Computer Love

Bright Group Unveils High-Tech Hotel in Dayton, Ohio 🏨

The Bright Group has opened its latest hotel, the Dayton Vitality Hotel, in downtown Dayton, Ohio. This modern hotel is directly connected to the Dayton Convention Center via a skywalk, making it convenient for travelers attending events.

The Dayton Vitality Hotel offers a tech-forward experience with self-check-in, smart locks, and a mobile app for room access. Guests can enjoy amenities such as a rooftop bar with city views, a fitness center, a seasonal outdoor pool, and a wellness-inspired atmosphere. The hotel also provides spacious meeting and event areas for business and social gatherings.

This will contribute to the city's downtown revitalization by offering modern accommodations and amenities that cater to both business and leisure travelers. With its focus on technology and community, the hotel is set to become a key player in Dayton's hospitality scene.

Money

Del Taco and Jack in the Box Plan Big Move Into Dayton 🌮 

Two major fast-food chains Del Taco and Jack in the Box are getting ready to open several new restaurants in the Dayton area. This expansion isn’t just about tasty tacos and burgers. It’s also about money and jobs. Del Taco plans to build at least 10 new restaurants, while Jack in the Box is aiming for 15. Each restaurant could cost around $1.5 to $2 million to build. That means tens of millions of dollars will be invested in the Dayton region.

Each location can create around 25 to 50 positions—from cooks to cashiers to managers. That’s hundreds of new jobs for local workers. Both chains picked Dayton because of its strong traffic, steady population, and busy workplaces.

Real Estate 🏠

Sports

FLYER ALUM TOPPIN TO NBA FINALS 🏀

Obadiah “Obi” Toppin became the first Dayton Flyer in 48 years to reach an NBA Finals game on June 1, 2025, after helping the Indiana Pacers defeat the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference finals. The Brooklyn native starred at UD from 2018–2020, where he earned First Team All-American honors, was named Atlantic 10 Player of the Year, and claimed the AP National College Player of the Year award in 2020. 

Drafted eighth overall by the New York Knicks in 2020, Toppin was traded to Indiana in 2023 and averaged 9.3 points in the conference finals, including an 18-point effort in the clincher. His rise from UD’s campus to the NBA’s biggest stage highlights Dayton’s impact on basketball and inspires Flyer fans to celebrate a hometown hero’s journey to the Finals

RAIDERS’ STRONG SEASON ENDS IN NASHVILLE FINAL

Wright State’s baseball season concluded at 40–21 after a loss in the Nashville Regional final, marking their first regional championship game since 2016. The Raiders opened the tournament by upsetting No. 1 overall seed Vanderbilt 5–4 on June 1, highlighted by Griffen Paige’s strong start and a late rally to hold off the Commodores.

Despite falling to Louisville in the final, WSU’s sixth 40-win campaign under coach Alex Sogard showcased their Horizon League dominance—they swept conference foes Oakland, Youngstown State and Purdue Fort Wayne en route to a 26–5 league record. Dayton’s hometown team proved it can compete with top programs, earning praise for its pitching depth and veteran leadership. The season’s success sets the stage for future NCAA bids, reinforcing community pride in the Raiders’ rising program.

DRAGONS HOMESTAND: SIX NIGHTS OF FUN & THEMED NIGHTS

• What: Experience a week of baseball thrills at Day Air Ballpark with themed nights, fan events, and family fun.

• When: June 3 – June 8, 2025

  • June 3: Dragons Police Night, 7:05 PM

  • June 5: Community All-Star Night, 7:05 PM

  • June 6: Party at the Plaza (pre-game fan festival), 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM; Game at 7:05 PM

  • June 7: Meet the Team Fan Event, 10:00 AM; Baseball Buddies Night, 7:05 PM 

  • June 8: Wendy’s Friends & Family Game, 1:05 PM; Baseball Buddies & Kids Run the Bases, 1:05 PM; Veteran Salute, 1:05 PM

• Where: Day Air Ballpark, 220 N. Patterson Blvd, Dayton, OH 45402

• How Much: Tickets start at $12