💎 JD FUMBLES THE TROPHY?!

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: Wright at Home

• Hidden Gems: Bistecca Dayton, Pins Mechanical Company, Teapot Cafe

• Upcoming Events: Dragons H.S. Baseball Showcase, LaunchPad, Open Poetry, Pop-Up Bakery

• Computer Love: AI for Real Estate Investing

• Money: Cashless Grocery Store

• Sports: JD Vance Fumbles, Dragons Home Games

—Tom

Did You Know?

Wright at Home: A Journey Through The Legacy of The Wright Brothers ✈️

On Saturday, April 26th, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, history enthusiast and aviation experts are invited to step back in time at the “Wright at Home” event, hosted at the historic Hawthorn Hill in Oakwood, Ohio. This special open-house experience offers a unique opportunity to explore the former residence of Orville Wright, co-inventor of the airplane, and gain insight into the life and times of the Wright family.

Hawthorn Hill, built in 1914, is a reminder of the Wright brothers and their important role in the history of flight. During the event, visitors can walk through the well-kept rooms of the mansion. Friendly tour guides will share stories about the house, its design, its history, and what life was like for the Wright family who lived there.

Along with the mansion tour, visitors can also join a walking tour around the neighborhood. The tour points out interesting details of nearby houses and shares stories about the people who lived there when the Wright family did. It’s a great way to learn more about the community that helped shape the Wright brothers—and was also changed by their amazing work.

Click here to purchase tickets

Hidden Gems

Bistecca Brings Tuscan Charm To Downtown Dayton 🥩

Dayton’s culinary landscape welcomes a touch of Italy with Bistecca, the new upscale Italian steakhouse at Hotel Ardent, 137 N. Main Street. Executive Chef Jacob Rodibaugh invites diners into a warm, familial setting where every dish tells its own story. The menu dazzles with handmade pastas like Tagliatelle Cacio e Pepe with forest mushrooms, alongside the signature Bistecca alla Fiorentina— a thick porterhouse delicately enhanced with rosemary, smoked salt, confit garlic, and a hint of grilled lemon.

A creative twist comes via the Flywheel Negroni, crafted by a custom-built cocktail machine that mirrors Dayton’s inventive spirit. Serving breakfast and dinner daily, Bistecca not only delights the taste buds but also celebrates the city’s rich culinary heritage and dynamic community.

Pins Mechanical Co. Brings Vintage Play to Dayton’s Water Street District

Adding to downtown Dayton’s vibrant pulse, Pins Mechanical Co. is set to open its doors this spring 2025 at the revamped Moeller Brew Barn, 416 E. First Street. Located in the bustling Water Street District, this 11,000-square-foot venue artfully combines classic nostalgia with modern energy. Designed by Rise Brands, it features eight duckpin bowling lanes, arcade favorites like pinball and foosball, and multiple social areas for casual gatherings.

A scenic patio with fire pits and a playful slide linking the second level enhances the venue’s retro charm, while providing views of Day Air Ballpark. Poised to be a hub for community fun and connection, Pins Mechanical Co. promises to bring friends together for an engaging blend of past and present entertainment.

Teapot Cafe Lounge: Ohio’s First Infused Coffee Retreat

In a fresh twist on the classic coffeehouse, Teapot Cafe Lounge redefines the Dayton experience as Ohio’s first infused coffee shop lounge. Nestled in the heart of the city at 146 E. 3rd St, this innovative retreat marries timeless comfort with a creative infusion blend that enhances each sip with subtle & refined flavors.

The Teapot Cafe Lounge offers a 420-friendly approach to the everyday bean ritual that celebrates local creativity and community in a refreshingly distinct way. The eclectic decor and welcoming ambiance, provide the perfect setting for relaxed meet-ups, creative brainstorming, or even a quiet moment alone.  

Upcoming Events

Dayton Dragons High School Baseball Showcase Sparks Local Talent ⚾️

• Dayton’s pride shines at the Dragons High School Baseball Showcase. Local high school athletes light up the field at Day Air Ballpark with energy, teamwork, and impressive plays starting today, April 15 at 6 PM. Families and fans unite as each inning reveals dedication, sportsmanship, and the promise of future stars. 

Launchpad April 2025 Fuels Dayton Innovation

• At the hub in Dayton Arcade, LaunchPad by Launch Dayton ignites creativity on April 17. Entrepreneurs, small business owners, and creatives gather for hands-on workshops, insightful panels, and dynamic networking sessions. The event sparks fresh ideas and forms lasting partnerships, showcasing Dayton’s enterprising spirit. Participants leave energized and inspired, reinforcing the strong community ties that drive local growth and innovation.

The Segue: Open Poetry Night Lights Up Dayton Arcade

• The historic Arcade becomes an intimate stage for local poets during “The Segue: Open Poetry Night” at Gather. Beginning at 7:00 PM on April 18, spoken word artists fill the venue with creative expression and heartfelt verses. The event cultivates cultural dialogue and community engagement, celebrating our artistic heritage.

Midweek Sweetness at Sinclair College

• Sinclair College delights the community with its Wednesday Pop-Up Bakery on April 23, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Local culinary students showcase an enticing assortment of artisanal treats—ranging from delicate pastries to freshly baked cookies. This cozy event invites residents to enjoy creative flavors and mingle with future chefs, in an inviting setting with irresistible aromas.

Computer Love

Dayton Set to Host Groundbreaking Workshop on AI’s Transformative Role in Real Estate: A Masterclass for the Modern Investor 🤖

On Wednesday April 16th, real estate professionals and enthusiasts can attend the “AI for Real Estate Investing” workshop in Dayton. This event explores the integration of artificial intelligence in various phases of real estate investment. Including—search, analysis, negotiation, acquisition, and sales. Participants will gain insights into leveraging AI tools to navigate today’s competitive markets effectively.

This isn’t merely another seminar; it’s a deep dive into how artificial intelligence is rewriting the rules of property investment—from algorithmic market predictions to hyper-personalized client negotiations—and why ignoring this revolution could leave even seasoned professionals sidelined.

• Event by: Greater REIA

• Location: 3155 Elbee Rd. Suite 300 Dayton, OH 45439

• Date: Wednesday April 16th 2025 5:30pm - 8:30pm

Click here to register

Money

Dayton’s Cashless Grocery Store is Redefining Urban Shopping—And It’s All About Local 🍏

A new era of urban shopping arrives in Dayton today, April 15, 2025, as Beyond Grocery opens its doors in the historic Dayton Arcade. Founded by University of Dayton alumna Jaye Willoughby, the cashless store blends modern convenience with a deep commitment to the local community.

Located at 31 S. Main St., Beyond Grocery replaces the former Startup Grounds in The Hub Powered by PNC, a collaboration between The Entrepreneur’s Center and the University of Dayton’s Crotty Center. The store caters to tech-savvy students and downtown residents, many of whom voiced the need for accessible shopping nearby.

What sets Beyond Grocery apart is its focus on local partnerships. Products from small businesses like Miller’s Grind & Brews and Natural Foods Plus fill the shelves. This year, Natural Foods Plus celebrates its 30th anniversary, making the collaboration a symbol of Dayton’s past and future working hand in hand.

More than just a retail space, Beyond Grocery stands as a community-driven solution to food access — one that reflects Dayton’s evolving identity with heart, innovation, and local pride.

Sports

JD Vance Fumbles The Trophy?! 🏈 

In a moment that quickly went viral, VP JD Vance, an Ohio native and Ohio State alumnus, accidentally dropped the College Football Playoff National Championship trophy during yesterday’s White House ceremony honoring the Buckeyes' 2024 title win. Thankfully, the sure hands of TreVeyon Henderson saved the 24-karat gold prize.

Despite the mishap, the ceremony proceeded, resembling the team's resilience throughout the season. The Buckeyes' 34–23 victory over Notre Dame in the national championship game capped a remarkable season, marking their ninth national title. The team overcame a late-season loss and navigated the expanded 12-team playoff format, defeating Tennessee, Oregon, and Texas en route to the championship. In a separate celebration, the Buckeyes received three commemorative rings during their spring game at Ohio Stadium on April 12.

The rings recognized their participation in the College Football Playoff, their victory in the playoff, and their national championship title. Senior Defensive lineman Jack Sawyer described the moment as "surreal," expressing his pride in the Buckeyes’ triumph.

Dayton Dragons To Face West Michigan Whitecaps in Upcoming Series

• The Dayton Dragons will play a home series against the West Michigan Whitecaps at Day Air Ballpark from April 22 to April 24, 2025. Fans can look forward to exciting minor league baseball action and community engagement during these games.

Plan your trip to support the local team today!