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: Dayton’s Global Friendships

• Hidden Gems: The Pine Club, Table 33, Jay’s Seafood

• Local Events: 5/27 – 6/3

• Computer Love: AI Meets The Showroom

• Money: $500 Milllion Dollar Air Force Contract

• Sports: Raiders Face No. 1 Vandy, Dragons Upcoming Homestand

— Tom

Did you know?

Dayton’s Global Friendships: A Look at Our Seven Sister Cities 🌎

Did you know Dayton, Ohio has seven sister cities around the world? These special partnerships help our community connect with people in other countries through culture, education, and even business. Thanks to the work of the Dayton Sister City Committee, led by Kevin Lydy, these relationships continue to grow. In a recent video update, Lydy explained how these global friendships allow Dayton to share what makes our city unique while learning from others at the same time. It’s not just about travel it’s about building understanding and lasting connections across the globe.

By participating in programs with our sister cities, Dayton residents can explore new ideas, celebrate different traditions, and even open doors for future opportunities. These international friendships remind us that no matter where we live, we can find common ground. Whether you're a student, a business owner, or just curious about the world, there are ways to get involved and be part of something bigger.

To learn more, check out the video update here: https://youtu.be/94dh6vcj3-U

Hidden Gems

PRIME STEAK WORTH A PRESIDENTIAL WAIT: THE PINE CLUB 🥩 

Since Jim Sullivan turned Lonnie’s Bar into The Pine Club in 1947, this Dayton staple at 1926 Brown St. has charmed diners with in-house aged prime steaks, crisp onion rings and stewed tomatoes served in a knotty pine–paneled dining room preserved by Lloyd Meinzer (1954) and David Hulme (1979).

True to tradition—proper attire, no reservations, no credit cards—the club famously made Secret Service agents wait 30–45 minutes for President George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush. A nationally lauded steakhouse by Food Network and The New York Times, and ranked one of the city’s best restaurants by The Gem’s readers, The Pine Club blends unvarnished charm with Midwestern warmth.

Now you can enjoy its legendary cuts at home too—prime steaks and signature sauces are available for nationwide delivery via its online shop. Doors are open to diners Monday thru Saturday. Whether marking milestones or savoring a first filet, neighbors gather here for more than a meal—they share a timeless piece of Dayton pride.

Check them out on Facebook

TABLE 33: FLAVOR UNDER THE DOME 🍖

Table 33 first opened in 2016, quickly earning a reputation for its farm-to-table ethos and commitment to locally-sourced ingredients. After seven years in its original Second Street location, owner Charlie Carroll celebrated the restaurant’s next chapter by relocating to a 5,800-square-foot space in the historic Dayton Arcade, with a ribbon-cutting in December of 2024.

Now situated at 45 W 4th Street in downtown Dayton, Table 33 invites guests into a bright, modern interior beneath the Arcade’s 90-foot glass dome, blending history and hospitality. Diners can kick off their meal with P.E.I. Mussels or Wagyu Steak Tartare before savoring signatures like the Australian Lamb Chops.

Brunch lovers will delight in this carefully curated menu, as well. Open Wednesday–Sunday, and serving late-night pizza Fridays and Saturdays, Table 33 remains a warm, inviting hub for Dayton’s food enthusiasts.

Check them out on Facebook

JAY’S SEAFOOD: OREGON DISTRICT GEM 🦀 

Jay’s Seafood Restaurant has been a Dayton landmark in the Oregon District for nearly 50 years, hosting families and friends in its restored 1850s building at 225 E. Sixth Street. Owner Amy Haverstick, who took the helm in 2009, continues her father’s vision by serving award-winning clam chowder and jumbo crab cakes alongside sushi-grade ahi tuna poke salad.

Jay’s menu features Alaskan king crab legs, live lobster entrées and an array of fresh fish flown in weekly, ensuring every dish showcases premium ingredients. Desserts like flourless chocolate cake and bourbon pecan pie are made in-house by pastry chef Sonya, rounding out a full-course experience.

Open Wednesday–Sunday evenings, reservations are recommended, and Jay’s validates parking behind the restaurant for checks over $30. With its warm service, historic charm and community-rooted legacy, Jay’s invites you to come together over ocean-fresh flavors under the twinkle of Oregon District lights.

Check them out on Facebook

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

FAIRBORN FARMERS MARKET

• What: Fresh produce, baked goods and local crafts from community vendors.

• When: May 28, 4 PM – 7 PM

• Where: Corner of Main St. & Grand Ave., Fairborn, OH

• How Much: Free

GARDEN TIME FOR KIDS

• What: Little gardeners aged 3–7 explore soil basics, planting, watering, and plant care through hands-on, weather-dependent sessions in the Children’s Garden.

• When: May 28, 10 AM – 11 AM (weekly, weather dependent)

• Where: Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark, Children’s Discovery Garden, 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave., Dayton, OH

• How Much: $4.00 per child; financial assistance available

GENERATION DAYTON: DAYTON’S EXPANSIVE IMPACT

• What: Discover how Dayton’s industries—from aviation to pop-tab innovation—shape global progress in a lively panel featuring local leaders.

• When: May 28, 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM

• Where: Base Camp Outdoors Co., 420 E. First St, Dayton, OH

• How Much: Free for Generation Dayton members & guests; Optional Dayton Dragons game add-on: $12

CHEMISTRY STORY SLAM

• What: Step up with a five-minute tale on “Chemistry”—ten storytellers drawn at random, and the best story wins $50 and free future tickets.

• When: May 28, 7 PM – 8:30 PM (doors at 6:30 PM)

• Where: The Brightside Event & Music Venue, 905 E. Third St, Dayton, OH

• How Much: $5 advance; $10 at the door

HELISTORM 2025

• What: Watch 100+ RC helicopter pilots zip the skies with live demos, hands-on STEM fun, flight comps, vendor exhibits, and family-friendly excitement.

• When: May 29 (recurring through June 1)

• Where: National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, 1100 Spatz St, Dayton, OH

• How Much: Free

CRUISE IN AT THE ROADHOUSE

• What: Classic cars cruise in weekly, lining the lot for admirers to sip cold drinks and savor Rip Rap’s famous burgers amid a historic barn backdrop.

• When: May 30, 4 PM – 10 PM (every Friday through September 26)

• Where: Rip Rap Roadhouse, 6024 Rip Rap Rd, Dayton, OH

• How Much: Free

LIVE JAZZ AT WHISPERZ SPEAKEASY

• What: Mosaic Jazz Ensemble with Moses Mabarak in an intimate speakeasy setting.

• When: May 30, 8 PM – 11 PM

• Where: Whisperz Speakeasy, 705 E. Third St., Dayton, OH

• How Much: Free cover

LEVITT PAVILION FUNK FEST

• What: Get down to gritty grooves as top funk acts—Thumpdaddy, Freekbass, and Rick James’ Stone City Band—ignite the stage in Dayton’s Amplified Series opener.

• When: May 31, 5:30 PM – 9 PM

• Where: Levitt Pavilion, 134 S. Main St, Dayton, OH

• How Much: Free

BLUEGRASS NIGHT WITH THE SHADY PINE

• What: Join us under the pavilion as the RiverScape Summer Music Series presents a FREE concert featuring The Shady Pine’s rich Americana-folk blend—lawn chairs encouraged.

• When: May 31, 7 PM – 9 PM

• Where: RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E. Monument Ave, Dayton, OH

• How Much: Free

BETWEEN RIVERSIDE AND CRAZY

• What: Walter “Pops” Washington, a retired cop battling loss and a discrimination suit, faces landlord pressure and his son’s return in this Pulitzer-winning dramedy.

• When: June 1, 3 PM – 5 PM

• Where: Dayton Theatre Guild, 430 Wayne Avenue, Dayton, OH

• How Much: $18–$25 (Adult $25; Senior $23; Student $18) 

CHESS CLUB GAMES NIGHT

• What: Gather at Blind Bob’s Bar for weekly strategy sessions open to all skill levels, from first-timers to seasoned tacticians.

• When: June 2, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

• Where: Blind Bob’s Bar, 430 E. 5th St, Dayton, OH 45402

• How Much: Free

SUNSET YOGA AT THE MOUND

• What: Unwind with gentle flows and stretching as the sun dips behind Miamisburg’s ancient earthwork in a relaxed, all-levels yoga session.

• When: June 2, 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM

• Where: Miamisburg Mound Park, 900 Mound Road, Miamisburg, OH

• How Much: Free

VYRAL MARIO KART 8 TOURNAMENT

• What: Race your way to first place in a points-based Mario Kart 8 Deluxe tournament—external controllers welcome for your ultimate advantage

• When: May 30, 8 PM – 11 PM

• Where: VYRAL Esports Compound, 2078 East Dorothy Lane, Kettering, OH

• How Much: $10 entry per player

Computer Love

AI Meets the Showroom: How Dayton Car Dealers Are Using Technology to Help Customers 🚘

Car dealerships in Dayton, Ohio are using AI to boost efficiency without losing their personal touch. Tools like chatbots and smart scheduling systems help manage inventory and online inquiries, freeing up staff to focus on customer relationships. Dealerships like Bob Ross Auto Group and Jeff Schmitt Auto Group say the goal isn’t to replace people, but to support them using AI to make the buying process smoother while still building trust face-to-face.

This shift reflects a growing trend in the auto industry, where technology is used to improve speed and service without sacrificing the human element. As AI tools become more advanced, Dayton dealers plan to keep blending innovation with personal care proving that even in a high-tech world, relationships still drive the sale.

Money

Big Win for University of Dayton: $500 Million Air Force Contract 🛩️

The University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI) just scored a major win a $500 million contract with the U.S. Air Force. This long-term deal will focus on advanced materials research, helping to create stronger, lighter, and more durable components for aircraft and other defense systems. UDRI will work closely with experts at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, and much of the research will happen right on campus. Their goal? To develop materials that can handle extreme temperatures, pressure, and wear things that are essential for military technology to stay ahead.

This contract is one of the largest in UDRI’s history and shows how much trust the Department of Defense has in their work. It also puts Dayton in the spotlight as a hub for innovation, opening the door for more local jobs and educational opportunities. The deal cements UDRI’s reputation as a key player in national defense research, showing how university led science can lead to real-world impact. For the University of Dayton and its partners, this isn’t just a big contract it’s a big leap forward.

Real Estate 🏠

Sports

RAIDERS FACE NO. 1 VANDY IN NASHVILLE ⚾️

The Wright State Raiders (38–19) earned their 12th NCAA Tournament bid by sweeping the Horizon League tourney, then shut out Milwaukee 2–0 in the title game at Nischwitz. On Friday, May 30, WSU opens the Nashville Regional against No. 1 overall seed Vanderbilt (42–16) at 6 p.m. on SEC Network. Also in the four-team bracket are No. 2 seed Louisville and East Tennessee State, setting the stage for tough matchups.

The Raiders enter with perfect Horizon League series sweeps—twice over Oakland and Youngstown State, once over Purdue Fort Wayne—and carry momentum from a 26–5 conference mark into Nashville. With veteran leadership and recent NCAA experience, Dayton’s hometown team is ready to chase its first regional win under the bright lights of Vanderbilt’s Hawkins Field.

DRAGONS HOMESTAND: THEMED NIGHTS AND ACTIVITIES

• What: Four community-focused games—from Hometown Heroes and Scout Overnighter evenings to Kids Run the Bases and Veteran Salute—bring fun and flair to Day Air Ballpark this week.

• When: May 27 – June 1, 2025 (Hometown Heroes May 27, 7:05 PM; Scout Overnighter May 30, 7:05 PM; Kids Run the Bases & Veteran Salute June 1, 1:05 PM)

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

• How Much: Tickets start at $12