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 Oktoberfest Started With 10 Cent Beer

• Hidden Gems:  Narco Burger, Mun-O-Salwa, Bakehouse Bread & Cookie Co.

• Local Events: 9/22 – 9/29

• Computer Love: A $61 Billion Tech Giant Is Bringing More Aerospace Work to Dayton

• Money: Nearly $46 Million Is Flowing into Dayton Area Businesses

• Sports: Trotwood Hangs 72 In Massive Shutout, Dragons’ Historic Run Ends, Buckeyes Roll as Smith Makes History

— Tom

Did you know?

Dayton’s Oktoberfest Started With 10 Cent Beer 🍺

The Dayton Art Institute’s first Oktoberfest was held in 1972 and attracted about 7,000 people. More than 50 years later, it has grown into one of the region’s biggest fall traditions, averaging around 20,000 visitors each year.

This year’s Oktoberfest returns September 25–27 with live music, food, family activities, local artisans and more than 50 craft and international beers.

Even better, the festival is the Dayton Art Institute’s largest annual fundraiser, helping support the museum and its programs throughout the year.

Click here to learn more

Hidden Gems

Smash burgers meet Mehaffie’s pies: Narco Burger 🍔

The Hamburgito takes Narco Burger’s cheeseburger off the bun. Angus beef, grilled onions, American cheese, and signature sauce become a chopped wrap; the Western Burger sticks with a bun and adds bacon and egg. University of Dayton graduate Tim Nartker developed the concept beginning in 2021, opening at 605 Spinning Rd. in Riverside in 2024.

Its second spot at 5993 Bigger Rd. in Kettering extends the casual, pickup-friendly setup. Collectible drink cups add a splash of color. Seasoned crinkle fries round out the burger-shop experience, but dessert supplies an especially local touch: pies from Dayton’s own Mehaffie’s.

Check them out on Facebook

From a Home Kitchen to Mun-O-Salwa 🫑 

Waqas Khan keeps returning to one promise: everything is made from scratch. Mun-O-Salwa began with four dishes prepared at home and delivery within five miles, growing into restaurants at 3937 Linden Ave. in Riverside and 2632 Colonel Glenn Hwy. in Fairborn.

Pakistani cooking remains central, with chicken tikka masala’s tomato-and-cream sauce alongside crisp dosas and zinger chicken burgers. The halal selection suits a takeout supper without reducing the choices to one cuisine. Even the condiments get attention: mint and mango habanero sauces are house preparations, carrying Khan’s hands-on approach right down to the last dip.

Check them out on Facebook

Bakehouse’s Long Rise in Troy 🍰

A stone-hearth oven from Verona found a home on Troy’s square in 2000, when Bakehouse Bread & Cookie Co. moved to 317 Public Square SW. Founder Margaret Begg had started selling market loaves with Steve McLain in 1996; her son Bryan now owns the bakery. Every loaf is shaped by hand.

Raisin walnut bread becomes French toast stuffed with orange marmalade and cream cheese, while cranberry poppy seed bread carries turkey and cheddar sandwiches. Baguettes, cookies, and pastries keep the bakery counter central to the café. Here, bread isn’t an afterthought to breakfast or lunch. It’s the reason they happen.

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 5000+ Daytonians?

Local Events

AILERON SUMMIT: LOCAL LEADERS, FRESH PERSPECTIVES

• What: Business owners, presidents, and CEOs connect through two days of leadership conversations, practical learning, and time with fellow entrepreneurs. 

• When: Sep. 22–23, 8 AM start daily 

• Where: Aileron Campus, 8860 Wildcat Rd., Tipp City

• How Much: $395+ 

DAYTON TALKS ABOUT TOMORROW’S WORKFORCE

• What: Join neighbors, employers, and educators for networking and a television town-hall taping exploring Southwest Ohio’s future jobs and workforce needs. 

• When: Sep. 22, 6–8:30 PM 

• Where: ThinkTV Studios, 110 S. Jefferson St., Dayton

• How Much: Free; RSVP requested

CARE, CONNECTION, AND COMMUNITY AT CMS

• What: Meet community resource partners at CMS’s Annual Care Fair, with free food, music, and information about health, recovery, and support services. 

• When: Sept. 23, 11 AM 

• Where: Community Medical Services, 2632 Woodman Center Court, Kettering

• How Much: Free

STORY SLAM HITS THE BIG 100

• What: Celebrate Dayton Story Slam’s 100th edition with five-minute tales about “Milestones.” Listen or put your name in the storytelling hat. Ages 16+. 

• When: Sept. 23, 7–8:30 PM 

• Where: The Brightside, 905 E. Third St., Dayton

• How Much: $6.23 advance; $10 at the door

POLLINATOR PALS ON THE FARM

• What: Homeschoolers explore bees and the tasting garden, visit farm animals, make a craft, and enjoy a hayride. Adults must accompany children. 

• When: Sept. 24, 10 AM – 12:30 PM 

• Where: Learning Tree Farm, 3376 S. Union Road, Dayton

• How Much: $10.60 children; $5.45 adults; under 2 free; registration required

MEET YOUR NEXT EMPLOYER

• What: Meet more than 100 local employers, explore career paths, and make connections at Montgomery County’s Fall Job Fair. 

• When: Sept. 24, 12–4 PM 

• Where: Dayton Convention Center, 22 E. Fifth St., Dayton

• How Much: Free

BREAKFAST WITH A HOUSE FULL OF HEART

• What: Tour Ronald McDonald House Dayton, share breakfast, and discover ways to support families with hospitalized children. Advance reservations requested. 

• When: Sept. 25, 8–9:30 AM 

• Where: Ronald McDonald House Dayton, 555 Valley St., Dayton

• How Much: Free

JAZZ UP YOUR FRIDAY NIGHT

• What: Catch the Dayton Jazz Ensemble’s fall concert and share an evening of live music with the Flyer community. No tickets required. 

• When: Sept. 25, 8–9:30 PM 

• Where: Roger Glass Center for the Arts, 29 E. Creative Way, Dayton

• How Much: Free

WHEN THE SPIRIT MOVES DAYTON

• What: Dayton Contemporary Dance Company celebrates African American spirituality and community through gospel and liturgical dance in an intimate church setting. 

• When: Sept. 25–26, times vary 

• Where: St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church, 5301 Free Pike, Trotwood

• How Much: $35

PROST TO DAYTON’S OKTOBERFEST

• What: Celebrate German food, live entertainment, art, and community at DAI’s Oktoberfest, beginning with Friday’s Lederhosen Lunch and continuing through Sunday.

• When: Sept. 25–27, times vary

• Where: Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park North, Dayton

• How Much: Lunch admission free. Weekend: $8+; ages 12 and under free with an adult

THREE, TWO, ONE: ROCKET DAY!

• What: Build a model rocket, explore hands-on science, and watch launches at the Air Force Museum. Building supplies limited; launches weather-dependent. 

• When: Sept. 26, 10 AM – 3 PM 

• Where: National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, 1100 Spaatz St., Wright-Patterson AFB

• How Much: Free

PLAY LOCAL AT DAYTON GAME SHOWCASE

• What: Meet Dayton-area game developers and try their creations at this family-friendly showcase of locally made games. 

• When: Sept. 26, 1–5 PM 

• Where: The Hub at the Dayton Arcade, 31 S. Main St., Dayton 

• How Much: Free

GET TWISTED AT GERMANTOWN PRETZEL FEST

• What: Celebrate Germantown with pretzels, craft vendors, live music, and family activities at this hometown autumn festival. 

• When: Sept. 26–27, times vary 

• Where: Veterans Memorial Park, 190 W. Warren St., Germantown

• How Much: Free admission 

BUILD CONFIDENCE WITH FREE SELF-DEFENSE

• What: Practice awareness, de-escalation, and self-defense basics with Total Taekwondo and Fitness. This community class welcomes ages 14 and older. 

• When: Sept. 27, 10–11 AM 

• Where: Roderer Shoe Center, 316 E. Stroop Road, Kettering

• How Much: Free; first-come admission 

YOUR VOTING QUESTIONS, ANSWERED

• What: Join election officials and League of Women Voters representatives for a public discussion about election procedures, vote certification, and audience questions. 

• When: Sept. 28, 4–5:30 PM 

• Where: Dayton Metro Library, Main Library, Eichelberger Forum, 215 E. Third St., Dayton

• How Much: Free; registration required. Zoom option available

TURN THE PAGE AT ROSEWOOD

• What: Gather for Rosewood’s quarterly gallery book club and discuss V.E. Schwab’s The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. Ages 16 and older. 

• When: Sept. 28, 6:30 PM 

• Where: Rosewood Arts Center, 2655 Olson Drive, Kettering

• How Much: Free

COMPUTER QUESTIONS? MEET YOUR TECH NEIGHBORS

• What: Connect with fellow computer enthusiasts at the Dayton Microcomputer Association’s monthly meeting, where neighbors share technology knowledge and learn together. 

• When: Sept. 29, 6 PM social gathering; 7 PM presentation 

• Where: TJ Chumps, 7050 Executive Blvd., Huber Heights

• How Much: Free; Zoom option available, registration required

LESS WASTE, MORE POSSIBILITIES

• What: Join local recycler Mike Fanelli to explore composting, recycling resources, and practical ways to reduce household waste. Bring your questions. Ages 18+. 

• When: Sept. 29, 6:30–8:30 PM 

• Where: Activity Center Park, Community Room, 221 N. Main St., Centerville 

• How Much: Free; register by Sept. 23

Computer Love

A $61 Billion Tech Giant Is Bringing More Aerospace Work to Dayton 🚀 

Defense tech company Anduril Industries is joining Dayton area firms on a new Air Force research program worth up to $85 million.

The work, led through the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson, will focus on new digital tools that could help engineers design and test future aircraft and aerospace systems before they’re physically built.

Anduril, valued at roughly $61 billion, already has a presence in the region. The new project adds another major name to Dayton’s growing defense and aerospace technology scene.

Money

Nearly $46 Million Is Flowing Into Dayton Area Businesses 💰

44 Dayton area businesses received nearly $46 million in SBA backed loans during the second quarter of 2026, providing fresh capital for companies across the region.

Some of the largest recipients included:

• KKR Staffing LLC — Springfield: $4.9 million

• Stephens Advertising Inc. — Kettering: $4.6 million

• Inktech Corp. — Dayton: $4.3 million

• Lubana Hotels Middletown LLC — Middletown: $3.6 million

Those four companies alone accounted for more than $17 million in financing, supporting businesses in staffing, advertising, retail and hospitality.

It’s another sign that serious money is continuing to flow into local businesses across the Dayton region.

Real Estate 🏠

Sports

TROTWOOD HANGS 72 IN MASSIVE SHUTOUT 🏈

Trotwood-Madison delivered the loudest Miami Valley result of Week 5, crushing Cincinnati Taft 72-0 on the road. The Rams exploded for 37 first-quarter points, led 52-0 at halftime and never let up, improving to 4-1 with their fourth straight victory.

The shutout was Trotwood’s second in a row after blanking Alter 34-0 the previous week.

DRAGONS’ HISTORIC RUN ENDS ONE WIN SHORT

Dayton’s first trip to the Midwest League Championship Series ended Sept. 15, as Quad Cities rallied for a 2-1 win at Day Air Ballpark.

The Dragons led 1-0 until Blake Mitchell’s two-run homer with two outs in the eighth flipped the game. Dayton collected seven hits but stranded 10 runners. The loss capped a breakthrough postseason in front of 8,104 fans, with the Dragons finishing as Midwest League runners-up.

BUCKEYES ROLL AS JEREMIAH SMITH MAKES HISTORY

No. 6 Ohio State bounced back with a 59-3 rout of Kent State, but Jeremiah Smith owned the spotlight. The junior caught five passes for 85 yards, becoming the Buckeyes’ all-time leader with 2,958 career receiving yards.

Smith passed Michael Jenkins’ previous record of 2,898 yards in just his 33rd college game—less than three full seasons into his remarkable Ohio State career.