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 $11M Facility to Support Growing Transit

• Hidden Gems: The Oakwood Club, Side Piece Soul Cafe, The Hamburger Wagon

• Local Events: 7/8 – 7/15

• Computer Love: Beavercreek's General Dynamics Secures $41M

• Money: 7 Brew Expands to Huber Heights

• Sports: FC Cincinnati Signs Former Flyer, Dragons Blank Captains

— Tom

Did you know?

Dayton's $11M Facility to Support Growing Transit Needs 🚍

The Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority (GDRTA) is investing $11.3 million into a new paratransit bus garage near downtown Dayton. This 67,000-square-foot facility, including a bus wash and fueling station, will support GDRTA's growing fleet and improve transportation services for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

The project reflects the authority's commitment to enhancing accessibility and meeting the needs of the Dayton community, as they continue to expand their services at this long-established location.

Hidden Gems

THE OAKWOOD CLUB: STEAKS, SEAFOOD & LEGACY 🥩

The Oakwood Club, located at 2414 Far Hills Ave in Oakwood, Dayton, has been serving prime steaks and fresh seafood since Ray and Margie Stewart opened its doors in 1962. Hand-cut, 21-day–aged Angus steaks and daily-fresh seafood—broiled to order alongside lobster tails flown in from the East and West coasts—anchor a classic menu that includes house-made soups, sauces, and decadent desserts.

After 60 years of family ownership, The One Esca Group took the helm in 2022, ensuring the restaurant’s signature warm, wood-paneled dining room and attentive service remain intact. With an extensive cocktail program, gluten-free and vegan-friendly sides, and cozy booths under vintage chandeliers, The Oakwood Club is a homegrown fine-dining staple celebrating Dayton’s enduring community spirit.

Check them out on Facebook

TASTE THE SOUL AT SIDE PIECE 🐟

Established at 32 S. Ludlow St. in Dayton’s historic Arcade, Side Piece Soul Cafe brings a creative spin to classic soul-food comfort as a casual takeout eatery inside the 6888 Kitchen Incubator. Owner Briana Parks channeled personal grief into culinary creativity and launched the cafe in 2024. Her menu delivers Southern staples like fried pork chops, sautéed chicken, and macaroni and cheese using her grandmother’s recipes.

The menu features playful twists—Juicy Breast Meals, Tempting Pork Chop platters, Flirty White Rice, and a Homewrecker Chicken Waffle Sandwich with crispy potatoes. Side Piece operates as a virtual-brand pick-up concept, with on-site ordering and DoorDash integration fueling downtown’s ever-growing craving for comfort food. Guided by a mission of hope, creativity, and community, each bite tells a story of resilience and Daytonian pride. Drop by to experience soul food that tastes like home.

Check them out on Facebook

MIAMISBURG’S SLIDER LEGEND: THE HAMBURGER WAGON 🍔 

Situated in Market Square at 12 E. Central Ave in downtown Miamisburg, The Hamburger Wagon has been serving America’s original sliders since Sherman “Cocky” Porter rolled it out for Red Cross relief efforts during the Great Flood of 1913. Porter’s family recipe yields 3-ounce patties flash-fried in a cast-iron skillet and topped only with onions, pickles, salt, and pepper—no cheese or sauces allowed.

Designed for two people to work side by side, the red-and-white wagon rolls indoors nightly and remains at its original Market Square spot. Open daily from 11 a.m. to dusk, the wagon can crank out hundreds of sliders on a busy Saturday, drawing lines that wrap around the square. Jack Sperry purchased the operation in September 2008 and has preserved its simple menu and nostalgic charm ever since. Visitors trade first-bite smiles and flood-era memories while waiting for that crispy, classic flavor.

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 2000+ Daytonians?

Local Events

MONTGOMERY COUNTY FAIR (ONGOING SINCE JULY 6)

• What: Enjoy thrilling rides, a dazzling drone show, daily monster truck and laser tag, pony rides, pro wrestling, live music, and classic fair food.

• When: July 8–12, Noon – 10 PM

• Where: Montgomery County Fairgrounds, 645 Infirmary Road, Dayton

• How Much: $10 Admission

CENTRAL STATE COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE

• What: Free open-air food distribution with groceries and fresh produce—no income proof required.

• When: July 8, 1 PM – 2 PM

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

• How Much: Free

LEVEL 1 IMPROV WORKSHOP

• What: Eight-week course teaching fundamentals of improv comedy—games, exercises, scene work.

• When: Tuesdays beginning July 8, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM

• Where: The Black Box Improv Theater, 518 E. 3rd St, Dayton

• How Much: $200

FAIRBORN FARMERS MARKET

• What: Fresh produce, artisan cheeses, homemade jams and more from local growers and makers.

• When: July 9, 10 AM – 1 PM

• Where: Main St & Grand Ave, Fairborn

• How Much: Free

DAYTON DYNAMIC LANGUAGES

• What: Casual meetup for coding discussions and demos in Ruby/Rails, Python/Django, Lisp, Smalltalk, & more.

• When: July 9, 7 PM – 8 PM

• Where: The Hub at The Arcade, 15 S. Main St, Dayton

• How Much: Free

ARTIST TALK: ERIN HOLSCHER ALMAZÁN

• What: Join the Toledo-based painter for a discussion of her geometric abstraction exhibition.

• When: July 10, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

• Where: The Contemporary Dayton, 25 W 4th St, Dayton

• How Much: Free

JOHN PAPA GROS LIVE AT LEVITT PAVILION

• What: Funky New Orleans grooves from accordionist John Papa Gros on the riverfront stage.

• When: July 10, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM

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

• How Much: Free

YAM YAM WITH EMPIRE POOL OPENING

• What: Neo-funk beats by Yam Yam, kicking off the Empire Pool/R&B opener.

• When: July 11, 7 PM – 9 PM

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

• How Much: Free

EDDIE GRIFFIN LIVE AT HARD ROCK

• What: Stand-up comedian Eddie Griffin brings his fearless, high-energy comedy—21+ show packed with social insight and nonstop laughs.

• When: July 11, 8 PM

• Where: Hard Rock Cincinnati Ballroom, 1000 Broadway Street, Cincinnati

• How Much: Tickets start at $87

KICKIN’ CHICKEN WING FEST 2025

• What: Enjoy spicy wing flights, live music, and family-friendly games at this free festival.

• When: July 12, 4 PM – 10 PM

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

• How Much: Free

MADISON PARK LIVE SUMMER VIBES

• What: Trotwood’s Madison Park Live brings national R&B, soul, and jazz artists to a free summer concert series with food trucks and community flair.

• When: July 12, 6 PM – 10 PM

• Where: Madison Park, 301 S. Broadway St, Trotwood

• How Much: Free

DAYTON MAC N’ CHEESE FEST

• What: Sample creative mac ’n’ cheese dishes from over 20 food trucks in downtown Dayton.

• When: July 13, 11 AM – 6 PM

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

• How Much: Free

BEAVERCREEK SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

• What: Sunday evening serenades from local cover bands and jazz ensembles.

•  When: July 13, 7 PM – 8 PM

• Where: Dominick Lofino Park, 640 Grange Hall Rd, Beavercreek

• How Much: Free

ROOTS & WINGS YOUTH CAMP

• What: Hands-on farm adventures, culinary fun, crafts, fitness, and social awareness make this weeklong day camp perfect for incoming 2nd–6th graders.

• When: July 14 – July 18, 9 AM – 4 PM daily

• Where: Wellness Center at Antioch College, 240 E South College St, Yellow Springs

• How Much: $300 per camper ($25 off for staff and siblings)

DAYTON1 SALSA & BACHATA MONDAYS

• What: Expert-led salsa and bachata lessons followed by social dancing at Genuine Work.

• When: July 14, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

• Where: Genuine Work, 15 McDonough St., Dayton

• How Much: $45–$60

HELP SHAPE AN AGE-FRIENDLY DAYTON: TOWN HALL

• What: Join the City’s Age-Friendly Dayton initiative for a Town Hall featuring guided discussion groups and feedback stations to help craft a five-year plan for all ages.

• When: July 15, 5 PM – 7 PM

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

• How Much: Free

KARAOKE NIGHT AT THE BARREL HOUSE

• What: Unleash your inner superstar at The Barrel House’s Karaoke Night every Tuesday. Enjoy flights while you belt out your favorite tunes in a laid-back craft beer & wine bar.

• When: July 15, 7 PM – 12 AM

• Where: The Barrel House, 417 E. Third St, Dayton

• How Much: Free admission

Computer Love

Beavercreek's General Dynamics Secures $41M Air Force Contract 🤖

General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT) in Beavercreek has landed a $41 million contract to upgrade the U.S. Air Force's battlefield operations. The project will incorporate advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, distributed ledger technology, and robotic process automation to improve data analysis, security, and operational efficiency.

This modernization aims to enhance the Air Force's decision making and streamline military processes. Beyond its technological impact, the contract is expected to create jobs and boost the local economy, positioning Beavercreek as a growing hub for defense innovation.

Money

7 Brew Expands to Huber Heights, Boosting the Local Economy ☕️

7 Brew Drive-Thru Coffee is opening a new location in Huber Heights, bringing its fast service and vibrant atmosphere to the area. This marks the coffee chain’s fourth Dayton-area spot and is expected to create dozens of new jobs.

The new drive-thru is part of the city’s efforts to boost its appeal, with investments in amenities like restaurants and entertainment. As coffee culture continues to grow in the Miami Valley, 7 Brew’s arrival will offer residents a unique, convenient place to grab their favorite brews.

Real Estate 🏠

Home Services 👨‍🔧

Sports

FC CINCINNATI SIGNS FORMER FLYER ⚽️

FC Cincinnati signed forward Kenji Mboma Dem to a first-team contract through the 2025 MLS season, with club options for 2026 and 2027, on July 5. The 6-foot-1 French forward from Mantes-la-Jolie will occupy a supplemental and international roster slot.

Mboma Dem starred at the University of Dayton in 2023, leading the Flyers with nine goals, three assists, 76 shots, and 21 points in 15 matches—each marking team highs and ranking him among the Atlantic 10’s top five in shots and points. His clutch playoff performances earned First Team All-A-10 honors and the A-10 Tournament Most Outstanding Performer award, helping Dayton secure its fifth conference title and an automatic NCAA berth.

After tallying seven goals and five assists for FC Cincinnati 2 in MLS NEXT Pro during 2024, Mboma Dem opened the 2025 campaign with three goals and two assists in six games. Fans who cheered his exploits at Kiefaber Field, will now follow his journey at TQL Stadium.

DRAGONS BLANK CAPTAINS IN THREE-HIT SHUTOUT

Dragons pitchers José Montero, Cody Adcock, and Jonah Hurney combined on July 6 to shut out the Lake County Captains 4–0, marking Dayton’s fifth team shutout of the season and first since May 22. The offense struck first when Leo Balcázar’s bunt single set up Carter Graham’s RBI double.

In the third, Carlos Jorge’s bunt single and Balcázar’s run-scoring double extended the lead. An eighth-inning rally added insurance runs via Johnny Ascanio’s infield hit and Jack Moss’s sacrifice fly. Montero (4–3) worked five scoreless frames, while Adcock and Hurney closed four innings, with Hurney earning his second save. Dayton heads to Beloit tonight for a six-game series opener at 7:05 PM.