Each year, the Best of Dayton celebrates all that the Miami Valley has to offer. From doughnuts to bike shops, we love celebrating the businesses of this community. This year, the Best of Dayton was both an online and in-person competition, with thousands of people voting online and hundreds voting at our in-person event, held Nov. 4 at the Top of the Market Banquet Center. Dayton Magazine readers voted for their favorites in 140 categories, and we are excited to bring you this year’s winners. The competition was sponsored by Kitchens By Design and Renewal by Andersen. The community partner was the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce. The media partner was WDTN. We asked all of our winners why they thought they won their category, and we included a selection of their responses in the following pages.
Food
Bakery
Ashley’s Pastry Shop
21 Park Ave, Dayton. ashleyspastries.com
“We’re a family-owned business that’s been around for 40 years. We believe in being there for our customers and employees like family is there for each other. That loyalty and dedication is found in our employees, who are committed to providing excellent customer service.” – Theresa Hammons, Owner
BBQ
City Barbeque
Multiple locations including Dayton, Beavercreek and Centerville. citybbq.com
Breakfast/Brunch
George’s Family Restaurant
5216 N Dixie Dr, Dayton. georgesdayton.com
“We think what makes George’s the best is the incredible staff we have! Most of us have been working at George’s for 10-plus years, so we’ve got serving our customers down to a science!”
Burger
The Rootbeer Stande
1727 Woodman Dr, Dayton. rootbeerstande.com
“We cook to order, use fresh high-quality ingredients, and really focus on the quality of our food. Excellent customer service is also a key factor in what keeps us in the best of competitions.” – Emily Collins
Butcher
Zinks Meats & Fine Wines
409 Miamisburg-Centerville Rd, Dayton. zinksmeats.com
Catering
Kohler Catering
kohlercatering.com
Chef
Mandy Smith, Ghostlight Coffee
Multiple locations including Historic South Park and Midtown. ghostlightcoffee.com
Chinese Cuisine
China Cottage
Multiple locations including Centerville, Kettering and Trotwood. chinacottagerestaurant.com
Cupcakes
Jenny G’s Cupcakes & Treats
jennygs.com
Dessert
Simply Decadent
108 W Franklin St, Bellbrook. simplydecadentllc.com
“Simply Decadent is dedicated to creating delicious, beautiful and custom desserts tailored to our clients and their events! We engage our clients to identify the type of dessert that fits their celebration as well as flavors, colors, decorations and designs and always strive to exceed their expectations.”
Donuts
Bill’s Donut Shop
268 N Main St, Centerville. billsdonutshop.com
Family Dining
George’s Family Restaurant
5216 N Dixie Dr, Dayton. georgesdayton.com
Fast Casual
The Rootbeer Stande
1727 Woodman Dr, Dayton. rootbeerstande.com
Fine Dining
Oakwood Club
2414 Far Hills Ave, Dayton. theoakwoodclub.com
Food Truck
Pizza Bandit
iampizzabandit.com
Fresh Catch
Sweeney’s Seafood Bar & Grill
28 W Franklin St, Centerville. sweeneysseafood.com
Fried Chicken
Chicken Head’s
3261 W Siebenthaler Ave, Dayton. chickenheadsdayton.com
“Our chicken is a reflection of the love we have for Dayton! Everything we do is in fulfilment of our brand promise of ‘Simple Menu. Fast Service. Delicious Food!’ The countdown to our new location just north of Downtown Dayton has begun! We can’t wait to feed you again, soon!” -Chef Anthony T. Head, Sr.
Ice Cream
Young’s Jersey Dairy
6880 Springfield-Xenia Rd, Yellow Springs. youngsdairy.com
“While it’s true that Young’s homemade ice cream is legen-dairy because we use the highest quality ingredients, what makes our ice cream especially moo-thwatering is decades of experience and dedication to create perfect flavor combinations.”
Italian Cuisine
Mamma DiSalvo’s Italian Ristorante
1375 E Stroop Rd, Kettering. mammadisalvo.com
Mexican Cuisine
El Rancho Grande Mexican Grill & Cantina
Multiple locations including Huber Heights, Fairborn and West Carrollton. elranchogrande.info
Patio Dining
Lily’s Dayton
329 E Fifth St, Dayton. lilysdayton.com
“Both my mother and I are avid gardeners, so when we opened Lily’s in 2013, we transformed the existing back courtyard into a beautiful garden setting. Over the years, we’ve worked hard to expand patio spaces with our lively sidewalk cafe as well as patio seating out on Fifth Street, which is one of the best views in Dayton in our opinion.”
-Emily Mendenhall, Owner
Pizza
Marion’s Piazza
Multiple locations including Centerville, Beavercreek and Troy. marionspiazza.com
Restaurant
The Pine Club
1926 Brown St, Dayton. thepineclub.com
Sandwich Shop
Flyboy’s Deli
Multiple locations including Oakwood and Dayton. flyboysdeli.com
Soup/Salad
Dorothy Lane Market
Multiple locations including Oakwood, Washington Square and Springboro. dorothylane.com
Steak
Carvers Steaks & Chops
1535 Miamisburg Centerville Rd, Dayton, carversdayton.com
Subs
Submarine House
Multiple locations including Beavercreek, Hilliard and Troy. submarinehouse.com
Sushi
Kabuki Restaurant & Sushi Bar
848 S Main St, Centerville. eatatkabuki.com
View from a Restaurant
Basil’s On Market
Multiple locations including Troy, Dayton and Beavercreek. basilsonmarket.com
Wings
Lock 27 Brewing
Multiple locations including Centerville and Dayton. lock27brewing.com
Auto
Auto New
Jeff Schmitt Auto Group
Multiple locations including Fairborn, Beavercreek and Miamisburg. jeffdeals.com
“It all comes down to one thing—our people. We are truly blessed to have an Employee Family that is passionately dedicated to servicing our community.” – Jay Schmitt
Auto Parts
Advance Auto Parts
Multiple locations including Dayton, Kettering and Huber Heights. shop.advanceautoparts.com
Auto Repair
Voss Auto Network
Multiple locations including Dayton, Centerville and Beavercreek. vossauto.com
Auto Used
Evans Motorworks
infinitiofdayton.com, evansarena.com, bmwofdayton.com, evansvolkswagen.com, evanscars.com
“The Evans Dealer Group has been part of the Dayton community for over 14 years. With three stores across the Miami Valley, Evans Dealer Group specializes in crafting customer experiences. From new, certified or pre-owned vehicle purchases, to our service and parts departments, we offer a uniquely personal experience.”
Car Wash
Flying Ace Express Car Wash
Multiple locations including Washington Township. Beavercreek and Dayton. flyingacecarwash.com
“We are the best in the business because we strive each and every day to not only provide the best wash experience possible, but truly make a difference in the Greater Dayton community. From complimentary drying towels, to lollipops for the kids and dog treats for our canine visitors, we truly sweat the details.” – Beth Martin, VP of Marketing
Tire Center
USA Tire & Auto Service Center
1501 E Dorothy Ln, Kettering. usatirekettering.com
Beauty
Hair Salon
Bombshell Beauty Bar
518 Miamisburg Centerville Rd, Dayton. bombshellcenterville.com
“When I created Bombshell Beauty Bar, I knew that I wanted it to be a sanctuary for those needing peace, a comedy club for those wanting a good laugh, therapy for those needing to chat and a downright good time for anyone who walks through those doors. I absolutely love that we are different than most salons!” – Ebony Stargell Newcomb
Manicure/Pedicure
Square One Salon and Spa
Multiple locations including Dayton, Centerville and Washington Township. squareonesalon.com
MasterStylist
Sarah Collins, The Red Salon
5847 Far Hills Ave, Dayton. theredsalondayton.com
Place for a Spa Day
The Woodhouse Day Spa Dayton
4412 Buckeye Ln, Beavercreek. woodhousespas.com
“At Woodhouse Dayton, we strive to provide an experience that leads to a lasting mood state, far beyond the treatment itself. We call this approach ‘Mood Care’ and recently launched a new collection of luxury spa treatments that are curated and customized in-house to deliver the exact mood you desire.”
– Nichole Ehrlich, Woodhouse Dayton COO
Drink
Bar
Century Bar
18 S Jefferson St, Dayton. centurybardayton.com
“You’d have to ask the people who voted for us. But we approach our cocktail program with everyone in mind. Elevating the sprit is our goal.” – Co-owner Joe Head
Bourbon Selection
Dayton Barrel Works Artisan Distillery
41 Madison St, Dayton. daytonbarrelworks.com
Brewery
Warped Wing Brewery
Multiple locations including Dayton and Springboro. warpedwing.com
Happy Hour
The Trolley Stop
530 E Fifth St, Dayton. trolleystopdayton.com
Independent Coffeehouse
Ghostlight Coffee
Multiple locations including Historic South Park and Midtown. ghostlightcoffee.com
Sports Bar
Bunkers Sports Bar & Grill
893 E National Rd, Vandalia. bunkersbarandgrill.com
Tea Room
Communitea Cafe
100 Watervliet Ave, Dayton. teamakesmehappy.com
“From the vintage decor, mismatched china, dozens of hats to choose from to wear, to the friendly staff, Communitea offers an atmosphere that no other place around does. It is not just a lunch, it is an experience that everyone will be talking about long after.”
Wine Store/Tasting
Old Mason Winery & Vineyard
4199 S Iddings Rd, West Milton. oldmason.com
“We feel we put all of our efforts into customer service. We love everyone who comes to the winery. We are truly committed to people and community. We also pride ourselves on producing our handcrafted wines from start to finish.”
Entertainment
Bowling Alley
Poelking Lanes South
8871 Kingsridge Dr, Centerville. poelkingbowling.com
Festival
Furry Skurry 5K & Furry Fest
hsdayton.org/event/furry-skurry-2021/
Golf Course
The Golf Club at Yankee Trace
10000 Yankee St, Centerville. yankeetrace.org
“Our entire staff shares a commitment to delivering quality customer service and we are always looking for ways to improve the facility with modern and state-of-the-art amenities. And our customers are the best!”
Live Music
The Brightside Music & Event Venue
905 E Third St, Dayton. thebrightsidedayton.com
Museum
Dayton Art Institute
456 Belmonte Park North, Dayton. daytonartinstitute.org
Family
Birthday Party Location
Ohio Sports Academy
270 Hiawatha Trail, Springboro. ohiosportsacademy.com
“With trampolines, swinging ropes, foam pit fun, games and big squishy mats, OSA is the perfect place for a great party! And the best part is that we do all of the clean up.”
Dance/Theatre Instruction
Dayton Dance Conservatory
7762 Waynetowne Blvd, Huber Heights. daytondanceconservatory.com
Daycare Center
Beavercreek Christian Learning Center
1850 N Fairfield Rd, Beavercreek. bclearningcenter.com
“We are more than just your typical daycare. We not only focus on providing a loving and nurturing environment but offer children the best foundation of education so they can achieve every development milestone necessary.” – Amy Frasure, Director
Education
Dayton Christian School
9391 Washington Church Rd, Miamisburg. daytonchristian.com
Family Fun Entertainment
AR Workshop Centerville
101 E Alex-Bell Rd, Ste 162, Centerville. arworkshop.com/centerville/
Gymnastics Center
Busy Kids Gymnastics
3061 Wilmington Pike, Kettering. busykidsgymnastics.com
Music Instruction
McCutcheon Music
38 Marco Ln, Dayton. mccutcheonmusic.com
Photographer
Carrs & Co Photography House
434 E Third St, Dayton. thecarrsco.com
“Carrs & Co strives to truly care for every client, create outstanding art and never stop pushing to get better. This is what drives us to try to be the best.”
Place for a Family Day
Carillon Historical Park
1000 Carillon Blvd, Dayton. daytonhistory.org
Preschool
The Goddard School of Centerville
10685 Dayton Lebanon Pike, Centerville. goddardschool.com
School Spirit (K-12)
Dayton Christian School
9391 Washington Church Rd, Miamisburg. daytonchristian.com
Summer Camp
Ohio Sports Academy
270 Hiawatha Trail, Springboro. ohiosportsacademy.com
“Our parents say it best: ‘This was my kids’ favorite camp they went to this summer!’ and ‘The kids had the best time! We’ll be back for more at OSA!’”
Swim Lessons
Gem City Swim
gemcityswim.com
“Parents have a working relationship with their certified instructor to help build education on layers of protection, as well as honoring swim skills outside of lessons. Beyond survival-based skills children are progressed in appropriate swim postures, and advanced skills as they are appropriate to that individual child’s readiness and needs.” – Sheila McCarrier, Certified Instructor and Owner
Toy Store
Yellow Springs Toy Company
252 Xenia Ave, Yellow Springs. ystoyco.com
“We believe in the power of play. We are serious about play and have the important tools to help you feel better and reconnect with your friends and family.”
Health
Charitable Race
Furry Skurry 5K & Furry Fest
hsdayton.org/event/furry-skurry-2021/
Chiro
The Chiropractic Health & Wellness Center of Dayton
2301 Far Hills Ave, Oakwood. drprikkel.com
Dentist
Jody W. Ames, DDS, General Dentistry
157 S Progress, Xenia. jodyamesdds.com
Eye Doctor
Eric Combs, OD
1015 Summit Dr, Middletown. combsvision.com
“The optometry practice of Eric Combs, OD LLC is committed to providing comprehensive, premium, quality eye care in a welcoming, comfortable, family-oriented environment.”
Fitness Center
Kettering Recreation Complex
2900 Glengarry Dr, Kettering. playkettering.org/kettering-recreation-complex/
Fitness Class Instructor
Aaron Ortman, Anytime Fitness
728 N Main St, Springboro. anytimefitness.com/gyms/1228/springboro-oh-45066/
Health Food Store
Health Foods Unlimited
2250 Miamisburg Centerville Rd, Dayton. healthfoodsunlimited.com
Massage Therapist
Heidi Clarke, Meraki Massage & Wellness
8801 N Main St Ste 203, Dayton. facebook.com/merakimassageandwellness
Medical Facility
Kettering Health Main Campus
3535 Southern Blvd, Dayton. ketteringhealth.org
Medical Spa
AcuLife Acupuncture + Integrated Care
6700 Loop Rd, Bld 4, Courtyard, Centerville. aculife-clinic.com
Orthodontist
Burke Orthodontics
Multiple locations including Huber Heights and Centerville. burke-ortho.com
Pediatric Dentist
Centerville Pediatric Dentistry
273 Regency Ridge Dr, Centerville. centervillepediatricdentistry.com
Pediatrician
Pediatric Associates of Dayton
Multiple locations including Englewood, Kettering and Beavercreek. pediatricassociatesofdayton.com
Personal Trainer
Kevin Manning, Kevin Manning Elite Fitness
kevinmanningfitness.com
Pharmacy
Hock’s Pharmacy Vandalia
535 S Dixie Dr, Vandalia. hocksrx.com
Physician
Nick Davis, MD, and Associates
2835 Miami Village Dr, Miamisburg. nickdavismd.com
Yoga Studio
Speakeasy Yoga
510 E Third St, Dayton. speakeasydayton.com
Home
Carpet Cleaner
Clean Right
cleanrightdayton.com
Door/Window
Window World of Dayton
3050 Springboro West Rd, Dayton. windowworlddayton.com
Electric
Chase Electric
chase-elect.com
Exterminator
Brown Pest Control
4012 N Main St, Dayton. brownpestcontrol.com
Home Builder
Daniel DeVol Custom Builder
devolbuilders.com
Home Remodeler
Zengel Group
zengelgroup.com
“Our long-term involvement with the Home Builder’s Association, ongoing craftsman training and our unique expertise with building codes ensure that your project is always up to date with industry standards and best practices. We prioritize quality craftsmanship and materials, open lines of communication, transparent costs and respect for your home.”
Interior Designer
Luken Interiors
2272 W Schantz Ave, Dayton. lukeninteriors.com
Mortgage
Drew Huggins, Thrive Mortgage
thrivemortgage.com/loan-officer/drew-huggins
Plumber
Korrect Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning
korrectplumbing.com
Pool Service
Knickerbocker Pools & Spas
2000 US Route 68 N, Xenia. knickerbockerpools.com
“Our team has always strived to maintain an elite level of quality and service to our wide base of loyal customers year after year!”
– Austin Knickerbocker
Real Estate Agency
Mark Ryan Group, RE/MAX Victory
26 E Franklin St, Centerville. remax.com/real-estate-teams/the-mark-ryan-group-centerville-oh/101896298
Real Estate Agent
Mark Ryan, RE/MAX Victory
26 E Franklin St, Centerville. remax.com/real-estate-agents/mark-ryan-centerville-oh/100078406
Roofing
Castle Roofing
5005 Nebraska Ave, Dayton. castleroofingdayton.com
Pets
Groomer
Wright Pets Grooming and Pet-Sitting
10 S Second St, Fairborn. facebook.com/wrightpets/
Pet Store
Meowza Cat Boutique
2700 Miamisburg Centerville Rd, Dayton. hsdayton.org
Vet
Miami Valley Animal Hospital
1550 E David Rd, Kettering. miamivalleyanimalhospital.com
Places
Event Space
Top of the Market Banquet Center
32 Webster St, Dayton. topofmarket.com
Fitness Trail
Cox Arboretum MetroPark
6733 Springboro Pike, Dayton. metroparks.org/places-to-go/cox-arboretum/
Hotel/Motel
Marriott at the University of Dayton
1414 S Patterson Blvd, Dayton. marriott.com
Park
Stubbs Park
255 W Spring Valley Rd, Centerville. centervilleohio.gov
“The park is a favorite for families because of its state-of-the-art playground equipment, walking trails, disc golf course and inline skating rink. Highlights include the Veterans Memorial and the community amphitheater, which boasts free concerts every Sunday in the summer.” – Kate Bostdorff, Communications Director, Centerville
Place for a Picnic
Carillon Historical Park
1000 Carillon Blvd, Dayton. daytonhistory.org
Place for an Instagram Photo
Dayton Art Institute
456 Belmonte Park North, Dayton. daytonartinstitute.org
Place to have a Wedding
Benham’s Grove
100 W Spring Valley Rd, Centerville. benhamsgrove.com
Services
Accounting/CPA
Flagel Huber Flagel
Multiple locations including Dayton and Troy. fhf-cpa.com
“We are committed to a collaborative search for ideas and solutions that help business organizations thrive and families build and preserve wealth. Our commitment is simple: financial and operational insight, service integrity, and problem-solving innovation.”
Assisted Living
Bethany Village
6443 Bethany Village Dr, Dayton. bethanylutheranvillage.org
“We are so blessed to have our mom at Bethany Village. She loves the staff, the food and activities; couldn’t ask for a better place for her to live. Thank you Bethany Village staff and the entire team.” – Janice M.
Bank Credit
Wright-Patt Credit Union
Multiple locations including Centerville, Kettering and Beavercreek. wpcu.coop
Barber Shop
Vandalia Barber Shop
124 E National Rd, Vandalia. vandaliabarbershop.net
Computer Repair
Spiffy IT Consulting and Solutions
Multiple locations including Fairborn and Bellbrook. spiffyitconsulting.com
“We not only get the job done, but we find ways to go above and beyond our calling to make sure that the customer feels fully valued and happy with the results.”
– Christopher Spivey
Dry Cleaner
Long Cleaners
Multiple locations including Miamisburg, Beavercreek and Fairborn. longcleaners.com
Financial Planner
Paige Henry, Riegel Financial
313 E Stroop Rd, Dayton. riegelfinancial.com
Florist
The Flowerman
72A Westpark Rd, Centerville. flowermanflowers.com
Funeral Home
Routsong Funeral Home & Cremation Services
2100 E Stroop Rd, Kettering. routsong.com
Insurance Agent
Linda Nervis, State Farm Insurance Agent
statefarm.com/agent/us/oh/dayton/linda-nervis-wrpf11ys000
Landscaper
Grandma’s Gardens
8107 N state Route 48, Waynesville. grandmasgardens.net
Law
Beck Law Office, LLC
1370 N Fairfield Rd, Ste C, Beavercreek. becklawofficellc.com
“Beck Law is a family-oriented and community-engaged law firm that prides itself on providing our clients with the communication and experience they deserve. Our mission has been and will always be to give back to our community through volunteering and sponsorship opportunities.” – Chris Beck
Locksmith
Centerville Lock & Safe
84 W Franklin St, Centerville. centerville-lock.com
Lumber
Requarth Co.
requarth.com
Tree Care
Britt Tree Company, LLC
britttreeco.com
Shopping
Antiques
Antiques Village
651 Lyons Rd, Dayton. antiquesvillage.net
Bike Shop
Mike’s Bike Park
1300 E First St, Dayton. mikesbikepark.com
“Mike’s Bike Park is the Best Bike Shop in Dayton because of two simple things: our dedicated staff and our incredible customers!”
Bookstore
Books & Co
4453 Walnut St, Dayton. booksandco.com
Bridal Shop
Lillian’s Bridal Shop
5763 Far Hills Ave, Dayton. ilovelillians.com
Clothing Store
Loralei’s Boutique
43 W Franklin St, Centerville. loraleidayton.com
“Designer consignment is a popular concept because at our shop you literally find one-of-a-kind items that are significantly less expensive than a traditional boutique.” – Suzanne Wehrly, Owner
Consignment Shop
Home 2 Home
261 E Alex Bell Rd, Dayton. hometohome.com
“Home2Home has had the same owner/founder for 17 years and has established a solid reputation. The consignment terms are the same as when we opened in 2007. We make it easy to consign by accepting furniture and décor seven days a week without appointments and we offer a furniture pick up service.” – Kim Passineau, Owner
Farm Equipment
Jeff Schmitt Lawn & Motorsports
22952 Yellow Brick Rd, Beavercreek. jeffschmittlawnandmotorsports.com
Farmer’s Market
2nd Street Market
600 E Second St, Dayton. metroparks.org/places-to-go/2nd-street-market/
Furniture Store
Cedar Hill Furniture
Multiple locations including Huber Heights, Kettering and Springfield. cedarhill-furniture.com
Garden Center
Meadow View Growers
755 N Dayton-Lakeview Rd, New Carlisle. meadowview.com
Grocery Store
Fresh Thyme Market
2850 E Centre Dr, Beavercreek. freshthyme.com
Hardware
Handyman Ace Hardware
Multiple locations including Dayton, Xenia and Fairborn. handymanacehardware.com
Jeweler
Jaffe Jewelers
2419 Far Hills Ave, Dayton. jaffejewelry.com
Place for Appliances
Logan Master Appliance
2205 S Smithville Rd, Kettering. loganmasterappliance.com
Place for Home Accessories
This Old Couch
3930 Dayton Xenia Rd, Beavercreek. thisoldcouch.net
Shopping Center
The Greene Town Center
4452 Buckeye Ln, Beavercreek. thegreene.com
Special Gift Shop
Heart Mercantile
438 E Fifth St, Dayton. heartmercantile.com
Thrift Shop
Valley Thrift Store
1717 Woodman Dr, Kettering. valleythriftstores.com
