Colorful and flavor-forward is how local chef Whitney Kling described her new food concept, Fête, which means “party” in French.

As 2025 is coming to an end, the Dayton Daily News took a look back at all of the new restaurants, food trucks, coffee shops, bakeries and other establishments that opened this year.

Reservations are available for a new steakhouse opening this week in the former location of 1Eleven Flavor House in downtown Dayton.

Dayton is ready to ring in 2026 on a high note. Across the city and beyond, there are many events taking place commemorating New Year’s Eve, from family-friendly celebrations to adults-only parties.

Ring in the new year by experiencing downtown Dayton’s art galleries and theaters, shopping from independent retailers and eating at local restaurants.

New Carlisle bakery Cake Creations has closed indefinitely due in part to the owner’s recent death.

CJ grad buys Moraine HVAC company

Dart’N Somewhere Bar & Grill is open in the former space of Mamacitas Cantina in Dayton’s Belmont neighborhood.

Centerville is asking the Ohio Supreme Court to review the Sheetz development case, seeking to overturn a recent Second District Court of Appeals ruling allowing the gas station and convenience store.

Bill's Donuts in Centerville will close at noon on Dec. 24 and will reopen Jan. 2, 2026.

The Dessert Room is open at the Dayton Arcade — giving guests an entirely different experience than what they’re used to when it comes to dessert.

Jeffrey Neace and his family are the new owners of Whit’s Frozen Custard at 2367 Dayton Germantown Pike in Germantown.

Dave’s Hot Chicken has opened its first location in the Dayton region across the street from The Mall at Fairfield Commons.

LongHorn Steakhouse employee Eric Morgan has earned the title of “Grill Master Legend” after grilling more than 1 million steaks throughout his 25-year career.

When Chris Small was growing up in Jefferson Twp., he recalled going to the Peerless Mill Inn in Miamisburg for Sunday brunch and eating biscuits and gravy or prime rib.

After a slight delay, Poppets Coffee & Tea is now opening Jan. 2, 2026.

Barry Bagels opened its first location in the Dayton region in 2017 at 4313 Far Hills Ave. in Kettering. Initial expansion plans were delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

This awards ceremony recognizes the best and brightest in Ohio’s restaurant, foodservice and hospitality industry.

The Board of Zoning Appeals of Sugarcreek Township is holding a public hearing 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18 to consider an application for permission to exceed the maximum permitted number of parking spac...

Huber Heights Wawa to open as city leaders issue pause on further gas station development.

The press box at Welcome Stadium will be named after former board member Karen Wick-Gagnet, who died Dec. 6.

Urban Cheesesteak Co. is opening Jan. 2 at W. Social Tap & Table, a food hall in Dayton’s Wright Dunbar District.

Mun-o-Salwa, a halal restaurant, is located at 2632 Colonel Glenn Highway in the former space of Chai Corner.

A new Dutch Bros Coffee shop could be coming to the corner of Ohio 741 and West Alex Bell Road in Miami Twp.

The Beavercreek Planning Commission has approved a request for a new McDonald’s restaurant across from The Greene Town Center.

A hot, brewed cup of coffee is a perfect match to sit down and enjoy while catching up on the latest local news.

In honor of Dayton Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” continuing at the Schuster Center through Dec. 22, Bistecca in downtown Dayton has launched several festival cocktails.

Godfather’s Pizza has closed its doors on Wilmington Pike with plans to move less than one mile down the road.

Smashburger has “permanently closed” its doors on Brown Street near the University of Dayton, according to a sign posted at the business.

A new restaurant set to redefine fast food is opening at the Liberty Center.

A Springfield taco restaurant abruptly closed this week.

Dayton's dining community mourns the death of Karen Wick, owner of Coco's Bistro.

The owners of Miamisburg pub Entropy Brewing Co. have announced its closing before the end of the month.

Patrick Parin is opening 5 Frenchies Old North Dayton Bakery in the former space of Baker Benji’s on Troy Street.

After 21 years of being a one woman show, Young Shoop said it’s time for her to retire. Her last day will be Dec. 30.

Warped Wing Brewing Co. is releasing its 2025 Whiskey Rebellion Imperial Stout (aged in bourbon barrels), along with a new lineup of flavored variants, on Saturday, Dec. 6.

The Neighborhood Nest, a dedicated gluten-free bakery in Fairborn, is closing its doors at the end of the month.

After opening Lucho in the former space of Gather at the Dayton Arcade, Charlie Carroll of The Hospitalité Group has transformed the gallery space into a nostalgic after-dinner destination.

Jubie’s Creamery is re-releasing its Hot Honeycomb ice cream on Friday, Dec. 5 after it was named Flavor of the Year at the North American Ice Cream Association’s Conecon.

“Our 100-Year Anniversary Box pays tribute to those who came before us and those who will carry Esther Price into the next century," said Doug Dressman, CEO of Esther Price.

Local bakers submitted nearly 40 batches of cookies in the 2025 Dayton Daily News Holiday Cookie Contest. Here’s a list of the top 12 cookie recipes.

The winner of the 2025 Dayton Daily News Holiday Cookie Contest was Dana Tatar of Oakwood with her White Chocolate Cranberry Jelly Filled Cookies. She created this recipe with her 17-year-old daughter...

Troni’s Italian Restaurant in Kettering is reopening Friday, Nov. 28 after being closed for three months.

Joshua Stucky and his best friend of 42 years, Tim Farquhar, have been getting coffee at Ghostlight on Wayne Avenue every morning for the last six years.

A new Chick-fil-A along Ohio 741 in Miami Twp. is still a go and land is being cleared for the site, but there’s no word yet on when construction could start and when the new restaurant will open.

When my big kids were little, we lived next to a large Italian family with five children. Actually, we still live in the same house. They regrettably moved a couple miles away and left behind a trail ...

With one flip of a switch every night at 6 p.m., the Historic Clifton Mill will be transformed into a winter wonderland.

Amar India is hosting a free lunch buffet at its three Dayton-area restaurants on Thanksgiving Day.

After a month of soft openings, Mar’Tae Kitchen & Cocktails in Trotwood is now open to the public for reservations only.