Natalie Skilliter previously served as general manager of RIS restaurant in Washington, D.C. and as floor manager and director of catering for Terrapin Restaurant & Catering in Rhinebeck, N.Y.
“Jack and I have always wanted to open our own restaurant,” Natalie Skilliter said. “Since we relocated here three years ago, we have been searching for the right restaurant, or right space, to own and operate a restaurant. We think that 613 E. Fifth St. is a wonderful location, with lots of foot traffic and car traffic.”
The leased space previously housed Pulse nightclub, Bar Tiki and Sloopy’s.
Skilliter said she and her husband have applied for a liquor license for the restaurant, and are hoping to open this summer. But she added, “We still have a great number of tasks to complete, approvals and permits to acquire, additional items to secure, and more” before the restaurant can open.
The restaurant will employ about 15 people. The menu will include “upscale comfort food in a comfortable and unpretentious atmosphere,” Skilliter said. A small-plate menu also will be offered.
Sandy Gudorf, president of the Downtown Dayton Partnership, welcomed the news.
“The Oregon District is really humming right now,” Gudorf said. “We’re delighted to have another locally owned restaurant coming in.”
Two other restaurants at or near the East Fifth Street-Wayne Avenue intersection — the Dublin Pub and Roost Modern Italian — are in the process of expanding to accommodate customer demand, and farther up Wayne Avenue, Wheat Penny restaurant opened to strong crowds eight months ago.
“We are excited to see what continues to come along this Wayne Avenue corridor,” Natalie Skilliter said.
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