Credit: Natalie Jones
Credit: Natalie Jones
Last weekend, The Silos invited friends and family into the space.
“It went wonderfully,” said Wes Hartshorn, who owns The Silos with Shannon Thomas. “We spent a year physically working here and physically building the place and going through all of the things in which that demands. The moment customers started coming in to purchase drinks that’s when it turned the page.”
The bar
The owners have set out to create an approachable and intentional bar program with imported wine from France, Italy and Germany, beer from local breweries and popular cocktails such as margaritas, whiskey sours and old-fashioneds.
The Silos has collaborated with Warped Wing to brew its own house beer. The Load Lifter, named after a crane that can be seen from the second floor, is its house pilsner. If you’re not looking for craft beer, the owners are proud to offer $2 Miller Lite.
Nonalcoholic options include kombucha, THC beverages, Warped Wing’s ginger beer and sodas.
There will be bar snacks including soft pretzels with cheese, chips and dips and bar nuts.
A space for the community
The 5,500-square-foot food hall is located within a building that once was used as a rail spur to feed the B&O Railroad, Hartshorn said. The first floor features seating for 200 people and the second floor mezzanine, which can be reached by elevator or stairs, features 80 seats.
Credit: Natalie Jones
Credit: Natalie Jones
Hartshorn was inspired to create a food hall that’s built out of shipping containers after traveling throughout the U.S. with his wife, Kathleen. The shipping container idea has been done at places like Railgarten in Tennessee or Detroit Shipping Company in Michigan, but not here in Dayton.
“When we originally started concepting this our goal was that you could come and run into your neighbor and share a pint or you could not see anyone that you recognize because you can go in any little corner or cozy spot,” Kathleen said.
Thomas described the space as “industrial meets jungle” with well over 120 plants that Hartshorn waters each week.
So many hands have contributed to the space from the used furniture found throughout Dayton to the steel from First Street Recycling. The owners hope to expand on this idea.
Credit: Natalie Jones
Credit: Natalie Jones
There’s a chandelier covered with plants that comes from Luna Gifts & Botanicals, a bird cage decorated by a community member and several pieces of art from a local artist. Not to mention, the graffiti wall that’s a highlight of the “European Alley.”
The space is filled with many hidden gems for guests to seek including a 40-year old cactus, three buddhas all facing west and a labyrinth with a message at the end.
Food vendors coming soon
The four food vendors will be housed inside shipping containers within the building. Vendors include:
- The Burger Bistro by Cece’s Kitchen, offering a new spin on classic burgers and sandwiches.
- Indigo, a concept by Ordinarie Fare, featuring seasonal farm-to-table salads, grain bowls, West-Coast inspired burritos and a line of herbal “elixirs.”
- KungFu BBQ, a family-owned and operated concept with influence from the Philippines, Japan, Mexico and Hawaii, serving worldly-inspired cuisine with a unique smoked interpretation.
- Nood Bar, a new concept by Chef Dane Shipp, serving authentic Asian-inspired hot and cold noodle dishes with an assortment of bao buns and dumplings.
Credit: Natalie Jones
Credit: Natalie Jones
“I think we really lucked out with all of our vendors,” Thomas said. “They all bring something unique to the table and all their food is top notch.”
The owners commented on each food vendors’ energy and excitement for the space.
“Each kitchen brings this level of value that is unmatched,” Kathleen said.
What’s next?
Phase 1 of the $2.5 million project to redevelop 1.5 acres at the corner of East First and Meige Streets was to complete the food hall and beer garden with 13,000-square-feet of outdoor space.
“This weekend was great, but we’re already looking forward,” Thomas said.
Credit: Natalie Jones
Credit: Natalie Jones
After the four food vendors open, the owners plan to move forward with their five-year vision. This includes opening a coffee shop at the corner building in front of the food hall, an event center inside another building on the property and to turn the four silos into Airbnbs. They also hope to develop a wild flower garden near the Airbnbs with paths for people to walk through.
The first phase will be completed almost within a year of breaking ground. The owners were inspired to open The Silos as a complimentary space to what other developers are doing in downtown Dayton.
“It was really a perfect place to be able to do something complimentary to what the big developers are doing and be able to start something new and change its trajectory with my friends,” Hartshorn previously said.
MORE DETAILS
The Silos, located at 810 E. First St., is a family friendly space. Free street parking is available on Meige, Taylor, East First, Pond and East Second Streets.
The owners are looking forward to welcoming the community into the space for events and celebrations. For more information and updates on The Silos, visit the food hall’s Facebook and Instagram pages (@silosdayton).
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