“We’re really excited — I’ve been doing this for a while, and I can tell when a place is going to be busy,” Purdum said. “We’ve had a lot of walk-ups asking when we’re going to open. It’ll be a great place to hang out and watch the game.”
This is the 15th location for the Columbus-based chain. Old Bag of Nails operates 13 pubs of the same name in Columbus and central Ohio, plus a location in Mason.
The first Dayton-area location will open next to Schlotzky’s deli on the west end of Cross Pointe shopping center, facing Ohio 48. It will occupy 6,000 square feet, will seat 140 to 160 and will open with about 75 employees.
Expansion into the Dayton area was a natural progression for the chain, according to Purdum, who spent part of his childhood in Middletown and recalls visiting the Cross Pointe center decades ago. “My mom and I used to shop at the Gold Circle there,” he said.
The chain is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Its menu features items such as house-made clam chowder, burgers and its signature dish, Fish & Chips. The new Centerville pub will have 20 craft-beer taps, Purdum said. The pubs offer a “Kids eat free” special on Sundays.
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