New neighborhood bar to open tonight in Xenia

Waydo’s Sand Bar is located at 109 Cincinnati Ave. in Xenia. NATALIE JONES/STAFF

Credit: Natalie Jones

Credit: Natalie Jones

Waydo’s Sand Bar is located at 109 Cincinnati Ave. in Xenia. NATALIE JONES/STAFF

A neighborhood bar with beachy décor is bringing a little piece of paradise to Xenia.

Waydo’s Sand Bar, located at 109 Cincinnati Ave., is holding a three night grand opening event from 6 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 24 through Saturday, Aug. 26. According to a Facebook post, they will have door prizes, drink specials, a food truck on site and pizza available inside.

The full bar will feature two pool tables, two dart machines, leagues, board games, karaoke and a limited food menu, according to owners Chrissy and Jeremiah Waydo.

Jeremiah, a Xenia native, previously said he wanted to open a bar so he would have a place to play pool. Chrissy, a Florida native, said her number one priority is making sure the bar is a safe place for women.

“Having somewhere that he can play pool and I can sit and feel comfortable (is important) because I’ve had a couple of bad experiences out and about with some of my girlfriends,” Chrissy said. “I just want girls to feel safe.”

Waydo’s Sand Bar is located at 109 Cincinnati Ave. in Xenia. Pictured are owners Chrissy and Jeremiah Waydo. NATALIE JONES/STAFF

Credit: Natalie Jones

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Credit: Natalie Jones

The couple met in Florida over 15 years ago. They have bartending experience and plan to bring some of their favorite aspects from Florida establishments to the Xenia community. Chrissy explained she misses the beach and the bar makes her feel at home.

When they acquired the building six years ago, Chrissy said it was a mess, so they gutted it and cleaned it up. The building most recently housed 5 Points Tavern, which closed in 2012. Jeremiah noted the building housed one of the first fire houses in Xenia in the 1800s.

The couple said they hope to eventually expand the bar by having a full menu of homecooked meals, 24-hour food service and Sunday youth days where kids can learn to play pool, darts or just have a safe place to hang out.

“We just want a nice, hometown place where you can hang out, have fun and feel comfortable,” Jeremiah said.

For more information, visit the bar’s Facebook page.

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