Downtown Dayton, Ohio, once a fading urban center, has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. Through a combination of strategic planning, community involvement, and targeted investment, the city has revitalized its downtown, breathing new life into its streets.
One of the cornerstones of downtown Dayton’s redevelopment has been the investment and commitment to preserving the city’s historic character. The comprehensive redevelopment of downtown Dayton has transformed the city into a dynamic and welcoming urban hub. By investing in the built environment, prioritizing walkability, nurturing cultural institutions, and stimulating economic growth, downtown Dayton has effectively repositioned itself as a model for urban renewal.
The culinary landscape in downtown Dayton is getting a delectable upgrade with The Foundry’s noteworthy approach. Situated atop the AC Hotel Dayton, this sophisticated rooftop restaurant and bar is redefining the realm of comfort food. Drawing widespread attention, The Foundry has become the city’s latest hotspot, celebrated for its exceptional cuisine, generous portions, and unwavering commitment to outstanding service.
Adding to the allure, The Foundry’s rooftop setting offers a breathtaking view that overlooks Day Air Ballpark, serving as a perfect backdrop for the culinary journey that awaits the diner. With meticulous attention to detail, the culinary team has crafted a repertoire of flavors that elevate comfort food and captivates the senses, leaving a long-lasting impression on every guest.
Area Executive Chef David Belknap has ingeniously crafted a refined twist on comfort food, catering precisely to the taste of Dayton locals. “Our goal was to create a menu perfectly that complements the lifestyle of Dayton’s residents,” he said. “The result is an exquisite culinary experience that embraces the essence of the city’s palate. Our mission was to create a menu that combines excellent food quality and an exceptional dining ambiance.”
The Foundry proudly distinguishes itself with its dedication to culinary artistry, with 98% of its menu crafted from scratch. Going above and beyond the conventional norm, the restaurant emphasizes the art of sourcing high-quality ingredients as opposed to resorting to ready-made products “One of the challenges is finding distributor partners in a smaller city like Dayton to enable us to consistently source the items for our menu.” With this non-compromising approach, the Foundry has established a strong culinary identity, becoming the spot for authentic dining experiences.
Belknap describes the Foundry as a great venue for hosting special events and gatherings such as birthdays, first dates, and anniversaries. The restaurant offers a refined and intimate dining experience, ensuring that every guest enjoys a memorable meal. With careful attention to detail, the Foundry tailors its dining experience to cater to the desires of each guest, ensuring that their celebratory moments are elevated. Complemented by a captivating ambiance and top-notch service, The Foundry has become the premier destination for those seeking to mark their significant milestones in a setting of fine dining.
Belknap knows that building his front of the house and back of the culinary teams is essential to the on-going success of the eatery. “We have a diverse mix of individuals from various age groups and backgrounds,” the veteran hotel F&B executive continued. “Our approach to team building is anchored in continuous training, empowering our service personnel with the confidence and skills to cater to the diverse needs and preferences of the clientele.” Through dedicated attention to training, The Foundry fosters a team that not only possess exemplary skills but also a shared commitment to providing great service.
At the Foundry, diners are treated to an array of food highlights that exemplify the restaurant’s commitment to culinary excellence. Guests are treated to a delightful array of ingredients that evoke a sense of nostalgia and familiarity while also introducing fresh tastes and innovative ideas. Each dish presented on the menu is a testament to culinary craftsmanship that skillfully blends classic influences with new elements, resulting in an exciting and comforting dining experience.
Among their standout offerings, the restaurant takes pride in making its own pastrami, smoking and brazing it in-house, and fermenting sauerkraut on-site. Among their standout dishes is a 24 Hour Chicken, prepared with precision through a brining and drying process, pan-seared to perfection, and served with molasses-glazed carrots and roasted cauliflower. For dessert, patrons can indulge in a unique banana creme-brulee, featuring dehydrated bananas rehydrated with Captain Morgan rum, cinnamon, and orange, creating a delightful banana soft serve. These culinary delights showcase the restaurant’s dedication to crafting their dishes with care and creativity.
The Foundry distinguishes itself from conventional dining as it is curating a dining experience that embodies the essence of the property and town. Such a focused and tailored design ethos enriches the guest experience, contributing the establishment’s ties to the local community. The Foundry has emerged as a culinary gem, a unique and cherished addition to Dayton’s dynamic dining landscape.
