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Home > Blogs > Taste: Dayton food and restaurants > Archives > 2010 > January > 09 > Entry
Former Pacchia coffee shop reopens Monday; new restaurant coming soon
»Photos: Coffee shop reopens
The coffee shop in the former Pacchia at 410 E. Fifth St. will reopen Monday, Jan. 11, and a new restaurant will follow in the coming months, Oregon Arts District officials and the coffee shop’s new owner announced today, Jan. 9.
Brian Higgins, owner of Sidebar cocktail lounge and wine bar at 130 W. Second St. in downtown Dayton, is the owner of the new venture, and will eventually move Sidebar to the former Pacchia location in the Oregon District, according to an arts district news release.
Customers will help choose a name for the new coffee shop, Higgins and arts district officials said.
Word of the new venture comes just four days after the building’s owner, Dr. Michael Ervin, said Pacchia would not reopen in February as Pacchia restaurant owners Stephen Ramsey and Carla Carnahan had said in September 2009. The business partners said at that time that Pacchia would close for renovation for about six weeks starting Jan. 1, and reopen with a new name and a “completely new concept” that would have made it more of a tavern than restaurant. But the Pacchia owners were not able to reach agreement with building owner Ervin on the new concept or on the renovations that would have been necessary.
The timetable for Sidebar’s move to the former Pacchia has not been determined, Higgins said, and until the relocation, it will be business as usual at the West Second Street bar.
“We have been very successful at Sidebar’s current location, but unfortunately we aren’t able to expand,” Higgins said in the news release. “Now, customers have a few cocktails and, while they don’t want to leave, they tell us they have to get something to eat. All we can do now is order them a pizza.” The expansion, Higgins said, “will allow us to up the ante with our bar offerings while providing a great selection of food.”
The concept and menu of the new Sidebar restaurant also are not yet determined, although Higgins said he plans to offer tapas and small plates that will allow diners to choose appetizers or a complete dinner.
But plans for the coffee shop, which shut down earlier this week, are far more immediate: it is scheduled to reopen Monday morning and will offer one free eight-ounce cup of drip coffee per customer each day next week, starting Monday. Most of the employees from the previous Pacchia coffee shop have been hired to work in the new shop, Higgins and arts district officials said.
The coffee shop will offer breakfast items such as muffins, scones and bagels starting next week, and will add deli offerings such as soups, sandwiches and smoothies for lunch service in the coming months. Although it won’t be a Boston Stoker shop, the new coffee shop will serve Boston Stoker coffees, and the Dayton-based chain of coffee shops will assist in training the new coffee shop’s staff, Higgins and arts district officials said.
Sidebar currently has six employees. When the new restaurant is up and running fully, employment at the new venture could reach 30, Higgins said.
Higgins pointed to a $500,000 street improvement project and an $850,000 upgrade to the free parking lot at the west end of East Fifth Street, as well as the opening of several arts-related businesses in the last two years, as signs of the Oregon District’s vitality.
“I wouldn’t consider expanding outside the downtown area,” he said. “I believe in downtown, and this location is one of the most recognizable corners in the Oregon Arts District. With this space and traffic, we have big plans to become a great destination for the City of Dayton and entire region.”
Pacchia was founded in the mid-1990s by Glen Brailey, who operated the restaurant until he sold his majority ownership in April 2008.
»Photos: Coffee shop reopens
Permalink | Comments (33) | Post your comment | Categories: Restaurant openings
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By RC
January 15, 2010 3:29 PM | Link to this
Any clue as to what can be done with a gift card for Paccia?
By Myron
January 12, 2010 5:41 PM | Link to this
A NAME for the coffee shop? How about THE SIDING—a complement to the owner’s Sidebar establishment and a fit with the Oregon Express theme across the street?
By D. Greene
January 12, 2010 2:26 AM | Link to this
Woe to the Greene and its minions! Truly, the Greene is a vortex of negative spiritual energy! People go their to kill their souls, to numb the pain of life through drink, entertainment, distraction, and other various and sundry earthly pleasures. The Greene is just the apotheosis of American consumerism gone wrong. Towns used to be built around churches, or government city halls, or the local castle or what have you. Now we build them around the shopping centers. I don’t think it’s an improvement.
By Mayor McHat
January 11, 2010 3:25 PM | Link to this
Its nice to see an existing business reopen, and Brian certainly has some great visions, however he’ll experience problems similar to the previous owners if he’s not able to keep the building owner from insinuating himself into the decision-making process. Its unfortunate when a man with little sense of how things actually work can derail an otherwise sound vision simply by shaking his tiny impotent fists of fury. “The Neighborhood” wasnt terribly outraged at a mid-range new restaurant/bar, it was more one mans refusal to allow anything but a white tablecloth restaurant in an area where NONE have survived that kept the “new” Pacchia intentionally in limbo for so long that it simply became impossible. The success of the new place will hinge ENTIRELY on being able to keep Ervin out of any role beyond collecting the rent.
By knowledge
January 11, 2010 1:26 PM | Link to this
Mr. Higgins has vision and a drive for success. Dayton needs more men like him
By bentheredunthat
January 11, 2010 9:56 AM | Link to this
Wow-Swap 1 useless dump for another- That’s dayton-speak for economic growth these days…Seems less high-brow places like the OE and Blind Bob’s have no problem filling seats, yet the higher-end ones come-n-go quite frequently …huh ? …. Wonder why ? — and this whole The Greene vs. OD tiff….. you Beaverditch folks stay there and us urban hipsters will stay in Dayton … anyone with an IQ over 80 can easily see how utterly useless The Greene is ……… at least no one has fallen off banisters at the OD ………
By Iz
January 11, 2010 9:44 AM | Link to this
For those knocking the Greene,um don’t think they care - it is always busy. For those knocking the Oregon, it is a could be - that is all, it is unsafe - dirty and a place wishful thinking. There are historical bldg’s falling apart and no one cares! The street is filthy and the porn stores arent a good addition. Who would bring kids down there?? Yesterday I was participating in the Bridal show, and Coco’s was clsd- Franco’s was clsd - are you kidding me? And people ask why no one goes downtown? There was 2 huge events down there - a cheer comp and the bridal show - NO ONE TRIED TO GET ANY OF THAT BUSINESS FOR DINNER? I guess Spaghetti Warehouse got some - I went to the Pub - and frankly it sucked big time ! Did not care for it at all.
By They Move Quick
January 11, 2010 9:35 AM | Link to this
Dang, they didn’t waste any time did they!Move em’ in, move em’ out…
By Sully
January 11, 2010 9:29 AM | Link to this
I agree with Oregon Cesspool … the OD will not get one more dime of my hard earned money! I’ll be drinkin closer to home! Stay out of Dayton, the cops love to rough up the kids from the burbs!
By CoffeePlease
January 11, 2010 9:25 AM | Link to this
I stopped in this morning and met the new owner, Brian and the designer, J, from Southpaw and Henry from Boston Stoker. The place looks fresh and clean. The coffee was great (and free!!) and the muffin samples that were offered were delicious. I recommend it!!!
By Oregon Cesspool
January 11, 2010 9:01 AM | Link to this
“special place”, “character”. Ask the Dayton Police Dept about this “special place” called the Oregon District. They might as well move one of their Districts there.
By Millie
January 11, 2010 8:46 AM | Link to this
Congratulations Brian! Well deserved. It’s awesome to see you’ll be part of all the great things happening in Dayton! Keep that coffee flowing… Very best wishes for your success.
By Skeptic
January 11, 2010 8:27 AM | Link to this
To Beavercreek Resident: the City of Dayton just upgraded the parking lots, curbs, and sidewalks in the Oregon District. If you supported downtown, you might know that. Tell me how the Greene looks in 50 years and see if it still looks like new. Today it just looks fake. Urban sprawl is slowly killing Ohio.
By Beavercreek resident
January 11, 2010 7:46 AM | Link to this
For those who put down the Greene-the Oregon District is definitely NOT family friendly. Nor is it a great place to show out of town guests- they wonder why reputable shops and restaurants tolerate the sex shops and broken sidewalks. Not to mention the lack of parking. Downtown Dayton looks run down- not historic.There needs to be more money invested to restore the buildings and sidewalks.
By a believer
January 10, 2010 10:03 PM | Link to this
Hooray for Dayton and The Oregon District. Revitalization of a wonderful historic space that had become a landmark to individuals only means that the place is organic and will change and continue to keep us entertained as it “grows”. To the naysayer…stay at home and eat Doritos and watch tv. For those who like a special place to share with friends and family you might be surprised when this becomes your chosen alternative to The Greene.
By MB
January 10, 2010 8:23 PM | Link to this
The OD is an entertainment district so another bar makes sense. Another high-end restaurant wasn’t feasible in these economic times. I hope the Sidebar books great local bands. The Pacchia finale on New Year’s Eve was great with Mike Locke performing.
By Tony Ray
January 10, 2010 5:04 PM | Link to this
I’d go to the Oregon District any day over The Greene. The drinks at Bar Louie are the worst in town. The Cheesecake Factory sucks. Flemming’s is nice if you can mortgage your house for dinner. The Oregon District has seen better days, but I think it’s coming back.
By the insider
January 10, 2010 1:03 PM | Link to this
At first the neighborhood and community were OUTRAGED the previous owners were opening “another bar on 5th Street,” but now moving an existing bar from downtown to 5th Street is A-OK. Something smells fishy here…. I agree with the sharp observation already posted that moving an existing business into a recently closed business location still results in the loss of another downtown business. Nothing to get excited about.
By Rhonda
January 10, 2010 12:09 PM | Link to this
It’s a shame when a great, classy restaurant like Pacchia’s dies. I have fond memories of lunches with co-workers there years ago and eating the delicious Caribbean Jerked Chicken pizza. The Oregon District and downtown Dayton will never be the same.
By Irene
January 10, 2010 11:35 AM | Link to this
Well! Another bar on 5th street! Isn’t that what was going to go in there already? This bar is good but the other one wasn’t?? I do wish Mr. Higgins all the best and thank him for believing in downtown Dayton!! All it needs is support in EVERY form. Go Brian!!!!
By Bob
January 10, 2010 10:53 AM | Link to this
I will miss the restauratn Pacchia.;
By Scott
January 10, 2010 10:12 AM | Link to this
The Greene is lame. The Oregon District has tons more character, and much more interesting businesses. The Greene is an outdoor mall. Get out of Beavercreek before it is completely covered in concrete
By Sully
January 10, 2010 2:29 AM | Link to this
Bad choice … The Oregon district is dying! Too many bad bars! Go to the Greene! Classy, clean and safer! The OD is so yesterday! Get out of Dayton.
By 4stargal
January 10, 2010 12:49 AM | Link to this
What is the sign of a dying city? When a coffee shop reopening is headline news.
By Clemens
January 10, 2010 12:16 AM | Link to this
My congrats to B. Higgins on his choice of locations. By moving sidebar to that location is a great idea. I think its very smart to be able to offer his guests more than drinks. I can see this venture being very successful. Music, food, unique drinks a wonderful atmosphere, where else in Dayton can you find a place that will have such a warm feeling. Can’t wait to see his final vision.
By Steve
January 9, 2010 9:53 PM | Link to this
It’s good to see that everybody is so optimist for the future of this business. Those of you who keep putting down the efforts of others should become consultants, considering your high level of knowledge on the subject and all. Good luck to Mr. Higgins & any others vested in this new business!
By Jamal
January 9, 2010 9:33 PM | Link to this
Harvey, Sidebar makes the best drinks around. Everything the use in their drinks is fresh made, on-site. Even their well drinks are top shelf. You’re paying for quality.
By Harvey
January 9, 2010 8:42 PM | Link to this
If it’s anything like Sidebars it won’t last long. Small drinks with big prices! Gin in everything!
By null
January 9, 2010 6:15 PM | Link to this
So an existing business is moving into a recently-closed business? The net is a loss of 1 business. Nothing to get excited about.
By RedHdLass
January 9, 2010 5:26 PM | Link to this
We can always vote to name it “the coffee shop formerly known as Pacchia”.
By Abner
January 9, 2010 4:55 PM | Link to this
Now maybe Archdeacon will stop his frickin’ whining.
By what?
January 9, 2010 4:39 PM | Link to this
Am I understanding the article right?, they are opening a new coffe shop in couple of days. YET, they dont have aname for it yet? What kind of thinking is that? People wit an education, think about dat one!
By Ken
January 9, 2010 3:38 PM | Link to this
It will be nice to see Dayton come back. Our new mayor is focused on that and attracting business, even big business. Although some idiot few think big business is evil, they blind themselves to the fact that it brings in tens of thousands of jobs. Petey’s fish shop only needs one part time employee to sell goldfish. Pop your head out of fantasy land and lets get to work.