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Home > Blogs > Uncorked > Archives > 2010 > January > 19 > Entry
New riverfront wine bar’s grand opening is Wednesday
DAYTON — It’s got a new name, a better view, more seating and less-hassle parking, but the Wine Gallery hasn’t turned its back on what owner Brian Linnean calls oneof his wine bar’s greatest strengths.
“If people liked the atmosphere at the other place, they’re going to love the atmosphere here,” Linnean said.
After three years of operating at 424 E. Third St. in a building with limited kitchen capabilities and inconvenient parking, the Wine Gallery and Cafe has moved to 5 W. Monument Ave., at the northwest corner of North Main Street and Monument Avenue on the first floor of the Beerman Building annex. A “kickoff tasting” for new wine bar and retail wine shop — now called simply “The Wine Gallery” — will be held Wednesday, Jan. 20, starting at 5 p.m., with about 30 wines and a half-dozen beers available for tasting for a fee, accompanied by a complimentary buffet, Linnean said.
The previous location suffered from a lack of kitchen accommodations, including the absence of ventilation hoods, that hampered the wine bar’s food offerings.
“We had only a small convection oven there, and it got to the point that we couldn’t produce enough food to accommodate all of our customers,” Linnean said. “Now we have gas stoves, larger convection ovens and a full-sized kitchen that overlooks the Great Miami River.”
The wine-tasting area overlooks the river and Riverscape. Occupancy has jumped from 72 to 99, and square footage has jumped to 4,500 square feet, Linnean said.
And there is an opportunity to grow. “We have another 4,500 square feet available to us on the second floor,” said Linnean, who has suggested that a full-service restaurant may be a future option for the additional space.
On-street parking is available on Monument Avenue, and a PMI parking lot is next door, Linnean said — an improvement from the previous location, where patrons who parked in a nearby private lot sometimes emerged to find their cars towed away.
“We’ve eliminated the $120 tow bills,” Linnean said.
The Wine Gallery employs 12, but Linnean said he expects to hire five or six additional employees in the coming months as the Wine Gallery expands its lunch service to Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, perhaps as early as February.
For now, the Wine Gallery is open Tuesday through Thursday 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. For more information, call (937) 224-9463.
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Comments
By Gordon
January 24, 2010 8:30 AM | Link to this
Went here after enjoying the Wine Gallery in the old location. Had high expectations, but will never go back. Old place was homey and warm. This location is like a warehouse. It is larger, and they do have a more expansive food menu, but the couches are crammed in at the front, and the if there is a group of people near the large tables (as there was for our visit), you get crushed in like a waiting room. Staff: The hostess was very friendly and courteous. However, that was the end of it. We made our way to the bar, sat down, and not one, not two, but three separate servers went by without so much as even a “Hi, be with you in a minute.” They were two feet away and did not acknowledge out presence. Next, as were were looking at the menus, the woman closest to us finally asked if we wanted some water. I said “Yes, and maybe a recommendation for a red wine.” Now you would think in a wine bar they would give a recommendation, but NO! Her response was “What, can’t make up your mind?” and walked off to help someone else. The wine menu is set up under headings such as “Magenta” and “Artists Palette” rather than the traditional Merlot, Cab, etc. When my wife politely commented that it was confusing, the same waitress literally said “Huh” and again walked off. We liked the old location. We came to the new location to see if there was enough room to hold a retirement reception there and enjoy a light meal and some good wine. We were disappointed with the staff, and the setting. If this is the “new” Wine Gallery, I doubt they will be in business for long.
By Jim
January 21, 2010 7:35 PM | Link to this
Contrary to what ‘satisfied customer’ thinks, I do not take any pleasure in trashing any restaurant, particularly an independent, downtown, locally owned wine bar close to where I live. I really wanted to like the place. In fact I only saw this article because we had decided to give the place another try, only to see it closed up. On our previous visit my wife and I each ordered a flight of red wine, and three appetizers. When they brought the wine, I at first thought the glasses were frosted! Ugh! The server’s comment about being out of Jet-Dri was hilarious, as there are places to buy this product only a mile away. So if you care, go and get some! And while I only mentioned the cheese plate, in fact none of the food was remotely close to what I make at home. And I don’t think I’m alone in believing a wine bar should be capable of at least passable food. This place just wasn’t restaurant or wine bar quality. I find it interesting that the comments here are pretty much split among ‘terrible service’ and ‘Brian has the coolest place’. I guess it depends on if you are a friend of the owner. So the thing is, if what you really want to do is have a cool place for you and your friends to drink wine, just invite them over. But don’t invite the general public by calling it a bar or restaurant if what you really want is a club for your pals, and you’re going to treat the public so poorly.
By satisfied customer
January 21, 2010 12:55 PM | Link to this
I am constantly amazed at your readers seeming delight at trashing other peoples business. they fail to realize thye had the opportunity to buy 30 flights at grat pour prices,100’s of wines at the lowest corkage fee in town ($0-5 ) and the chance to buy wines available no where else in town and they chose to comment on a CHEESE PLATE which didn’t meet their standards.so they never went back.I am sure the limited kitchen resulted in longer waits than desirable at peak times but that happens everywhere. This was a WINE BAR and on that it deliverd in spades. The new location had a bang up opening people were waitng outside to get in at 5 at by 5:30 there wasn’t a seat in the house. so a lot of folks don’t share some of your readers complaints. I wish Brian every sucess and you can bet i’ll be there drinking the best wines available in town
By Jim
January 20, 2010 10:27 PM | Link to this
We went one time two years ago and were dismayed to find the ‘gourmet cheese plate’ could have come from any Kroger, nothing remotely gourmet. And the horribly streaky wine glasses (“Sorry, we’re out of Jet-Dry”) seemed so out of place for a restaurant with the name “Gallery”. Has anything changed?
By mark fisher
January 20, 2010 8:10 PM | Link to this
‘Flipper’: Generally, each wine sample is priced individually, based on the bottle cost.
By Flipper
January 20, 2010 3:00 PM | Link to this
And the wine tasting fee is?………
By tom
January 20, 2010 2:36 PM | Link to this
I am tired about hearing about parking when it comes to The Cannery. It amazes me, how people MOAN and GROAN every time they need to take 5 steps to get to a location. There is ample parking, and sorry that you have to pay, most cities -yes even dying cities will charge you to park. You either choose to pay for convenience, learn to walk, or read a sign. I wasn’t thrilled with the service I received at the Wine Gallery, and I agree with several posters, the service -(not the food, drinks, or parking) was at best dismal. If you were a ‘local’ or a ‘friend’ you level of service was akin to a drive through.
By J. Jones
January 20, 2010 11:45 AM | Link to this
Whew! I was starting to worry for a minute. Brian glad you are back. Can’t wait to see the new place. It is a pleasure to have such a fine establishment in the city. No more long drive to the burbs for great atmosphere and wine. Welcome Back!
By Leslie
January 20, 2010 11:04 AM | Link to this
We have missed the Wine Gallery during it’s 4 week transition period, and I’m not sure if we can sneak over before the UD game tonight or not, but we wish Brian and his staff every success in the world. Thanks for opening the door on a business model that was so sorely needed in the downtown area after the closure of Bin 130.
By Larry
January 20, 2010 8:57 AM | Link to this
Wonderful news. Barb and I will go as soon as we can. (We have a family commitment tonight) Brian is knowledgeable and friendly and we have ALWAYS found the staff attentive and cheerful in literally dozens of visits to the old location. Other than the bar in our own basement, it is our favorite place to relax in the entire Dayton area. Congratulations, Brian!
By MKT
January 19, 2010 5:48 PM | Link to this
No place is perfect.Those of us who want a casual but freindly and contemporary atmosphere with an enourmous selection of reasonably priced wine and unique food will continue to frequent the Wine Gallery. The new updated location will give us even more of a reason to hang out with Brian. Can’t wait till tomorrow
By Love Dayton
January 19, 2010 1:59 PM | Link to this
Congrats, Brian! Great value and new location. You can count on my patronage even more since we can come to your place before/after performances downtown. Best wine store in Dayton!
By JLee
January 19, 2010 1:38 PM | Link to this
I wondered if it was just me and my friends. You are absolutely right anon. The service is horrible. Nice diggs but if your customers don’t feel as if they’re wanted? We haven’t been back in a long time. Not sure I’ll check out your new place.
By chiefwino
January 19, 2010 11:39 AM | Link to this
Congratulations Brian for getting through the dust and red tape. We will see you Wed night.
By Daytontony
January 19, 2010 11:34 AM | Link to this
I live downtown and would love to be a regular at this place. However, it needs to be open on Sundays and Mondays.
By JJ
January 19, 2010 11:09 AM | Link to this
I can’t wait to check out the new digs. We went to the other one several times and never experienced the customer service issues mentioned above. We always have great, personal service. Although the other location was a little more conveinent for us (we use to walk there from the 2nd Street Market on Saturdays), I think it’s great that somebody is taking advantage of the riverfront area.
By Mayor McHat
January 19, 2010 10:10 AM | Link to this
The previous location didnt so much suffer from its “limited kitchen facilities” as it did from arbitrary and ever-changing food service hours in addition to the generally inattentive staff. While those of us living in the building enjoyed the atmosphere, and Brian on a personal level, he unfortunately overlooks a crucial element…you’re not at The Greene where you have existing foot traffic to rely on, rather you’re ENTIRELY a destination spot and that means you cant EVER give people a reason to wonder if they’ll be able to get what they’re coming for. Its already hard enough to get some of these people to drive the godawfully long 4 or 5 miles “all the way” from Kettering down here where they might have to walk a quarter block from where they park to get to your door. The very second you plant even a tiny seed of doubt about “hmmm, are they open” or “can we still get food” and you’ve lost them AND everyone they tell. People don’t go to Applebees because they’re under the impression its fine dining, they go because its consistent, its open and they know every time they go there they’ll be able to get X until X o’clock every single time. Hopefully the new Gallery will do well, I’ll certainly be there tomorrow; but success hinges on making it EASY for people to give you their money, not hard.
By anon
January 19, 2010 9:52 AM | Link to this
My husband and I used to live downtown and loved the “idea” of the Wine Gallery, but were unimpressed the few times we went. The service was HORRIBLE…and we’re patient people. The owner would always be at the bar talking to his regulars and wouldn’t acknowledge new customers coming through the door. Hopefully Brian will hire some friendly people to greet customers in a timely manner. I’m willing to wait on food and beverages, but not an acknowledgement.
By null
January 19, 2010 9:40 AM | Link to this
Congratulations, my wife and I have been to this place several times and enjoyed the atmosphere and Brian taking the time to chat with us. We moved south but will come back to enjoy the new place.
By Nicole
January 19, 2010 8:07 AM | Link to this
Congrats! I’m sorry that you’re moving a little further from my neighborhood, but the new accomodations should be well worth an extra 5 minute drive. :)