Fricker’s opening soon near Tylersville Road

Space has been vacant since 2008.

A Fricker’s location is opening in West Chester Twp. near the end of January.

The family-friendly sports bar will be located at 7844 Kingland Drive, said owner Harry Rao of Dayton. This is Rao’s first venture into running a restaurant, and he said he was attracted to Fricker’s quality food and family offerings. Children younger than 10 years old always eat free.

“Every Fricker’s is built with a decent amount of space for a game room,” Rao said. “So if the family wants to watch a game, the kids can go play and eat free.”

Rao said the tentative opening date is Jan. 31. The total space is about 7,300 square feet, with an 800 square-foot game room. With a capacity for 265 people, Rao said this will be one of Fricker’s largest locations.

“It’s all-American wings, burgers and pizza,” Rao said. “I’ve been going to Fricker’s for three years, and the meat is fresh.”

Rao said the location previously housed a fitness center in 2006; but had been left vacant since 2008 after a developer nixed plans to build a bowling alley when finances dried up.

Rao said he’s made a significant investment in renovations, including installing an HVAC system, sprinkler system, plumbing and electric.

Rao — who works in software development — said as a first-time restaurant owner, he’s receiving management help through Fricker’s corporate office in Miamisburg. The corporate office will be hiring between 120 to 130 workers beginning this week.

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