Foodie News You Can Use

Wayfarer Tavern opens next week, Wildweed hosts new dinner series, Pennyflower Bistro & Bar opens downtown, and more.

Wayfarer Tavern Set to Open Next Week
After a soft launch in December, Wayfarer Tavern is opening its doors in Dayton, Kentucky, on Tuesday, January 28. The restaurant, which is located on the first floor of the historic Burton Building, will feature its “part–East Coast, part–Detroit style” hybrid pizza that gained a following through pop-ups over the last year. Visit the restaurant’s Resy page to make a reservation.

Wildweed Hosts New Dinner Series
Wildweed launches its “In the Weeds” dinner series this weekend from 5 to 10 p.m. on Sunday, January 26. The series kicks off with a collaboration between the restaurant and Chef Colby Rasavong and Owner/Sommelier Alex Burch of East Nashville restaurant/wine bar Bad Idea. The dinner, which costs $160 per person, Visit www.exploretock.com/wildweed to book a spot.

Pennyflower Bistro & Bar Opens Downtown
Jacob Benavides, the former chef de cuisine at Boca, opened Pennyflower Bistro & Bar inside The Clare hotel building at the corner of Broadway and Seventh streets downtown last week. Named as an homage to a historic iron cart on Fountain Square, the restaurant specializes in contemporary American comfort food. “I want every dish at The Pennyflower to feel like an experience, something memorable and meaningful,” Benavides said in a press release. The eatery is open for breakfast seven days a week, lunch Mondays through Fridays, and dinner Thursdays through Sundays.

Marigold Opens Next Month
Next month, Crown Restaurant Group is set to open Marigold, a British-Indian pub, on the ground floor of the Foundry development on Fifth Street downtown. The restaurant’s menu will spotlight seasonal ingredients, locally sourced produce, and globally inspired flavors. “From our humble start with Crown Republic Gastropub on Eighth and Sycamore, we’ve been slowly branching out and putting our own take on new culinary flavors,” Chef and Owner Anthony Sitek said in a press release. “With our next restaurant, we’re excited to showcase our best culinary talent in one of the city’s most exciting developments in the center of it all.”

Paris Baguette Opens in Rookwood Exchange
Paris Baguette will host the grand opening of its Edwards Road location in Rookwood Exchange on Saturday, January 25. The café, which originated in South Korea and specializes in pastries with “French-inspired flavors,” is the second in Greater Cincinnati and the fourth in the state.

West Side Brewing Buys Gilligan’s on the Green
West Side Brewing recently announced its acquisition of Gilligan’s on the Green in Wyoming. The restaurant and brewery will rebrand as Gilligan’s Brewery on February 1. West Side Brewing began producing its Gilligan’s line of Irish, English and Scottish–inspired beers in early 2023 at its Westwood location and started beer production at Gilligan’s Brewery (adjacent to Gilligan’s on the Green) in December 2024.

Brad Bernstein Named Executive Chef at Carlo & Johnny
Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment recently announced that Brad Bernstein, the former owner of Red Feather and Dutch’s, has been named the new executive chef of Carlo & Johnny. “There’s a real history with my family and the Rubys,” Bernstein said in a press release. “This is really a full-circle moment for me as I join the team at Carlo & Johnny.” In addition, Jordan Taylor, The Precinct’s current general manager, will take over as general manager at the Italian steakhouse.