This article was inspired by content originally published on Dayton Daily News
Introduction
When Old Dayton Pizza at Riverside Hideaway announced in January that it would close Feb. 10, fans braced for the end of an era. But instead of folding, owners Sherri and Steve Zelen took a bold detour closing temporarily, regrouping, and re-launching as a stronger, community-focused pizza bar. Their story offers a masterclass in adaptability and connection that resonates deeply with everyone in the pizza world from home enthusiasts to shop owners and suppliers.
*This article was inspired by content originally published on Dayton Daily News by Natalie Jones It contains affiliate links, and Pizza Magazine may earn a commission from purchases made through them.*
🍕 Enthusiasts: Roman-Style Dough Shines Through the Rain
Before shuttering, Old Dayton made waves with its Roman-style pizza dough, praised for its crisp exterior and satisfying chew a rare find in the area. For home cooks, that means inspiration for crafting similar crusts in your backyard:
Home Pizza Pro Picks:
- 🔗 [Caputo 00 Flour, 5‑lb Bag] – for elastic, airy, Rome-worthy bases
- 🔗 [BakerStone Pizza Oven Box] – turn your grill into a high-heat Roman oven
- 🔗 [Dough Scraper & Pizza Peel Bundle] – smoother transitions in handling this delicate dough
Pizza Pro Tip: Let your Roman dough cold-ferment for at least 48 hours. The slow enzyme breakdown enhances flavor and texture just like Steve’s.
🏡 Shop Owners: Pivoting Menu & Service Without Losing Soul
After closing in February, the Zelens reopened in March as a vibrant bar with pop-up pizza nights, pool tables, and patio seating.They embraced flexibility, trimmed seating, and prioritized experiences pool, darts, and bar bingo to come.
Actionable Strategy:
- Build hybrid venues—both cozy pizza joint and local hangout.
- Launch event nights (“Pizza & Pool”) and promote via POS-integrated loyalty tools.
Affiliate Tools for Operators:
- 🔗 [Toast POS for Pizzerias] – track event night revenues and customer trends
- 🔗 [Canva Event Templates] – for flyers, menu specials, and social posts
- 🔗 [Commercial Pizza Oven (Conveyor or Deck)] – ensure output for pop-up nights
🏗️ Suppliers: Flexibility Means Opportunity
The Zelens’ ability to restart with a limited menu pizza and meatballs showcases another ingredient of success: lean supply. Suppliers who offer ingredient kits, bulk sauce pouches, and adaptable packaging stand ready when shops shift strategies overnight.
Affiliate Picks for Suppliers:
- 🔗 [Bulk-in-a-box Roman‑style Sauce Pouches]
- 🔗 [Frozen Meatball Batches for Batch Cooking]
- 🔗 [Multi-sided Pizza Boxes with Event Branding]
🧠 Expert Voice: Managing the Pivot
“Restaurants that survive and thrive are those that buy time to adapt,” says a hypothetical pizza operations consultant. “When the Zelens paused, they protected resources and reignited community love. That’s leadership in real time.”
😊 Community Comes Full Circle
The reason Old Dayton didn’t close for good? Community appetite. Social media blew up, local media covered the comeback, and neighbors rallied showcasing why local pizzerias remain cornerstones of resilience and belonging.
For Shop Owners:
Always listen to your audience. Their loyalty isn’t an asset it’s a force. Engage through events, meaningful menus, and heartfelt storytelling.
🔁 Final Slice
Old Dayton Pizza’s return isn’t just a small-town rebound it’s a roadmap. From mastering Roman dough to building community-driven pivots, the Zelens demonstrate that passion and adaptability are as important as pepperoni and crust.
Whether you’re making dough at home, scaling a restaurant, or supplying the next big pivot, remember: pizza is more than food. It’s a relationship. And with the right moves, you can bounce back stronger than ever.
Affiliate Disclosure:This article was inspired by content originally published on Dayton Daily News by Natalie Jones. It contains affiliate links, and Pizza Magazine may earn a commission from purchases made through them. We only recommend products and services that bring real value to pizza lovers, operators, and suppliers alike.
