Grub Steak opens in south suburbs
> Will you miss the old Grub Steak? Looking forward to the new one?
Friday, April 11, 2008
WEST CARROLLTON — The Grub Steak has opened its new south suburban location and will close its restaurant in North Dayton after a farewell event April 28, owner Fred Fiebiger said this morning, Friday, April 11.
The new Grub Steak is located at 2098 S. Alex Road, two blocks north of Ohio 725 west of I-75, in a space formerly occupied by the Hong Kong Buffet. It opened quietly March 25.
Extras
"We've been growing steadily since opening, and the word of mouth has been phenomenal," Fiebiger said. "Nighttime business has been booming."
Lunchtime diners seem to have had no problem finding the restaurant either: at 11:45 a.m. Thursday, April 10, there were no parking spots available in the small shopping center's main lot, and a party of two was told it would be a 10-minute wait to be seated.
"I've had many customers tell me, 'We used to go to North Main, and we're so glad you're here now,'" Fiebiger said.
The original Grub Steak at 1410 N. Main St. in Dayton will be open Friday and Saturday nights only the next three weekends before a "last hurrah" on April 28.
"We'll have a celebration for those who have supported us on North Main for 45 years," Fiebiger said. "Many people have a sentimental attachment to the restaurant."
The Grub Steak was established in 1963 by Joe Bissett. Fiebiger began managing the restaurant in 1977 and, with his wife Sheila, purchased it in 1998.
Fiebiger said he decided to move because his lease was due to expire next year and because business had fallen off. Some customers were reluctant to come to the North Main Street location, he said.
"To survive, we had to make a move," the restaurant owner said. A business colleague suggested the new site, which is near West Carrollton's southern border with Miamisburg.
The new Grub Steak's menu is identical to the original's. It offers hand-cut steaks and makes its own salad dressings. Its signature dish is its "Royal Ribs," strips of boneless pork loin served on wooden skewers with barbecue sauce or Mandarin sauce.
The new location is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. It is closed on Sundays. An "early-bird specials" menu is available from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
The new restaurant's temporary phone number, through the end of April, is (877) 947-6446. Next month, the restaurant can be reached through the same phone number it has at its North Main Street location: (937) 276-4193.
For more information, go to www.thegrubsteak.com.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2258 or mfisher@DaytonDailyNews.com.



Comments
By Kim
May 14, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this
I grew up near the Grub Steak, went there a lot. Best steak and salad anywhere. It’s sad to see it move, but the area has really gotten worse and Grub Steak was broken into right before they moved. I will defiantly go visit the new place. Hopefully it’s the same.
By gary
May 6, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this
wife and i would go to the Grub Steak aleast once a month and the food was always excellent never got a bad steak or ribs. we quit going ther because of way the area got. Its like everything else in dayton ,trotwood and now englewood the people moving in want nice things and then the thugs come in and tear it up. they use to call dayton the ciy beautiful and trotwood and look out englewood i think the mayors need to wake up and look around but thanks Grubb Steak for the many years.
By Vanessa
April 19, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this
Grub Steak was one of our favorite spots for those special occasion dinners too. I know that a move was a must because of the neighborhood but I’m sorry that you didn’t support us folks north of town. Unless we chose to go to Miller Lane for an endless row of chain restaurants we have to drive south for any quality dining in. I must applaud Anticoli’s for their decision to stay north, I for one appreciate it. See you soon at your new location.
By Rich Sutter
April 16, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this
What fond memories! Please know that the move South is something that certainly makes sense from the business perspective; however, I have (as many do, I see) extremely fond memories of The Grub Steak at 1410 North Main. I, like many, worked my way through college at The Grub and I knew the Bissetts well. Fred, I wish you continued success and I will see you at the new location when I am next in Dayton!
By Chris in Bammy
April 15, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this
My wife and I used to go to the old location for years for all our birthdays, anniversaries, any special occasion. We both hold very dear memories of the place and the people who worked there. We loved that place. It became a tradition with us. My wife always got the petit filet and sweet potato and I always got the royal ribs. Man that sauce is one of a kind and out of this world. And their peppercorn ranch is simply the best anywhere. Glad they are moving and not closing.
By old man
April 14, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this
Iwas glad to see the Grub Steak move south .we live in Waynesville.The old location was long drive for us We always felt unsafe at the old location .because they had to have gards in the parking lot.Good luck to your new location.We will see you soon.
By Northmont area
April 13, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this
I feel a bit more kindly when urban businesses like Caffe Anticoli choose to relocate in the north, especially since they were on the north side of the river to begin with. I also tip my hat to Leo, Gloria and Tony. The Riverdale Ghost is accurate. Never could understand the White-Allen Chevrolet commercials claiming to be downtown. Downtown is what it is, bounded by the Great Miami to the north and west and the railroad tracks to the south and east.
By Mona
April 12, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this
It was a good restaurant and I will visit the new location. I don’t think the comment by Northmont area was appropriate about the “dark”. Those who went there knew the interior was dark…why make it more? I don’t think many can disagree that the Dayton area has seen it’s hard times and businesses have moved out…not because of that, but to survive and thrive. With todays economy, business owners have to do what they can to survive. The mayor here sure isn’t doing anything about the losses.
By Riverdale Ghost
April 12, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this
Some of these comments are so sadly amusing….
The Grub Steak was NOT downtown. Dominic’s wasn’t, either. Anticoli’s wasn’t, either. They were IN town, but not anywhere DOWN town. There’s a big difference, kiddies, and before you open your mouth, you should get straight what you are discussing, even if the Daily News doesn’t.
The deal with North Main Street is simple enough. North Main was the highway north LEFT UNDISTURBED when a wider highway was built east of the Stillwater.
By Sher
April 12, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this
My husband and I have been frequent visitors to the North Main location since 1982. We have enjoyed many Wonderful Dinners there. Especially the garlic dressing. We will miss the old location, it is closer for us then the new location. We will still frequemt the restaurant as much as possible. Best of Luck to everyone at Grub Steak
By Muggins
April 12, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this
I used to go to the Main Street location to watch Joe eat with his mouth open…..
By Muggins
April 12, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this
I used to go to the Main Street location to watch Joe eat with his mouth open…..
By Muggins
April 12, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this
I used to go to the Main Street location to watch Joe eat with his mouth open…..
By mo
April 12, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this
I was ok with the restaurant, but with my business sense, I think what they did was a smart move. Instead of shutting the doors for good due to a decline in one area, move to an area where the potential is there. We all preach the same thing about the city of Dayton, but its the truth, and the truth hurts. Wish the best in West Carrollton, and you may see me.
By Publius
April 12, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this
All the “crime” downtown? It’s mostly littering.
Datyon Mall is a much more dangerous place to park your car these days.
By Bill
April 12, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this
The crime is a problem for downtown. Half the problem is, the police are out giving traffic citations instead of fighting crime. The only change I’ve seen with the new police chief, is a crackdown on traffic violations.
By Just Me
April 12, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this
I just got back from dinner at the new Grub Steak. What a wonderful place, but so familar! While it is a shame Dayton is dying a slow death forcing folks to the suburbs, it Fred hadn’t made this move, Grub Steak would simply have been the next Dominic’s. It’s that simple. So, while I will miss the Main street location, I’m happy to see a locally owned & operated restruant not only surviving, but thriving. Thanks, Fred.
By Democratic Party
April 12, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this
Liz, you couldn’t be more wrong about Downtown Dayton. It is dangerous and will continue to be so as long as people refuse to realize that it is and that drastic action is needed to clean it up.
To Northmont area, Cafe Anticoli moved out of Dayton years ago when their business suffered as a result of the high crime rate and unsafe area they are located at. Leo, Tony and Gloria made the right choice to move out of Dayton.
Urban blight will continue to be a cause for businesses to leave Dayton.
By Ben
April 12, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
I will miss the old restaurant but not the neighborhood. I didn’t feel safe there in the 1970’s and even less now. With the decision of the owner to move apparently I’m not the only person with that opinion.
By Rosalyn Givens
April 12, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this
Grub Steak restaurant will certainly be missed. Recall many important career meetings and family celebrations enjoyed there. Recall Arnold Adoff and son, Jaime, well known authors participating Dayton Public Schools Read Across America event, at a noonday lunch there a couple of years ago. Both gentlemen were quite impressed at the restaurant’s ambiance and food. The setting was just what we needed to show them that Dayton still had something good going on. Tough loss.
By Tony
April 12, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this
The Grub Steak was my family’s destination restaurant for birthdays and special events. The food was good, not the greatest, but it was all about the tradition. It is one of Dayton’s last great old restaurants. It’s sad to see they have given up on the city like so many other residents and businesses have done. I wish them luck in their new location, but I will not be visiting. We have to learn that our city will never get better if we keep running from our problems.
By mike
April 12, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this
I grew up just a few blocks from the Main Street location. Only went back to the old neighborhood for lunch at The Grub Steak. Now that I work in Centerville, it’s nice to have the same food in such a nice new location without seeing the boarded up buildings and homes. I wish Fred the best. And, of course, extra garlic dressing!
By Liz
April 12, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this
How disappointing. Living in historic Grafton Hill, one of our favorite things is to walk up the street to the Grub Steak, with its fake fire flickering in the window, and have a stiff drink followed by a fine steak. Yes, it’s old-fashioned, and that’s why we love it. Sad to see another piece of Dayton succumb to southern sprawl. Please stop believing the nonsense you glean from the local TV news — reports of the danger of downtown are highly overblown.
By Paula
April 12, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this
I will miss it. Back in the 60’s my Grandfather Oscar tended bar at the Main Street location and actually lived next door in an old house made into an apartment building. Of course that’s gone as well. It was always a sentimental journey going to the Grub Steak for dinner.
By Mark
April 12, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this
Yeah, I’ll miss it. But, with the tight economy, I don’t eat out nearly as much as I use to. I use the gas grill now days, like it’s going out of style. Thanks goodness for the Kansas City Steaks on QVC! $40 for a box of 10!!!! I love it!
By das
April 12, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this
My brother introduced me to Joe Bisset’s Grub Steak 35 years ago. We loved the food and atmosphere. I moved away for 18 years and am glad to be back to visit Grub Steak once again. Many fond memories. Best of luck in your new location and thanks for your many years of service.
By Leah
April 12, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this
I have loved the Grub Steak forever! As I dine out by myself a lot, I am so glad that they moved. I didn’t fell safe at the North Main Street area.
I have had lunch at the new Grub Steak twice in the last 2 weeks. Food is delicious as ever and the lighting is so much better! A beautiful fireplace, bar, booths are very privite, wonderful seating while you wait for a table and my favorite server-Donna is there to bring me my food. I always ask for her section.
By Leah
April 12, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this
I have loved the Grub Steak forever! As I dine out by myself a lot, I am so glad that they moved. I didn’t fell safe at the North Main Street area.
I have had lunch at the new Grub Steak twice in the last 2 weeks. Food is delicious as ever and the lighting is so much better! A beautiful fireplace, bar, booths are very privite, wonderful seating while you wait for a table and my favorite server-Donna is there to bring me my food. I always ask for her section.
By Northmont area
April 12, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this
I won’t be going to the new location. Dominic’s was as far south as I previously cared to go, and now it’s gone. I choose to continue to give my business to the locally-owned and operated restaurants on my end of town. I never felt unsafe at the North Main location - I loved the courtyard. I suspect there’s something about the “dark” comment that I think refers to more than the interior. I’m thankful that Pepitos on Catalpa, the Buckhorn Tavern and Caffe Anticoli are convenient to me.
By TERESA
April 12, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this
Many fond memories over the years with celebrations and romantic evenings with my husband. Although the old location will truly be missed, the memories will be cherished and we will look forward to the new location and will continue to patron Grub Steak as long as they keep the traditions they are known for: food, atmosphere, and service. Simple. Many more years of success to you. Thank you.
By name
April 12, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this
I will miss the old location. It was always such a thrill to get dressed up and go into the city…we always went to the North Main location for special occassions. I hope the quality of the food is as excellent at the new location.
By seriously?
April 12, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this
Not a bad restaurant and certainly better to go to a new West Carrollton location than the old North Main location. Let’s just hope it’s not as dark as it was on Main. I don’t think I’ve ever been in a restaurant that was as dimly lit as Grub Steak. All in all, it’s an okay dining choice, but certainly not the best, not even close.