Eagles Aerie reopens

DAYTON–The Eagles are once again taking flight.

The local fraternal organization reopened the Aerie on Christmas Kickoff Friday, November 25, in its new location at 258 E. Main Street, the former Weinhard Café.

"Oh my gosh," exclaimed Janie Cleveland of the Aerie. "People were smiling. People were happy we were open."

It has been a long and arduous journey from that terrible day on June 8, 2021, when, a day away from completing the inspection of its new roof at 222 E. Main, a five-alarm fire destroyed the historic and beloved structure. When it was finally extinguished, the club's main-floor bar, dance floor and kitchen were severely water, smoke and fire damaged.

The mood was light last Friday as the Aerie experienced occasional spurts of standing-room-only patron traffic, Cleveland said.

"It's cramped," she added. "The bar is tiny, but we'll have more room when we get the other side fixed."

The Aerie has purchased the building next door, the former offices of Blue Mountain Realtors, and plans to open a passageway through the wall. The deal is supposed to close December 1, she said.

Bob Yost has purchased the burned-out property and is working with the Aerie to salvage as much equipment and fixtures, such as the bar, refrigerators, freezers, and other kitchen appliances, as practical.

The Aerie will be open from 4 p.m. until closing (no set closing time at this point) from Monday through Saturday. Food will be served on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Cleveland said.

The menu will essentially be the same: Taco Night on Monday, a special on Wednesday and Friday. This Friday, the special will be French Dip.

Fried entrees are possible, she added, but hamburgers are not on the menu at this point due to the absence of a suitable grill.

The Aerie has its liquor license and is waiting to implement the gambling license on January 1, 2023. It received its health permit on Friday.

The phone will be activated December 9, with the same number, 382-2112.