BREAKING NEWS: Restaurant Near Fairfield Commons Gets New Owner, Concept
By Alexis Larsen, Dine Out Dayton Correspondent
April 15, 2025
CBCB Bar & Grill, a longtime dining destination to grab juicy half-pound burgers near the Mall at Fairfield Commons, has changed hands.
Michelle Corbin, who purchased the restaurant with her brother, Pete Jazenski, in late 2019 from Dayton-area restaurant veteran Bob Byers, has sold the business to Meef Demnika who plans to put an Italian concept in the space.
Demnika currently owns and operates Tuscany’s Grill & Market, located at 881 E. Franklin St. in Centerville and Demnika’s Italiano at 2667 S. Dixie Drive in Kettering. Both offer a variety of pizzas, calzones, baked pastas and Italian restaurant classic dishes like chicken, veal and eggplant parmesan, baked ziti and lasagna.
Byers launched the original Cold Beer & Cheeseburgers in 1995, setting up shop on South Jefferson Street in downtown Dayton. The popular spot served the community for more than two decades before closing its doors in 2016. In 2011, Byers introduced a new concept—CBCB Bar & Grill in Beavercreek—drawing inspiration from both Cold Beer & Cheeseburgers and his other longtime restaurant, Carmel’s, to create a reimagined fast casual experience that delivered on a flavorful food and frosty beverages to wash it down with. CBCB Bar & Grill is the last of Byers original concepts in operation.
Corbin shared that the papers were signed on April 14 with the new owners taking occupancy on May 1. The last day of operations for CBCB Bar & Grill will be April 27 with food and drink specials that will be featured throughout the day. Demnika will be there to meet customers and share samples of the food his staff will be featuring when the new restaurant opens.
“I am hoping people will come out to support us, have a burger and a beer or some bourbon and let us thank them for the many years of support,” said Corbin. “It’s definitely the end of an era. CBCB has been a strong local franchise. Since 2019 we have doubled the revenue, but expenses are so high which has made it really tough.”
Photo: Michelle Corbin with her brother, Pete Jazenski
Although she says she’s been impressed with the local restaurant community and the support it has shown other restaurants she shared that it’s been disappointing that customers don’t support local restaurants more, while she sees so many local chains flourishing.
Even with increased revenues Corbin shared, “the profitability is just not there.”
Corbin who was recently married shared that the change will allow her better balance to be with family and free up evening and weekend hours.
“Our customers became our friends, which makes this bittersweet. I would like to thank everyone who opened up their arms and welcomed me into that restaurant and came out to support as regulars. I’m going to miss a lot about it, but new chapters are always good,” said Corbin.
Got something sizzling? Alexis Larsen is on the hunt for the tastiest bites and buzziest restaurant news across the region. From fresh menu drops and chef shake ups to epic patio vibes, special dinners, happy hours, or bold new concepts—she wants to hear what’s cooking! If you’ve got delicious updates or drool-worthy happenings worth sharing, send the scoop to MVRA’s Dine Out Dayton Correspondent Alexis Larsen at alexis.e.larsen@hotmail.com.