New Watermark restaurant in Miamisburg is open

The couple behind a locally-owned restaurant put the finishing touch on a leap of faith.

Maria and Eric Walusis officially opened Watermark at 20 S. First St. in downtown Miamisburg on Monday, Sept. 25.

In a release sent on Sept. 24, Chef Maria Walusis invited customers to “PLEASE stop in, and make a reservation (online or by phone) so we can look forward to seeing you!”

The pair introduced the new restaurant to friends, family and reporters in September.

“I think it is really unique for Dayton,” Maria Walusis said of the restaurant. Watermark’s hours will be from 4 to 11 p.m. Monday to Thursday, and 4 p.m. to midnight Fridays and Saturdays.

>> MORE: New river-inspired restaurant and bar coming to Dayton area

The pair recently closed their first restaurant, the nearby Nibbles, which opened two years ago.

MORE PHOTOS OF WATERMARK BELOW 

Credit: Photo by Amelia Robinson

Credit: Photo by Amelia Robinson

Like Nibbles, Watermark offers new American and global cuisine. The name Nibbles will still be used for the catering portion of the business.

Maria, the restaurant’s chef, said the size of the former Nibbles space was essentially holding the business back — it could only accommodate 30 people.

>> MORE: Here are the best classic restaurants in Dayton 

“The other place was small and quaint and charming and it was great, but having this big bar space is going to be so much fun,” she said. “And we just offer a lot more food. Our menu will be about double of what it was before.”

She said she will change select menu items monthly.

“There will always be something new to try,” she said.

Credit: Photo by Amelia Robinson

Credit: Photo by Amelia Robinson

Hours and hours have been devoted to perfecting Watermark’s look, with more work is coming down the pipeline.

The couple downsized to a much smaller home to help pay for Watermark. The new space, which is near a former canalway, previously held offices.

“We had to build everything,” Maria Walusis said.

Coming improvements include the installation of a wavy three-dimensional sculpture on the wall and the completions of Watermark’s already impressive ribbon mahogany bar.

Credit: Photo by Amelia Robinson

Credit: Photo by Amelia Robinson

The couple selected the bright and bold teal and yellow gold paint that decorates the dining room.

They tested 15 bulbs in the bar’s light fixture until the correct blue was reflected.

>> MORE: Popular Miamisburg restaurant moving, changing name 

Credit: Photo by Amelia Robinson

Credit: Photo by Amelia Robinson

Decidedly more spacious than Nibbles, Watermark and its rustic and modern charm is able to seat up to about 75 diners.

It has a private party room for 40. The Walusises are readying a second area that will be used for corporate cocktail parties and other similar receptions. That room will hold about 80.

>> MORE: Terror from the river: flood that destroyed downtown Dayton

A historic watermark sign recognizing the 1913 flood is part of the inspiration for a new restaurant and lounge.

Credit: Photo by Amelia Robinson

Credit: Photo by Amelia Robinson

Credit: Photo by Amelia Robinson

Credit: Photo by Amelia Robinson

Credit: Photo by Amelia Robinson

Credit: Photo by Amelia Robinson

Credit: Photo by Amelia Robinson

Credit: Photo by Amelia Robinson

Credit: Photo by Amelia Robinson

Credit: Photo by Amelia Robinson

Credit: Photo by Amelia Robinson

Credit: Photo by Amelia Robinson

Credit: FILE

Credit: FILE

Credit: Photo by Amelia Robinson

Credit: Photo by Amelia Robinson

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