Dayton brewpub’s touching story of community support featured in PBS project

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PBS asked America: "How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected you?" Dayton's own Fifth Street Brewpub answered the call. This week, PBS American Portrait tweeted the pub's touching story of resilience to the world.

“Six months ago, if you asked me where the business would be, I would have never expected that we’d be in the situation we’re currently in,” Stephen Haynes, assistant manager of Fifth Street Brewpub says in the video. The shot pans to an unusual scene at the normally bustling neighborhood restaurant and brewery: an empty dining room with chairs stacked on top of each other.

“I never expected to see business deteriorate like this, in such a quick manner. But I also didn’t expect for the community to come together like they’ve done for us in such a strong showing,” Haynes continues as he rings in carryout orders. “Every day I’m having the same people come in here — buying beer, buying food, some people buying gift cards — just to show that they support us, and they want us to still be around.”

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In a stirring moment, the camera pans to the “Building a Community” wall inside the pub, where the handprints of Daytonians who helped create the co-op are enshrined in multi-color paint. Residents of the St. Anne’s Hill Historic District came together a decade ago to restore the building, which led to the opening of the cooperatively owned microbrewery in 2012.

“I have people who just come in personally to check on us and ask about employees here,” Haynes says.

In any neighborhood, particularly ones on the rebound, a gathering spot can be crucial for a sense of place and belonging. Fifth Street Brewpub has provided just that to the charming historic district, so it’s not too surprising that neighbors are continuing to support the pub. “We’re their dining room table,” the pub’s manager, Tanya Brock, said.

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"I hope the incredible support and the power of community continues after all this is over," Brock said in an additional video on the American Portrait website here. To contribute to this collective portrait of America, visit www.pbs.org/american-portrait.

Fifth Street Brewpub continues to serve the Dayton community with new limited hours for carryout orders, which includes a curbside drop-off option. The pub is located at 1600 E. Fifth St. and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Call (937) 443-0919 to place an order.

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