Tell us a bit about yourself and your businesses.
My name is Rob Strong, and I own Thai 9 and Canal Street Arcade & Deli. Located in Dayton’s Historic Oregon District, Thai 9 offers Thai cuisine and sushi in a unique atmosphere. In addition to authentic Thai cuisine accompanied by traditional sushi and sashimi, we offer an extensive wine, craft beer, and spirits list. Canal Street Arcade & Deli features the traditional and original deli sandwiches you may have previously enjoyed at 5th Street Deli, made to order using fresh ingredients, artisan bread, and meats from Smoking Goose and Boar’s Head. We also have soups, salads, and breakfast sandwiches, plus some to-go beverages and staples for the home. Beyond the deli itself, we have a full bar, and a room full of classic arcade games and pinball machines.
What made you decide to open your own small businesses and how long have you been in operation?
My wife is from Thailand, and we decided to open Thai 9 eighteen years ago. About four years ago, I opened Canal Street Arcade and Deli mostly for fun!
What do you enjoy about working in downtown Dayton?
I love the downtown community! We have a good customer base, and there is good camaraderie between all the other downtown businesses.
Tell us something about your business that may surprise people to learn.
People may be surprised to learn that the soups at Canal Street change almost daily, and we have 12 pinball machines and 15 other free-play arcade games. We’re also back to full hours open at both Canal Street and Thai 9.
How is your business coping with the pandemic and how can people support you now?
People can support us by coming down and spending money! Thai 9 is participating in Out on 5th in the Oregon District, and both Thai 9 and Canal Street Arcade and Deli have outdoor patios.
Canal Street Arcade & Deli
308 E. First St.
canalstreetarcadeanddeli.weebly.com
937-220-9333
Thai 9
11 Brown St.
thai9restaurant.com
937-222-3227
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