Tell us a bit about yourself and your business.
I’m Robin Sassenberg of the Trolley Top. My husband, Chris, and I have a big wonderful family and lots of delightful friends and we enjoy being together. The Trolley Stop is a perfect place for hanging out with your people.
We work to provide delicious food and a relaxing, casual experience. Chef Rae Rosbough excels at tasty, healthy (mostly) meals and giving our customers their favorites. The staff is a friendly, playful bunch with talents well beyond making your visit a nice experience. They will try to make sure you enjoy being here.
The Trolley Stop is now managed by our daughter, Dani Bandura, who moved back to Dayton to take over. She was basically raised in the place so it’s part of her DNA. Dani and her team know that we are all just trying to have a fun time, and to make some more good memories.
What made you decide to open your own small business and how long have you been in operation?
Chris and I were working in hospitals; our partners had normal day jobs, too. You know how a few beers can lead to brilliant ideas? In 1995, six of us friends bought the Trolley Stop, which was already a successful tavern. Chris and I are the only partners left, and I have run this place for 25 years.
We kept the atmosphere and good food, created a stage for the music and worked on maintaining this 182 year old building, keeping it alive for the next generation. This “Neighborhood Tavern to the World” wants to be your neighborhood tavern.
What do you enjoy about working in downtown Dayton?
Dayton is an adventure. The retail and food businesses are mostly run by the owners; we’re all invested in our space and our neighbors. We’re fiercely independent and decidedly quirky. I love the people in each shop and restaurant.
It’s not too busy, traffic is not a problem and it’s pretty. The events and gatherings bring excitement and lots of customers which we really appreciate.
You can walk anywhere! There’s lots to see and do all right here.
Tell us something about your business that may surprise people to learn.
Most of us believe there are spirits of the past that reside here with us. We get lots of signals that they like what happens here.
We have a nice Bloody Mary and Mimosa Bar on weekends.
How is your business coping with the pandemic and how can people support you now?
It’s been a bit of a roller coaster but we are surviving nicely. Patience while we adjust to changes would be the best support.
Trolley Stop
530 E. Fifth St.
www.trolleystopdayton.com
937-461-1101
facebook.com/trolleystopdayton
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