DND: 937 | Photo by Issac Warnecke | The Wright State Guardian
A new one stop shop for sandwiches, convenience staples, ice cream and more has come to Dayton. The Local 937 has defied the odds as a new small business, persevering despite foot traffic woes.
Building in St.Anne’s
Located at 1501 East Fifth Street, The Local 937 is a new– yet iconic– addition to the historical St.Anne’s Hill Historic District. It is walkable from the Oregon District and just a few doors down from the easily recognizable Gem City Catfe.
Established in 2023, the shop brings a fresh look to a historic place.
The historic area drew owner Rachel Gammon to the building in the first place, a former apartment block that had seen better days. Gammon works full-time as a realtor, owing a realty office nearby, the location perfect for a personal business venture.
“The big thing was saving the building and keeping it from being torn down. And the other thing was just integrating myself into this neighborhood that I love so much,” Gammon said. “My grandpa actually used to live upstairs. My dad remembers coming to visit him as a kid at the apartment upstairs.”
Between the initial purchase and renovations, Gammon invested more than $350,000 in getting The Local 937 up and running, saving the building from potential demolition.
Offerings
After feedback from the local community, Gammon landed on a sandwich shop venture for the space. But the shop does not only offer sandwiches; much of the business is dedicated to assisting other local businesses. The name was inspired by a Virginia Beach breakfast spot by a similar name, offering a local space intertwined with local business.
“I want to do something with ‘Local’ here, because we're going to carry local products and vendors and stuff. So I was like, well, local 937 that's the area code, so why not? I've always liked the name,” Gammon said.
Indeed, the Local 937 is a one stop shop for anything local. Entering the building, one is met with a cozy atmosphere with newly expanded sitting space. Along the walls, there is an extensive presentation of local wines, baked goods (e.g. Eat the Rich), crochet, books, drinks (e.g. Warped Wing Sodas), ice cream and more. A variety of sandwiches and food stuff is available for order, with rotating options of soft serve ice creams. Sandwich options range from a Chopped Italian and Greek Wrap, to a delicious Reuben or even a Cuban Sandwich.
Reviews rave about the location online.
“I stopped in the local 937 for the first time today. I ordered the “chopped Italian” wrap and OMG!!! This was so good! The flavors were so balanced and fresh! I will definitely be coming back to try some of the other menu items,” Matthew Baker wrote.
Another from Ashlea Sogard is just as positive.
“Door dashed this delicious wrap and omg it is the best [caesar] I have EVER had!! Also the pretzel and beer cheese was to die for! Do yourself a favor and order this delicious meal!” Sogard wrote.
But despite the variety of high quality offerings, The Local 937 experienced what many small businesses encounter: A lack of business.
Business challenges
Like other local businesses such as Lily’s and Heart Mercantile, Gannon posted a plea on social media, imploring Daytonians to shop local.
“It sucks to have to put that harsh reality out there. A lot of businesses have had to do it lately, and I would rather see somebody ask for help than just close their doors and have everybody go home,” Gannon said.
As a community, local businesses have done their part to help each other. At one point, The Local 937 employed a 10% to whoever shows a receipt from Lily’s.
“You know, we're struggling, but we still want to help because karma, karma is a thing. And you know, everybody gets better by helping everybody. So that's kind of my goal here is to hopefully help us, and we help them, and everybody makes it,” Gannon said.
But despite the challenges of the ebbs and flows of owning a business, Gannon says business has mostly stabilized and that The Local 937’s employees are like family, hoping to be St.Anne’s staple for years to come.
