For those in need of a change in scenery or a place where they can study in peace, Third Perk Coffeehouse & Wine Bar on 46 West Fifth Street is the way to go.
Third Perk is an up-and-coming business in downtown Dayton where one can go to find a comfy yet classy environment with a variety of items on the menu. Established almost a year ago, owner Juanita-Michelle Darden, a full-time professor at Sinclair University, first had the idea for her café in Jan. 2013 after her favorite local coffeehouse suddenly closed. Given her history in event planning services and catering, Darden, after doing some research and a lot of training, decided to get started.
Though created while the shop was still intended to be on Third Street in the Wright Dunbar District, the name “Third Perk” is still applicable given the three experiences available on location; the coffeehouse, wine bar and café. The restaurant offers a wide array of simple yet consistent options ranging from soups and sandwiches to coffee and smoothies. Different specials are available each day of the week, but Darden recommends the Tuesday homemade Chicken Tortilla Soup. The decor and design of the bar also fit the understated theme with an urban twist, something self-inspired.
“I wanted to create a space where I wanted to hang out. I wanted a place where my friends who are professionals would want to come and gather,” Darden said.
She also described her café as a sophisticated “Mom and Pop shop with a corporate mindset.” Darden imagined her ideal customer as an “urbanite,” someone trendy and symbolic of big city living.
At its central locale just off interstate 75, Third Perk is also a quiet and convenient spot for students to work or relax. Employee Kenan Darden-Jones explained that the business is accessible and hosts events on weekends and some weeknights.
“I feel like if maybe we could get word out to students who aren’t a part of our Facebook page, maybe they would be able to come to those events more,” Kenan said.
A lot of the student traffic that runs through Third Perk is Sinclair commuters, but Darden said some 
Wright State students do make the trip and she even had a group of WSU medical students that visited to study together.
Those interested in more information about Third Perk and all it has to offer, its user-friendly website provides a number of resources related to the business such as commercials, information on their collection of gift items, and the link to their blog.
“From Bean to Cup” is Darden’s personal step-by-step account of her experience starting and running a company, from its ups to its down. Via the blog, Darden details the hardships of running a business, like how difficult it is to acquire capital, as well as the more enjoyable side of managing a café, including meeting new and interesting people.
Darden also said that as the business develops, she even hopes to start roasting her own coffee beans on site. Anyone interested in a cozy and personable atmosphere to unwind in should check out Third Perk Coffeehouse & Wine Bar on West Fifth Street whenever they have the chance.
