NEW RESTAURANT COMING TO MALL AT FAIRFIELD COMMONS
A new and independently owned restaurant that got its start on the local food-truck circuit is coming to the Mall at Fairfield Commons, the restaurant’s founder said.
Flyby BBQ will open in space between the existing Fusian and BRAVO Cucina Italiana restaurants, according to 20-year-old Ohio State University student David Butcher. Plans call for building out the space this summer and opening sometime this fall.
The 2,550-square-foot space will seat about 75 inside and another 10 on a patio, Butcher said. It will employ 15 to 20.
“I’m excited about this,” said Butcher, a Fairborn native who now lives in Yellow Springs when OSU classes are not in session. “I’ve always had a passion for business and entrepreneurship.”
“But more so, I have a passion for great food shared with great company, and Flyby is where these passions come together to create something truly special.”
Flyby will be a fast-casual barbecue restaurant with an ordering system similar to Chipotle.
It will serve signature barbecue sandwiches, bowls and platters featuring hickory-smoked meats, a variety of toppings, and regional American barbecue sauces.
A vegan option of pulled barbecue jackfruit will be available. The restaurant also will feature homemade comfort-food-style side dishes, banana pudding, craft beer and sodas.
Plans call for continuing the Flyby BBQ food truck, which will focus on larger festivals and food-truck rallies, Butcher said.
“The Mall at Fairfield Commons is excited to welcome Flyby BBQ as they expand into their first brick and mortar store” Kristie Miller, general manager of The Mall at Fairfield Commons, said in a release. “We strive to meet shopper demand by providing dynamic national and local brands and retail concepts, as well as family-friendly dining and entertainment options all within our center.
“Flyby BBQ is a highly rated hip new restaurant concept and we are lucky that they are calling Fairfield Commons home.”
Flyby will join a diverse mix of restaurants at Fairfield Commons, including BJ’s Brewhouse, Chuy’s Tex Mex, BRAVO Cucina Italiana, Spinoza’s Pizza and Salads, FUSIAN, MacKenzie River Pizza, Melt Bar and Grilled, and the similarly named, but totally separate, Flyboy’s Deli.
Part of the space that now accommodates some of those restaurants was created when the mall’s then-owners decided to tear down former department store space to make way for restaurant concepts.