From St. Paris to Piqua: How One Pizza Joint's Expansion Reflects a New Era of Local Business
The Midwest might not be the first place that springs to mind when you think of culinary innovation, but sometimes the most exciting developments are happening right under our noses. Take The Top Hat Sports Grill, a small-town success story out of St. Paris, Ohio. Now, Chris and Heather Kelly, the husband-and-wife team behind it all, are expanding their pizza empire to Piqua, planting a second flag inside The Social at Piqua Center. This isn’t just about a new restaurant; it’s a testament to the enduring power of community, the revitalization of local spaces, and the delicious possibilities that arise when passion meets opportunity.
RCS Construction and Brait Capital's decision to breathe new life into the old Miami Valley Centre Mall is a microcosm of a larger trend we're seeing across the country: the reimagining of forgotten spaces. Instead of letting these structures crumble into relics of a bygone era, forward-thinking developers are transforming them into hubs of activity, fostering a sense of connection and providing a platform for local entrepreneurs to thrive. And what better way to draw people together than with pizza?
The Kellys’ story is particularly inspiring. They didn’t come from culinary dynasties or have MBAs in restaurant management. They were just a couple with a dream, a love for good food, and the courage to take a leap of faith. Chris's passion for cooking, combined with Heather's experience in the service industry, proved to be the perfect recipe for success. Their St. Paris location quickly gained a loyal following, thanks to their commitment to quality ingredients and creative flavor combinations. I saw a comment online that said, "Top Hat's BBQ Pulled Pork pizza is a game changer!" — that kind of buzz doesn't just happen; it's earned. Now, they're bringing that same winning formula to Piqua, albeit with a slightly streamlined menu to fit the new space. Champaign County restaurant known for its pizza opens second location in Piqua
The Social: A New Kind of Community Hub
What’s truly exciting is the concept of The Social itself. It’s not just a food court; it’s a curated collection of local vendors, each offering something unique and authentic. Top Hat Pizza & More is just one piece of the puzzle, joining a diverse array of culinary artisans to create a vibrant and dynamic dining experience. This is a far cry from the sterile, predictable food courts of the past. The Social is designed to be a gathering place, a destination where people can come together to share a meal, catch up with friends, and support their local economy. It's like a modern-day town square, but with better pizza.
Heather Kelly's excitement is palpable when she talks about returning to her hometown. “We’re just excited to have another location and be back in our hometown where we both grew up and graduated from,” she said. That personal connection, that sense of belonging, is what sets local businesses apart. It's not just about the food; it's about the people behind it, the stories they tell, and the relationships they build. This isn't just commerce; it's community.
But let's be real, this expansion isn’t without its challenges. Can the Kellys maintain the same level of quality and service across two locations? Will the streamlined menu at the Piqua location satisfy their existing fans? And perhaps most importantly, can The Social attract enough foot traffic to sustain all of its vendors? These are all valid questions, but I believe the Kellys' passion, combined with the innovative concept of The Social, gives them a strong chance of success. And what if this model of revitalizing old spaces with local businesses becomes a trend? Imagine the possibilities!