New restaurant to open in former Oakwood deli location

OAKWOOD — A new restaurant to be called Flyboys Deli is scheduled to open later this month in the former Cooper’s Deli at 2515 Far Hills Ave., according to Steve Crandall, who owns the new deli with his wife Eunice Kim.

The couple also own Akashi Sushi Bar at 2020 Harshman Road in Riverside. Crandall said he and his wife — who spent 10 years as owner or manager of deli’s in Maryland and Washington D.C. — wanted to bring an authentic “Mom-and-Pop” deli to the Dayton area. The couple will continue to operate Akashi, which they have owned since May 2012.

Eunice Kim served as manager of the former Cooper’s Deli for about a month before it closed on Oct. 30. The deli — which had been operated by the owners of Archer’s Tavern in Centerville and Stone House Tavern in Waynesville — had been open for less than six months when it closed.

Crandall said Flyboys Deli will continue to bring in pastrami and corned beef from the same source in New York City that Cooper’s Deli used, and will serve sandwiches, soups and salads, as well as beer and wine. But menu prices will be about 30 percent less than the previous deli’s, and service will be improved, Crandall said.

Crandall is a retired U.S. Air Force colonel. He and his wife moved to the Dayton area from Maryland less than three years ago. While the first floor of Flyboys Deli will evoke a New York-style deli, the second floor and other parts of the building will celebrate Dayton’s aviation heritage and its rich history as a cradle of invention, Crandall said.

Flyboys Deli is scheduled to open Jan. 26 and will employ 12 to 14 people, Crandall said. It will offer military and student discounts and will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

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