“When I visited The Oakwood Club for the first time, I absolutely fell in love with the restaurant and the people. Now, as the new owner, I am so proud to be a small part of the continuation of this legacy that has spanned more than half a century in the Dayton community,” Michael Kim, the president of The One Esca Group said.
The One Esca Group also owns Corner Kitchen in the Oregon District and Spaghetti Warehouse downtown.
“While the ownership has changed, everything else will remain the same,” John Minoughan, the general manager of The Oakwood Club, told Dayton.com in a statement. “Our commitment to the values that have resonated with our customers continues. Providing an outstanding customer experience founded on high-quality service and culinary excellence will go unchanged.
Minoughan and Executive Chef Nate Young will continue to lead their staff and culinary teams.
Kim said his goal is to support the local team in any way necessary as they maintain what has been established over many generations.
“We encourage their continued presence and engagement with the Dayton community and with their very loyal customers,” Kim said.
Lance Stewart, the former owner of The Oakwood Club, is the son of the founders of the Oakwood Club.
Ray and Margie Stewart opened The Oakwood Club in 1962.
“They took a small lunch-style restaurant and turned it into a fine dining steakhouse,” Lance Stewart wrote in the post. “Over the last 30 years my co-workers and I have helped maintain the standards set before us and worked to elevate our restaurant to even greater heights.”
Stewart said in the post that the restaurant has grown into an institution and is bigger than any one individual.
“I am truly confident that The Oakwood Club will continue to thrive under the new ownership,” Stewart said. “I have been assured that everything that you have loved and enjoyed about The Oakwood Club will remain the same.”
Minoughan said the new ownership is “deeply committed” to honoring and respecting the legacy of The Oakwood Club.
Stewart thanked many people for the memories made at the restaurant.
“I want to thank our customers, co-workers and vendors for all the tears, joys and memories we have shared over the last 60 years,” Stewart said. “It has been the experience of a lifetime.”
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