The Silos in Dayton was brought to life in 2025 by Wes Hartshorn and Shannon Thomas, inspired by their travels across the U.S. and abroad. Throughout their careers, both have been deeply committed to strengthening their community, revitalizing abandoned homes, and championing small, entrepreneurial ventures.

With a shared vision, they set out to create more than just a venue. They imagined a vibrant food hall and gathering space, complete with a full-service bar, where people could connect and local businesses could thrive. With support from Greater Dayton Construction, along with family, friends, and fellow entrepreneurs, that vision became a reality.

True to their hands-on approach, much of The Silos reflects the owners’ craftsmanship and resourcefulness. The furniture was thrifted and built by Wes and Shannon themselves, and the brick patios were constructed using materials collected on-site during the renovation process. It was important to them to honor the existing structure, preserving its character while giving it new life.

Today, The Silos offers ample seating inside the food hall, along with three outdoor patio spaces designed for gathering and connection, including hand-carved gazebos from India, rooted in an ancient art form that dates back thousands of years. The Silos is open Tuesday through Sunday and is located at 810 E First St. To learn more about the silos, visit their website at silosdayton.com.

Jonathan McNeal took over management of The Neon movie theater in 2001 with the goal of creating a safe, inclusive space where all communities can see themselves represented in cinema. Specializing in independent films, The Neon prioritizes stories that are often overlooked or not shown in traditional theaters. Its carefully curated programming is built through extensive research, attendance at film festivals, and Jonathan’s relationships within the film industry, bringing impactful and inspiring films to Dayton audiences.

Open 365 days a year, The Neon serves as a community asset for churches, organizations, universities, and artists alike. Committed to supporting the growth of the medium and emerging filmmakers, The Neon offers local creators the opportunity to rent a screen and showcase their work to the public on the big screen.

Beyond its two digital screens, The Neon regularly hosts patio parties, live music, community events, and unique experiences. At its core, The Neon’s mission can be summed up in three words: Cinema. Culture. Community.
To learn more, visit The Neon at 130 E 5th St or visit their website at www.neonmovies.com.

The Dayton Dragons and CYMI Holdings are honored to award Jonathan McNeal with the Dream Big Award, which recognizes impactful local entrepreneurs that are making the Dayton region a better place to live, work, and play.