Fireside with Chris Dimmick

Chris Dimmick is a driving force behind Dayton’s modern hospitality renaissance and a leader redefining what meaningful guest experience looks like in mid-sized markets across the Midwest.

As Managing Partner of The Idea Collective, Chris has helped conceive, design, and operate some of Dayton’s most distinctive hospitality concepts, including the nationally recognized cocktail lounge Tender Mercy, the celebrated restaurant Sueño, and most recently, Three Birds—an American-inspired concept that further reflects his belief that hospitality should feel both elevated and deeply personal. Collectively, these venues have reshaped the city’s dining and nightlife landscape—not by chasing trends, but by intentionally designing spaces where people feel seen, connected, and inspired to return.

What sets Chris apart is a relentless focus on experience as strategy. From ambiance and storytelling to service culture and human connection, his approach treats hospitality not as a transaction, but as a relationship. Each concept is built with the belief that great experiences foster community, loyalty, and long-term economic vitality—principles that have positioned Dayton as a destination rather than a stopover.

Beyond bricks and mortar, Chris is known for building teams, nurturing creative talent, and setting a higher bar for how hospitality businesses can serve both guests and cities. His leadership demonstrates that when intention meets execution, smaller markets can compete—and win—on experience.

In this upcoming fireside chat, Chris will share candid insights on entrepreneurship, placemaking, and the power of human-centered design in hospitality—offering a thoughtful look at how connection, culture, and craft can shape not just businesses, but communities.

What to expect from a Fireside Experience:

• Live, moderated conversations with influential Dayton leaders

• Honest perspectives on leadership, growth, and community impact

• A relaxed, fireside-style atmosphere that encourages engagement

• Networking with fellow professionals, founders, and community leaders

• Parking is provided by complimentary Valet on 3rd Street

Come for the conversation, stay for the connections, and leave with insight you can apply to your own leadership journey. After the Fireside chat engage in our monthly Bourbon Development networking event in the expanded Tender Mercy bar.

Experience The Idea Collective concepts:

Tender Mercy is an intimate, subterranean cocktail lounge that feels more like a well-kept secret than a bar. Designed with moody sophistication and a meticulous attention to detail, it pairs world-class cocktails with an atmosphere that invites conversation, curiosity, and connection. Every element—from the lighting to the glassware to the storytelling behind each drink—is intentional, making Tender Mercy not just a night out, but an experience that lingers long after the last sip.

Sueño is a vibrant expression of modern Mexican cuisine, blending bold flavors, artful presentation, and an energetic, welcoming atmosphere. Rooted in tradition but unapologetically contemporary, Sueño invites guests to explore shareable dishes, inventive cocktails, and a sense of joy that permeates the space. It’s a place where food sparks connection, celebration feels natural, and every visit feels like an occasion—whether planned or spontaneous.

Three Birds offers a fresh, approachable take on the modern American gathering place—where elevated comfort food, thoughtfully crafted drinks, and genuine hospitality come together effortlessly. It’s the kind of space that feels equally right for a casual weeknight dinner, a celebratory toast, or a long conversation that wasn’t planned but feels necessary. Three Birds embodies the belief that great hospitality doesn’t need to be complicated—it just needs to be done well.