Izzy's, the century-old Cincinnati deli famous for its sky-high Reubens and old-school kosher-style plates, is getting ready to feed a new crowd in Monroe this summer, nudging the chain's footprint even closer to Dayton-area diners. The planned spot would land on a busy stretch of Ohio 63, tucked among shopping and gaming destinations where hungry locals and travelers are already streaming through.
According to an April 28, 2026 report in the Dayton Business Journal, Izzy's is "targeting a summer opening" for what the publication calls its first Greater Dayton location. The outlet notes the chain currently operates five locations in the Cincinnati and northern Kentucky region and is best known for its Reuben and other kosher-style deli offerings.
The Journal-News reports that the Monroe restaurant is planned for the corner of Brooks Drive and State Route 63, in a roughly 1,900-square-foot building with a drive-through, about 70 indoor seats and outdoor seating for around two dozen more. Owner John Geisen told the paper the area "was booming" and said the project could create about 25 jobs. The Journal-News also notes that Izzy's Facebook announcement about the Monroe opening racked up hundreds of thousands of views, a solid hint that locals are more than ready for another source of corned beef.
What To Expect At The Monroe Izzy's
Monroe already appears on the locations page of Izzy's, signaling that the expansion is firmly in the works. Across the chain, the company has been rolling out a modern prototype design that adds LED lighting, a canopy and a drive-thru window to the classic deli experience. That updated look first debuted at the Florence, Kentucky restaurant and is meant to pair Izzy's nostalgic, comfort-food menu with faster, grab-and-go convenience, according to reporting by the Cincinnati Business Courier.
Timeline And Local Impact
Before construction crews can get to work, the project still needs city plan approvals. Izzy's owner told local reporters that once the plans get signed off, the build will move forward with a summer opening as the target. The Dayton Business Journal has detailed the timeline and local context, while the Journal-News highlighted the company’s view that strong traffic on Ohio 63 could help turn the Monroe Izzy's into a go-to stop for both shoppers and commuters.
For a chain that traces its roots back to 1901, the Monroe move marks another quiet but confident step in Izzy's regional growth and a reminder that old-school delis still have serious pull beyond their original neighborhoods. As Cincinnati Magazine has noted, local nostalgia and a tried-and-true menu have long powered the brand's staying power. Soon, residents in Butler and Warren counties will not have to think twice about where to land a Reuben once the Monroe doors finally open.
