Family Brings Authentic Pakistani Cuisine to Former Tank’s Bar Location

Dayton, OH – July 2025 — A beloved former Dayton bar is getting a flavorful new lease on life. The former Tank’s Bar & Grill on Wayne Avenue, once a local staple, is now preparing to reopen as Food Castle, a new family-run halal restaurant serving authentic Pakistani and Indian cuisine.

Behind the venture is Nadia Qartain, a first-time restaurateur who is bringing the flavors of her hometown, Karachi, Pakistan, to the heart of Ohio. Set to open later this month, Food Castle promises to introduce locals to rich, home-style meals like biryani, karhai, and barbecue beef bihari — all cooked with love, history, and a deep sense of cultural pride.

A Culinary Dream Born From Family and Heritage

Nadia, who moved to the Dayton area 13 years ago after marrying her husband, Qartain Ahmed, said the idea for the restaurant has been simmering for years. Encouraged by her husband and in-laws, she spent the last two years looking for the right space to bring her vision to life.

“I’ve always loved cooking and sharing food with people. It’s such a big part of my culture and family traditions,” Nadia explained in a conversation with the Dayton Daily News. “At some point I thought, why not share these flavors with the wider community?”

The idea was more than just a business — it was a way to share her identity and introduce Pakistani flavors to a community where, she noted, there are few options for authentic halal South Asian cuisine.

More Than Just Food — A Story of Generations

Many of Nadia’s recipes are steeped in tradition, passed down from her mother and mother-in-law, both of whom inspired her love for cooking. Over time, she’s added her own flair, creating dishes that are both rooted in history and tailored to the tastes of the people around her.

She has regularly prepared food for the local Muslim community during Ramadan and other Islamic celebrations. Over the years, these shared meals have served as both testing ground and motivation. Her children — a 10-year-old daughter and a 6-year-old son — along with her husband and extended family, have all served as eager taste-testers on this journey.

“I know that my community already loves the taste of my food,” Nadia said with a smile. “Now, I’m excited to see if others in Dayton enjoy it just as much.”

A Menu Inspired by Karachi, Built for Dayton

At the heart of Food Castle’s menu is a deep respect for the street food culture and culinary traditions of Karachi — Pakistan’s largest and most diverse city. Barbecue beef bihari, Nadia’s personal favorite, will be one of the restaurant’s signature items. This dish features strips of beef marinated in a blend of aromatic spices, then grilled to smoky perfection — a classic from Karachi’s bustling barbecue stalls.

She also recommends that first-time diners try the biryani, a spiced rice and meat dish that’s both comforting and complex. “Biryani is deeply aromatic and full of flavor, with layers of marinated meat and basmati rice cooked together,” she explained. “It’s the kind of meal that brings people together. It represents my city and culture so well.”

Other highlights from the menu include chicken tikka, seekh kababs, white karhai, and black pepper karhai — dishes that blend heat, herbs, and depth in ways that appeal to both newcomers and seasoned South Asian food lovers.

To round out the meal, Nadia plans to offer a selection of traditional Pakistani desserts, such as kheer (a creamy rice pudding), mango mousse, and mango pineapple delight, providing a sweet ending to a hearty and flavorful experience.

A Community-Oriented Vision

While the food is central to her vision, Nadia says Food Castle is more than just a place to eat. It’s a chance to create community through culture, inviting people from all backgrounds to come together over good food.

“This restaurant is a great option for people looking for a weeknight dinner or even a late-night meal on the weekends,” she said. “But more than that, it’s a place where I hope people feel welcomed, respected, and satisfied.”

She’s especially excited to welcome those unfamiliar with Pakistani cuisine. Her goal is not just to serve food, but to educate, inspire curiosity, and build bridges across cultures.

A New Chapter for a Historic Dayton Address

The space at Wayne Avenue once housed Tank’s Bar & Grill, a longtime favorite among locals. While the menu has changed, the sense of community remains. Nadia hopes to carry forward that legacy by creating a warm, inclusive space where both loyal Tank’s customers and new guests can feel at home.

With plans to open before the end of July, final touches are being made to the interior, which will combine traditional design elements with a modern, cozy ambiance. It’s a reflection of the restaurant’s overall mission — to honor the past while embracing new beginnings.

Food Castle is not just a restaurant opening in a familiar location — it’s a story of immigrant ambition, family support, and the sharing of culture through food. For Nadia Qartain, it’s the realization of a dream and a way to give back to the community she’s called home for over a decade.

In a city where authentic Pakistani food has been limited, Food Castle is a welcome and flavorful addition to Dayton’s diverse culinary scene.