Piqua commission tables proposed Fort Piqua Plaza lease after residents question process and competing bid

The Piqua City Commission on June 16 voted to table Resolution R-72-26, which would have authorized a five-year lease with Tai 9 Store 2 LLC doing business as TAI 9 Piqua for the restaurant space at Fort Piqua Plaza.

City staff described the space at 110 West High Street as 3,578 square feet including lobby, restrooms and an outdoor patio, and said the proposed lease would grant up to six months of rent-free fit-out time, require a $7,000 security deposit and set year-one base rent at about $3,578 per month with increases in years two through five (about $4,167/month). The lease would also make the tenant a preferred, but not exclusive, caterer for the plaza’s fourth-floor banquet center and includes a 50/50 cost-share provision for repair or replacement of city-owned kitchen equipment.

Tony Clark, who identified himself as the prospective tenant and owner, told the commission he was excited to open a second location in Piqua after being introduced to the city by staff and the Dayton Business Journal. "Piqua's become the prime spot that I want to be in," Clark said, describing his background restoring historic downtown buildings and operating restaurants.

Public comment ran nearly 90 minutes and included both supporters and critics. Supporters said the space could benefit from a family-style restaurant; one resident said Piqua “does not have a family restaurant” and urged the commission to consider local operators. Several speakers pressed staff and the commission for more transparency in the selection and procurement process, questioned whether competing proposals were considered and flagged apparent inconsistencies in contract language about equipment condition and cost responsibility.

Local restaurateur Tom (recorded in meeting materials as Tom Lrap) told the commission he had submitted a proposal long before the current lease and that his offer included substantially more investment in new kitchen equipment. "I offered to pay $100,000 of my own money to put in brand new kitchen equipment in that restaurant," he said, urging the commission to table the resolution so the commission and community could compare both proposals.

Other commenters raised questions about the building’s basement use (the library's use was mentioned) and whether a right of first refusal for basement space would conflict with current occupants. One commenter also noted an apparent press report quoting a different surname for the prospective tenant; the person who addressed the commission identified himself in person as Tony Clark.

In response to the extended public comment, a motion to table Resolution R-72-26 was made and seconded; the commission voted in favor of tabling the lease pending further review and clarification of proposals and contract language.

The tabling leaves the lease unresolved; staff said more review and information would be provided before the commission considers the item again.