About us

Dayton native, Steve Head saw an opportunity when a modest corner of Fairborn near Wright State University and Wright-Patt AFB started to sizzle. In December of 1990, the eagerly-anticipated, Ervin J. Nutter Center opened to fanfare with a full schedule of sporting events, concerts, and other live engagements enticing thousands to the area nightly. After years working in the restaurant and bar business, Steve had been patiently waiting for the right time and place to bring his own fast-casual concept to life. Knowing that folks attending those events would need a casual place to gather with friends for a cold beer and quick bite, the aptly named Cold Beer & Cheeseburgers began serving up their famous, 1/3 lb, burgers and ice-cold beer from custom-made steel bins in the fall of 1991 directly across the street from the new arena. Head’s straight-forward approach to the casual bar and restaurant concept was an instant hit with customers looking for an uncomplicated, affordable dining experience and his quick success caught the eye of seasoned restaurant professional, Bob Byers who opened the second Cold Beer & Cheeseburgers location on S. Jefferson St. Later that year. By 2003, eight Cold Beer & Cheeseburgers restaurants had been opened (seven by franchisees) across the Miami Valley and as far as Covington, KY. In 2013, Byers introduced a more refined version of the Cold Beer & Cheeseburgers concept with the opening of his third restaurant, CBCB Bar & Grill in Beavercreek, OH. This iteration not only offered an expanded menu, but also traded the industrial tubs & domestic bottles for rotating seasonal and local drafts reflecting the growing demand for craft beer in a wide variety of styles. By 2015, only the three locations owned by Byers were still in operation, W. Second St. (moved from Jefferson St. in 2014), Breitenstrater Square, and CBCB Bar & Grill in Beavercreek. By 2019, only the Beavercreek location remained. Separately, two groups were cooking up some new ideas for the future. After 35 years in the restaurant business, Byers was thinking about slowing down. Across town, brother and sister duo, Michelle and Pete Jazenski were ready to make good on an old dream/joke about owning a restaurant together. In November of 2019, fate provided the funniest possible test of their resolve/sanity when they purchased CBCB Bar & Grill mere months before pandemic restrictions changed the service industry permanently. Never known as the quitting-kind, Michelle and Pete rolled up their sleeves and pressed on. Today, no worse for the wear, and crazy as ever, Michelle, Pete, and the CBCB Team are still cooking up great food and fresh ideas in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere.

As the journey progressed, restaurateur Bob Byers joined forces with Steve, launching a second location that quickly thrived. With expansion across the Miami Valley, Cold Beer & Cheeseburgers gained significant recognition and, by 2013, underwent a transformation with the establishment of the CBCB Bar & Grill in Beavercreek, OH. Bob brought sophistication to the original concept, expanding the menu and incorporating a rotating selection of craft beers to cater to evolving tastes.

By 2015, the CBCB Bar & Grill had become the brand's cornerstone, adeptly adapting to the changing desires of its customers. Then, in November 2019, the story evolved further as siblings Michelle and Pete Jazenski pursued their long-held dream of owning a restaurant. Despite taking over on the brink of industry upheaval, they navigated challenges with resilience and creativity.

Today, Michelle and Pete uphold the legacy of the CBCB Bar & Grill, offering a delightful dining experience within an inviting, family-friendly setting.

Thanks to their dedication, the restaurant remains a treasured part of the community, continually delighting patrons with great food and fresh ideas.