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Authored by Kathleen Leese
For the Miami Valley Today
TROY — Dave Keen acknowledges that he may not fit the typical mold of an Italian restaurant owner, but he is thrilled about the chance to bring Troni Brothers Bella Bistro to the Troy community. This new establishment will offer locals the option to savor sit-down dining, grab a quick lunch, or take advantage of carry-out and delivery services.
Keen shared, "My roots are German, and I'm the only member of my family who was born in the United States." He went on to mention that he has worked as a business consultant for two decades, making the leap to owning Italian restaurants a fresh experience for him. "This is unlike anything I've encountered in my entire life."
When a member of the Troni family chose to sell their business, he took the initiative to purchase it, with the support of his wife Gina and their kids.
"My wife and kids have begun working," he remarked, adding that a member of the Troni family is still employed at each of their sites. He currently owns not just the Troy location, but also those in Xenia and Kettering.
Following the acquisition of the restaurant, Keen reported that business has surged threefold. He mentioned their strong involvement with public schools and their commitment to supporting first responders. The newly established restaurant can be found at 2311 W. Main St. in Troy, occupying the space formerly known as Rapid Fire Pizza.
Keen highlighted that the standout feature of the Troy location is its open kitchen, which provides a view for customers as their meals are being crafted, from the tossing of pizza dough to the sizzling of spaghetti in a frying pan. Additionally, a distinctive aspect is that servers deliver Troni Brothers spices and herbs directly to each table, allowing diners to personalize their dishes.
Although Keen has German heritage, he mentioned that Italian cuisine was a significant part of his childhood, with his mother frequently preparing spaghetti. He noted that the Troni Brothers sauce has a slightly sweeter flavor, which is not due to any added sugar in the recipe.
"The tomatoes we select bring out the sweetness," he remarked, emphasizing that every dish is truly authentic Italian.
Troni presents an extensive selection of Italian cuisine and pizzas, including dishes like chicken salerno, which combines red peppers and sun-dried tomatoes in a creamy white marinara sauce, served with provolone cheese and linguine. Among their offerings, the standout New York style pizza is surprisingly simple: a classic cheese pizza crafted with premium Italian Grande cheese. In addition, Troni features a range of specialty pizzas, calzones, garlic knots, various lasagna options, chicken parmigiana, fettuccine alfredo, spaghetti, and more. One of their signature dishes, the Taste of Italy, includes a delightful trio of meat lasagna, chicken parmigiana, and fettuccine alfredo. They also provide children’s menus and a dedicated lunch menu for guests.
In addition to desserts and soft beverages, Keen mentioned that Troni is in the process of securing a liquor license. The restaurant submitted its application for the license in February 2024.
"There are currently no liquor licenses available in Troy. We were in fourth place on the waiting list, but now we've moved up to third," Keen mentioned, expressing optimism about obtaining the license within the next couple of months.
“It’s unrelated to Troy,” Keen clarified, noting that the number of liquor licenses allocated to each city is set by the state of Ohio. He also mentioned that the city of Troy is equally eager for the opportunity.
The Troy location is set to introduce gift cards, which will be available soon.
Troni Brothers Bella Bistro in Troy is equipped to accommodate large gatherings with their specially designed booth zillas, which are oversized booths perfect for big groups. On Sunday, January 5, they hosted a party of 16 guests, who left a positive review. Furthermore, Keen has some exciting surprises in store for the new location, although he’s keeping the details under wraps for now.
He takes pleasure in assisting his employees in achieving their aspirations.
"I consider myself quite humble and genuinely enjoy assisting others," Keen stated. When Justin Cyr, who is now his general manager, approached him with the question of whether he planned to remain a cook for life, Keen expressed his desire to lend a hand. Upon discovering the Troy location, he appointed Cyr as the general manager. Keen mentioned that he takes pleasure in fostering satisfaction among both his employees and customers.
The Troy location has resumed its normal operating hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Please note that they are closed on Mondays.
A major launch event is scheduled for the next couple of weeks, but Keen is optimistic that community members will visit beforehand.
He described the restaurant as a "cozy atmosphere. Come see us toss the (pizza) dough."
Keen mentioned that they enjoy creating a lively atmosphere and aspire to make it an enjoyable spot for everyone to come together.
“It’s more than just a business; it’s a place for the community. We invite you to experience the welcoming vibe, savor the family-style dining, and leave satisfied with a full belly and some extras to take home. We have an abundance of takeout containers available,” he remarked.
Keen expressed his delight in witnessing customers savor genuine Italian cuisine, stating, "Seeing the smiles on their faces truly means a lot to us."
