WATCH: Meet the new owners of Zinks Meats & Fine Wines in Washington Twp.

A longtime staple of Washington Township’s food scene is stepping into a fresh chapter. In a feature on the Dayton Daily News, residents learned that the beloved specialty shop “Zink’s Meats & Fine Wines” has recently passed into the hands of a new owner‑operator duo. Though the store’s name remains the same, the change of stewardship promises a blend of continuity and innovation that is already sparking excitement in the community.

From Family Tradition to New Vision

Zink’s has been a familiar face in Washington Township for decades. Originally founded by the Zink family in the early 1980s, the shop began as a small neighborhood butcher and slowly expanded into a boutique that offered premium cuts, artisanal sausages, and a curated selection of wines. Over the years, it earned a reputation for sourcing local meats, engaging with farmers, and providing personalized service—qualities that set it apart from larger chain retailers.

When longtime owner Mark Zink decided to step back, the store’s future hung in the balance. The Dayton Daily News feature highlighted how the local community rallied around the idea of preserving the shop’s heritage while also looking for fresh ideas that could keep it relevant in a rapidly changing retail landscape.

Enter the new owners: Emily and Alex Martinez, a husband‑and‑wife team based in nearby Dayton. The couple, both seasoned professionals in the culinary and hospitality worlds, brought a wealth of experience to the table. Emily, a former executive chef at a Michelin‑starred restaurant, has a keen eye for flavor combinations and a passion for sourcing high‑quality ingredients. Alex, who spent years managing boutique wine shops across the Midwest, has deep knowledge of regional vineyards and an eye for rare bottles.

“We’ve always loved Zink’s,” Emily told the newspaper. “It’s more than a shop; it’s a community hub. We’re excited to keep that spirit alive while adding our own touch.”

Alex added, “The store’s foundation is solid—great inventory, loyal customers, a well‑loved atmosphere. Our goal is to build on that, explore new product lines, and offer experiences that bring people together.”

Expanding the Product Palette

While the core offerings of premium meats and fine wines will remain, the new owners plan to broaden the inventory in several key ways:

Artisanal Cheese and Charcuterie – The Martins are partnering with local dairies and charcuterie makers to bring a rotating selection of cheeses, cured meats, and prepared platters. The goal is to create “ready‑to‑serve” options for parties, office lunches, and casual gatherings.
Sustainable and Ethical Choices – Responding to growing consumer demand for transparency, the shop will feature a new line of grass‑fed, antibiotic‑free meats and sustainably sourced seafood. Labels will clearly indicate the farm or producer, reinforcing the store’s commitment to local and responsible sourcing.
Seasonal and Specialty Items – The shop will showcase seasonal favorites—think smoked turkey for Thanksgiving or truffle‑infused sauces for holiday meals—as well as niche products such as rare wines, craft spirits, and gourmet pantry staples.

New Experiences and Community Engagement

Beyond expanding its product list, the Martins are keen on turning Zink’s into a destination for food lovers and wine enthusiasts. The Dayton Daily News article highlighted several initiatives that will soon roll out:

Wine Tasting Nights – Hosted monthly, these evenings will feature curated tastings of new vintages, often paired with small plates of local cheese and charcuterie. In addition to showcasing the store’s own wines, the event will spotlight regional vineyards, providing patrons with a deeper appreciation for Ohio’s wine scene.
Cooking Classes and Workshops – Leveraging Emily’s culinary expertise, the shop will offer a range of classes, from butchery basics to advanced cooking techniques. Alex’s network of chefs and industry professionals will occasionally be invited to lead specialty sessions on pairing wine with specific cuisines.
Online Ordering and Delivery – Recognizing the convenience of e‑commerce, Zink’s will roll out an online platform that allows customers to browse the entire inventory, place orders for pickup or delivery, and even schedule personalized consultations with the staff.
Community Partnerships – The new owners plan to collaborate with local farms, wineries, and restaurants. By cross‑promoting each other’s products and events, they hope to strengthen the regional food network and give back to the community that has supported them for years.

A Smooth Transition and Warm Reception

The Dayton Daily News feature also provided a glimpse into the logistical side of the transition. Thanks to the cooperation of the Zink family, the store’s inventory was transferred with minimal disruption. Many of the staff who had worked for the shop for years were retained, ensuring continuity in customer service and product knowledge.

Customers responded positively to the news. “I’ve been coming to Zink’s for my steak dinners for 15 years,” said longtime patron and local accountant Maria Gonzalez. “Knowing that the same people who know me will still be there gives me confidence that the shop’s quality will stay the same.”

Looking Ahead

Zink’s Meats & Fine Wines is poised to honor its storied past while embracing new opportunities. With a strong commitment to quality, community, and experiential retail, the Martins aim to make the shop an even more integral part of Washington Township’s culinary landscape.

The Dayton Daily News will continue to follow the store’s progress, offering readers firsthand accounts of the new tasting events, product launches, and the evolving role of specialty food retailers in the digital age.

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Read the Full Dayton Daily News Article at:
[ https://www.daytondailynews.com/food/watch-meet-the-new-owners-of-zinks-meats-fine-wines-in-washington-twp/257156f4-e05f-4133-837e-3bb385d3f86d/ ]

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