The Eagle is following diners to the suburbs
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The Eagle has landed in Deerfield Township. Photo: Kristen Swilley/Axios
The Eagle is flying north and its newest nest in Deerfield Township says something about how the region is growing.
Why it matters: Warren County has added many new residents in recent years, and the Cincinnati-based restaurant chain is following customers into suburban hubs.
State of play: Thunderdome Restaurant Group has long built its full-service brands around downtowns and dense urban neighborhoods.
- Founders Joe and John Lanni say that's changing, with a goal of reaching people who "just don't get a chance to come downtown quite as often."
The big picture: Warren County's population has grown 6% since 2020 to an estimated 257,181 people in 2025, compared with less than 1% growth statewide.
- The 28-acre District at Deerfield reflects that growth, with plans for 95,000 square feet of restaurant and retail space and 362 apartments in a pedestrian-friendly development.
Flashback: Thunderdome's history tracks closely with Cincinnati's urban renaissance.
- The brothers opened Bakersfield on Vine Street in 2012, followed by The Eagle nearby, before taking the concepts into urban neighborhoods in cities like Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, Detroit and Louisville.
- Thunderdome "rode that urban renaissance, so to speak, throughout the entire decade," but is now looking to expand beyond city centers.
- "We can't expect that somebody's gonna drive past 10 Mexican restaurants to get to Bakersfield," John said. "It just felt right bringing it a little bit closer to home."
What's new: The Deerfield Eagle was designed with its suburban customer in mind.
- A CityBird pickup area caters to takeout and delivery customers, while chicken tenders, lighter sides, additional salads and kid-focused touches expand the menu.
- Sister restaurant Pepp & Dolores is also opening next door.
What's next: The Lannis say they'll remain "slow and steady" with full-service expansion, but aren't ruling out more Greater Cincinnati locations.
- Meanwhile, Thunderdome brand Currito is growing more aggressively, with 35 franchise locations committed in markets radiating out from Cincinnati and Dayton.
If you go: 5200 District Park Drive, Suite G112, Mason. Hours.