The restaurant replaced Leo's Non-Smoking Coffee Shop, which was owned by Peter and Jane Chan for thirty years.
When Leo's closed in February 2014, rumors had already circulated about restaurateur and developer Dayna McErlean's plans to open a more upscale diner.
The Dime Store's concept was created by McErlean and Jeremy Larter, and was inspired by the soda shops they both experienced growing up on the East Coast.
Prior to the restaurant's opening, plans were to serve breakfast and lunch during mid-week hours, with the potential to later add happy hour and family-friendly dinner options, as well as outdoor seating.

The Dime Store opened in the early summer of 2014 (June–July), with a grand opening on June 16.
It began operating with a limited menu during the hours of 7am to 3pm; hours were later extended to 6pm.
The restaurant's weekend brunch launched in July, offering a larger menu from 9am to 3pm.

The restaurant closed in November 2015.
The owners posted online, "It was a hard decision but sadly we have decided to close our doors.
Thanks to everyone that's supported us and have dined with us.
We will miss you all and happy holidays!"
Willamette Week's Martin Cizmar attributed the diner's closure to its location and lack of nearby foot traffic.
Oregon Liquor Control Commission documentation from March 2016 shows an application for a tradename update to The Daily Feast.
The restaurant replaced Leo's Non-Smoking Coffee Shop, which was owned by Peter and Jane Chan for thirty years. When Leo's closed in February 2014, rumors had already circulated about restaurateur and developer Dayna McErlean's plans to open a more upscale diner. The Dime Store's concept was created by McErlean and Jeremy Larter, and was inspired by the soda shops they both experienced growing up on the East Coast. Prior to the restaurant's opening, plans were to serve breakfast and lunch during mid-week hours, with the potential to later add happy hour and family-friendly dinner options, as well as outdoor seating.
The Dime Store opened in the early summer of 2014 (June–July), with a grand opening on June 16. It began operating with a limited menu during the hours of 7am to 3pm; hours were later extended to 6pm. The restaurant's weekend brunch launched in July, offering a larger menu from 9am to 3pm.
The restaurant closed in November 2015. The owners posted online, "It was a hard decision but sadly we have decided to close our doors. Thanks to everyone that's supported us and have dined with us. We will miss you all and happy holidays!" Willamette Week's Martin Cizmar attributed the diner's closure to its location and lack of nearby foot traffic. Oregon Liquor Control Commission documentation from March 2016 shows an application for a tradename update to The Daily Feast.
Dime Store (Portland, Oregon)