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Dime Store: All-Day Brunch Restaurant

A culinary journey through bold flavors and innovative twists

Article by Shauna Oliverio & Ann-Marie Murphy

Photography by Jessica Snow Photography

Originally published in Rochester City Lifestyle

Located in the heart of Detroit, Dime Store is more than just a restaurant, it’s a testament to inventive, high-quality brunch and lunch dining. Since its founding in 2014, Dime Store has  captivated food lovers with its imaginative menu, welcoming atmosphere, and the passion of its  founders. As the restaurant expands into Rochester Hills, our community is fortunate to welcome such a unique and thoughtfully crafted approach to food and hospitality. 

Ann-Marie Murphy, one of the founding partners alongside Larry Kahn and Jeff Alexander, shares that the idea for Dime Store was sparked by a simple yet profound moment. Larry, while working at Rocket Mortgage, had a realization that his true passion lay in food rather than sales. This epiphany, combined with the trio’s long-standing friendship and experience in the  restaurant industry, set the wheels in motion and the idea of opening a restaurant to hold. 

“We met over 25 years ago at Max & Erma’s in Ann Arbor, Larry and Jeff were line cooks, and I was a host and expeditor,” Ann-Marie reminisces. Though their careers diverged for a while, the trio always felt the pull back to the restaurant world and they knew the longevity of their friendship would create a strong foundation that would be the key to their founding Dime Stores success.  

From the beginning, the Dime Stores team has been packed with culinary talent. Executive Chef Josh Taylor and George Sleator, both classically trained chefs, have played an integral role in shaping the restaurant’s identity since day one. Chef Aris Nueva Espana, who now leads the  Rochester Hills kitchen, was also part of that early foundation. “This depth of talent was crucial  because we set out to do something different, elevating breakfast, brunch, and lunch by bringing fine-dining techniques into a casual setting” shares Ann-Marie. From their signature  Duck Bop Hash to their indulgent Cheesesteak Benny, or the famous General Tso’s Benny, every dish is a work of art, that is made from scratch with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. “Our focus has always been on the food. Without great food, a restaurant won’t last, so we’ve  consistently refined our dishes, sourced the best ingredients, and pushed creative boundaries  with our chef’s specials” says Ann-Marie.  

But as much as the innovative dishes sets the restaurant apart, it’s the people who truly make Dime Store special. “Our team is friendly, fun, and genuinely engaged with our guests. They’re the kind of people who will sit down and commiserate about your day, recommend the best things to do in Detroit or Rochester Hills, and remember your go-to order” says Ann-Marie.  “That personal connection, combined with incredible food, is what keeps guests coming back,  it’s not just a meal, it’s an experience” she says. The staff fosters an energy that’s both vibrant  and welcoming. As Ann-Marie puts it, “When a team is happy, that feeling is contagious and  Jeff and Larry have been instrumental in fostering a culture that feels like home” shares Ann Marie  

Dime Store is full of subtle nods to Detroit’s past woven into the dining experience. The restaurant’s name pays homage to the historic Dime Savings Bank Building, one of the city’s oldest skyscrapers, built in 1912, where the original Detroit location resides and also to the classic ‘dime stores’ Five and Dimes that were popular in the mid-20th-century America 

including Detroit. Look around, and you’ll spot unique design elements that incorporate mid century touches like 1960’s-style swag globe lamps, antique coffee urns and vintage milkshake  machines. “Another fun detail is our hand-painted murals! Many guests can’t quite place them, but they were inspired by the Mercury Dime, which was in circulation in the first half of the 20th century. Look closely, and you’ll spot both the head of the dime "Winged Liberty" and the  tail, featuring an olive branch” shares Ann-Marie. These details blend nostalgia with modern  flair, giving the Dime Store its distinctive character. 

Dime Store’s unique take on brunch is in high demand in Detroit and is practically busting at the  seams, leading to the decision to expand to Rochester Hills. But this adventure wasn’t just  about growth, it was about finding the right people to carry the restaurant’s culture forward.  Enter George Sleator and Mitch Freem, owners and operators of Dime Store in Rochester Hills. 

George, a seasoned and classically trained chef, began his culinary journey at age 14 in Ann Arbor bussing tables and later trained at the prestigious Stratford Chefs School in Ontario, working alongside talented chefs and local artisans from the Niagara region. With experience at  renowned establishments like Avalon Bakery and an international stage in Slovakia, he honed his skills in baking, production, and fine dining. As a founding team member of Detroit’s  beloved Dime Store, George played a key role in shaping its success, and now, he brings that  same passion and expertise to the Rochester Hills location, ensuring every guest enjoys a  welcoming and delicious brunch experience.  

Mitch grew up in a food-eclectic area of Orange County California but his journey to Dime Store was a bit more unconventional. He spent a few years in Arizona training to achieve his dream of becoming an airline pilot that led to five years flying planes for a handful of airlines. As this became unfulfilling to him, Mitch spent a couple of years running an Aerial drone photography business and then found his way to Michigan to pursue real estate and flip houses, before he finally found his passion in the kitchen. What started as a way to learn how to cook turned into a full-fledged career at Dime Store, where he worked his way up from grill cook to General  Manager. “Dime Store was ready to expand to more locations and needed extra hands to make it happen. I was ready to help, and voilà—Dime Store Rochester was born, and I finally found my happiness” Mitch shares. 

Together, George and Mitch bring a unique synergy to Dime Store Rochester, blending precision, creativity, and a deep love for hospitality. Their diverse backgrounds and shared commitment to excellence create an experience that goes beyond just great food, it’s about community, warmth, and the joy of a perfectly crafted meal. With their leadership, Dime Store Rochester has quickly become more than just a brunch spot; it’s a place where passion meets  purpose, and every guest feels at home.  

As for what’s next, the team is keeping its options open while staying committed to quality over quantity. “We’ve talked about opening more locations, but right now, we’re focused on gaining

more experience in Rochester Hills,” says Ann-Marie. “Expansion is always a possibility but we’re being intentional about when and where we take that next step.” 

“That said, we do have another new food concept in the works in Downtown Detroit and while it is too early to share details, we are excited about what is ahead and hope to have more to  announce soon” shares Ann-Marie.  

For now, Dime Store remains a must-visit destination for brunch lovers, offering an experience that’s as rich in history as it is in flavor. Whether in Detroit or Rochester Hills, one thing is  certain: every meal at Dime Store is crafted with passion, creativity, and a deep love for good food. 

The new 4,000 square foot Rochester Hills location not only offers a high-quality menu but also allows for larger gatherings and expanded catering services.


 

“Our focus has always been on the food. Without great food, a restaurant won’t last, so we’ve consistently refined our dishes, sourced the best ingredients, and pushed creative boundaries with our chef’s specials” says Ann-Marie. 

 “That personal connection, combined with incredible food, is what keeps guests coming back,  it’s not just a meal, it’s an experience” she says.