By: Chris Scharf
In June of 2022, the beloved 416 Diner on Fifth Street was forced to close its doors after five years of serving Daytonians with delicious food and an atmosphere like none other. Upon the stores closing, the owner took to Facebook to address the concerns of its many loyal customers. “I have made the somber decision to close 416 Diner’s current location in The Oregon District.”, the post read. “416 Diner opened our doors to you on July 7th 2017. We have had the honor and privilege of serving this great community these past 5 years. Our pride in product and service is only surpassed by the multitude of new friends we made along the way.”. With the diner’s closing, the ecosystem of Fifth Street’s tight-knit circle of small business owners has been sorely missing a casual dining option for people looking to enjoy a nice meal without overspending.
Since the Diner’s closing, the building has been owned by Sweet P’s Handcrafted Ice Pops. However, there have been whispers that a new chef will be
working in the space and adding a new face to Dayton’s culinary scene. Chef Dane Shipp, a Dayton Native and Sinclair Alumni, began working at Lock 27 Brewery on First Street in 2017 and later became the Head Chef after graduating from Sinclair College’s Culinary Arts Program. Now a Seasoned Chef with an arsenal of amazing recipes at his disposal, Dane Shipp will be opening his own restaurant, Culture by Chef Dane this spring. The official opening date is yet to be determined.
Boston Priest, a Dayton Local, had a chance to give his thoughts on the new restaurant. “It was a shame what happened with 416, since I used to eat there with my roommate all the time.” Priest added. “I’ve known about Chef Dane for a few months now, he’s super active on Instagram.”. I asked Mr. Priest if he’s ever had a chance to try any of Chef Dane’s food. “He’s been doing pop-up events at different places for a while now, I was actually over at Toxic [Brewery] last Thursday and he was out there making tacos for everyone. That was the best 15 bucks I spent all week.”
With amazing local businesses like Omega Music, Brim on Fifth, and Wiley’s Comedy Club, fifth street is and always will be the beating heart of Dayton’s culture. With a brand new building to serve people in and a dedicated following of foodies, many are cheering for the new restaurant’s success.
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