D Mike’s is more than just a restaurant—it’s a testament to the power of dreams, hard work, and community spirit. This story is not just about great food; it’s about a family’s journey to bring their dream to life.
A Dream Years in the Making
For Mike and Kellie Daniels, owners of D Mike’s, the restaurant business is in their blood. Recently, the couple officially took over D Michael B’s, a beloved local eatery that was a community staple in Alexandria for 37 years, and they are committed to continuing the restaurant’s legacy.
The Daniels have years of experience in the food service industry, including extensive time working at D Michael B’s under the previous owners. As the couple shared, “This restaurant has always been our calling, a dream we’ve nurtured ever since we started in the industry.”
Honoring a Legacy, Embracing the Future
D Mike’s operates with a respect for the legacy of D Michael B’s. The restaurant’s guiding principle—”Legacy Inspired, Community Infused”—reflects their commitment to honoring the past while creating something new for the future.
“We never want to forget where our roots came from, and we always wanted to stay true to that,” the Daniels explained.
This commitment to legacy extends beyond the name. Many of the design elements and menu items at D Mike’s are inspired by D Michael B’s, with the addition of a modern twist that makes the dining experience uniquely their own. The Daniels have also maintained the restaurant’s strong connection to the community.
“The community support is truly incredible, and without our community, we wouldn’t have our business.”
A Family Affair
The Daniels’ three daughters are all involved in the restaurant, contributing to the welcoming atmosphere that keeps customers coming back. Their oldest daughter waitresses, the middle daughter hostesses, and their youngest, despite being just 11 years old, helps run food and even has a dessert named after her on the menu—the Brookie, a baked chocolate chip cookie brownie topped with caramel and ice cream— which has quickly become a customer favorite.
“Our family time is here, really,” the Daniels said. “It’s been super fun to incorporate our kids into the business, and it makes the experience even more special for us.”
Looking Ahead
As the owners of D Mike’s look to the future, they have big plans to continue evolving and enhancing the dining experience. A significant part of this vision involves the introduction of a private dining room, where guests can reserve the space for special events and enjoy customized menus tailored to their needs.
“We’re excited to introduce our private dining room, where guests can reserve the space and enjoy customized menus tailored to their event.”
In addition, D Mike’s is expanding its offerings with new catering options, business lunches, and a fresh menu set to launch in September.
Community at the Heart of Everything
What sets D Mike’s apart is not just its delicious food and welcoming atmosphere, but its connection to the Alexandria community. The owners are hands-on, present in the restaurant every day, and actively engage with their customers.
“The feedback from our customers—their smiles, their gratitude—is the most rewarding part of this journey,” the Daniels said.
We are thrilled to support D Mike’s as they continue to build their dream. Their story is a shining example of how passion, family, and community can come together to create something truly special.
Head to D Mike’s to enjoy a meal with family, celebrate a special occasion in the private dining room, or to try out their latest menu offerings and support a local business that’s rooted in legacy and driven by a bright future.
Editor’s Note: West Central Initiative provides loans for entrepreneurs in our service area and offers several different loan packages. For information or other loan questions, contact Greg Wagner at greg@old.wcif.org.
