Lexington, Kentucky, January 10, 2026
DV8 Kitchen, a family-owned restaurant in Lexington, Kentucky, has been awarded the title of Small Business of the Year. The recognition by Commerce Lexington highlights the restaurant’s commitment to providing jobs to individuals in recovery from substance abuse and its impactful community programs.
Lexington, Kentucky – DV8 Kitchen Recognized as 2025 Small Business of the Year
Lexington’s DV8 Kitchen has been honored as the 2025 Small Business of the Year by Commerce Lexington, highlighting its dedication to providing employment opportunities for individuals in recovery and its significant impact on the community through various programs and educational efforts.
About DV8 Kitchen
Established in 2017 by Rob and Diane Perez, DV8 Kitchen is a family-owned restaurant in Lexington, Kentucky, committed to offering second-chance employment to individuals in early stages of recovery from substance abuse. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and brunch, with all bread and pastries made on-site. Employees gain hands-on experience in both kitchen and customer-facing roles, with opportunities to choose between front-of-house and back-of-house positions. The restaurant partners with local recovery homes, allowing residents to gain work experience while continuing their recovery journey. Additionally, DV8 Kitchen collaborates with community organizations like Natalie’s Sisters to support various causes, such as collecting blankets for trafficking survivors. Through these initiatives, DV8 Kitchen aims to provide employment with dignity and respect, remove the stigma of addiction in the workplace, and support individuals in rebuilding their lives.
Recent Recognition
In October 2025, Commerce Lexington named DV8 Kitchen the 2025 Small Business of the Year. This award acknowledges the restaurant’s commitment to providing employment opportunities for individuals in recovery and its impact on the community through various programs and educational efforts.
Community Engagement and Support
DV8 Kitchen actively engages with the community by hosting bi-weekly workshops designed to teach life skills, enrich life experiences, and build a positive work environment. These workshops cover topics such as interviewing skills, professionalism, personal responsibility, conflict resolution, integrity, personal finances, teamwork, guest services, and legal resources. The restaurant also partners with local organizations and treatment centers, like Shepherd’s House, to identify and hire individuals in recovery. Beyond employment, DV8 Kitchen provides community, purpose, and job skills through volunteer-taught workshops and mentoring, equipping employees to continue rebuilding their lives.
Expansion and Growth
Despite challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, DV8 Kitchen has continued its mission of supporting individuals in recovery. In fall 2021, the restaurant opened a second location with a larger bakery on Lexington’s Third Street, expanding its reach and impact within the community.
Conclusion
DV8 Kitchen exemplifies the critical role small businesses play in uplifting and building community. Through its commitment to second-chance employment, community engagement, and support for individuals in recovery, the restaurant continues to make a significant impact in Lexington, Kentucky.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is DV8 Kitchen?
DV8 Kitchen is a family-owned restaurant in Lexington, Kentucky, established in 2017 by Rob and Diane Perez. The restaurant is committed to offering second-chance employment to individuals in early stages of recovery from substance abuse, providing them with opportunities to rebuild their lives through work.
What services does DV8 Kitchen provide?
DV8 Kitchen serves breakfast, lunch, and brunch, with all bread and pastries made on-site. Employees gain hands-on experience in both kitchen and customer-facing roles, with opportunities to choose between front-of-house and back-of-house positions. The restaurant partners with local recovery homes, allowing residents to gain work experience while continuing their recovery journey. Additionally, DV8 Kitchen collaborates with community organizations like Natalie’s Sisters to support various causes, such as collecting blankets for trafficking survivors.
What recent recognition has DV8 Kitchen received?
In October 2025, Commerce Lexington named DV8 Kitchen the 2025 Small Business of the Year. This award acknowledges the restaurant’s commitment to providing employment opportunities for individuals in recovery and its impact on the community through various programs and educational efforts.
How does DV8 Kitchen engage with the community?
DV8 Kitchen actively engages with the community by hosting bi-weekly workshops designed to teach life skills, enrich life experiences, and build a positive work environment. These workshops cover topics such as interviewing skills, professionalism, personal responsibility, conflict resolution, integrity, personal finances, teamwork, guest services, and legal resources. The restaurant also partners with local organizations and treatment centers, like Shepherd’s House, to identify and hire individuals in recovery. Beyond employment, DV8 Kitchen provides community, purpose, and job skills through volunteer-taught workshops and mentoring, equipping employees to continue rebuilding their lives.
Has DV8 Kitchen expanded its operations?
Yes, despite challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, DV8 Kitchen has continued its mission of supporting individuals in recovery. In fall 2021, the restaurant opened a second location with a larger bakery on Lexington’s Third Street, expanding its reach and impact within the community.
Key Features of DV8 Kitchen
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Second-Chance Employment | Offers employment opportunities to individuals in early stages of recovery from substance abuse, providing them with a chance to rebuild their lives through work. |
| Community Engagement | Hosts bi-weekly workshops covering life skills, partners with local organizations like Shepherd’s House to identify and hire individuals in recovery, and collaborates with community groups like Natalie’s Sisters to support various causes. |
| Expansion | Opened a second location with a larger bakery on Lexington’s Third Street in fall 2021, expanding its reach and impact within the community. |
| Recognition | Named the 2025 Small Business of the Year by Commerce Lexington, acknowledging its commitment to providing employment opportunities for individuals in recovery and its impact on the community. |
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