Lexington, KY, August 17, 2025
News Summary
DV8 Kitchen in Lexington, KY has been honored with the title of 2025 Small Business of the Year for its impactful Second Chance Employment Program. Founded in 2017, the restaurant focuses on supporting individuals recovering from addiction, providing them with essential job opportunities. The award acknowledges DV8 Kitchen’s commitment to reducing stigma and collaborating with recovery homes, ensuring meaningful support for its employees. Despite challenges posed by the pandemic and rising food costs, DV8 Kitchen continues to flourish and engage the community through various initiatives and workshops.
Lexington, KY – DV8 Kitchen has been awarded Commerce Lexington’s prestigious title of 2025 Small Business of the Year for its impactful Second Chance Employment Program. This recognition was announced during a recent ceremony, highlighting the restaurant’s commitment to supporting individuals in recovery from addiction.
Founded in 2017, DV8 Kitchen specializes in breakfast and baked goods and is strategically located on Broadway and Third Street in Lexington. Owned by Diane and Rob Perez, the restaurant aims to provide meaningful job opportunities to individuals overcoming addiction, assisting them in reintegrating into the workforce and society.
The owners expressed their gratitude for the recognition, stating they were “beyond humbled” seeing their efforts acknowledged. DV8 Kitchen aims to reduce the stigma associated with addiction while promoting sustainable employment for its staff, many of whom have experiences of incarceration in their backgrounds.
To bolster these efforts, the business created the Vocational Training Foundation, which provides resources and support to employees. This foundation has ensured that DV8 Kitchen remains a beacon of hope for those in recovery, as the restaurant collaborates with recovery homes to employ residents actively working on their sobriety.
Despite facing operational challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, DV8 Kitchen opened a second location and a wholesale bakery in Lexington’s East End in August 2021. The restaurant’s commitment to community engagement is demonstrated through hosting public workshops on critical topics such as Narcan administration, overdose awareness, and the importance of second chance employment.
The staff of DV8 Kitchen participates in a series of workshops designed to cultivate essential life skills, personal finance awareness, teamwork, and career development. Furthermore, DV8 Kitchen organizes an annual run, with this year’s event scheduled for August 16 at the Keeneland Race Course, to fundraise for the Vocational Training Foundation.
During the accolade presentation, Rob Perez credited the award to the hard work and dedication of his employees, underscoring that the recognition is a reflection of their collective efforts. The award was artistically crafted by local ceramics artist Wyman Rice. Other notable recipients at the Commerce Lexington event included BACK Construction for Business Success and the Hope Center for Nonprofit Community Impact.
The Community Awards Luncheon is held as part of the city’s annual recognition of Business Month in August, aiming to shine a light on the significant contributions of small businesses within Lexington. Commerce Lexington’s President and CEO emphasized the crucial role of small businesses in the local economy and community fabric.
As DV8 Kitchen continues its mission, it faces challenges such as rising inflation, particularly a 121% increase in egg prices. In response, the restaurant has temporarily adjusted its menu prices to maintain operations while ensuring the quality of its offerings.
Key Statistics
- Established: 2017
- Locations: Two (including a wholesale bakery)
- Recognized as Small Business of the Year: August 2025
- Annual Run Event: August 16, 2025
- Increase in Egg Prices: 121%
Background Context
DV8 Kitchen was founded with a mission to aid individuals emerging from addiction by offering them a place to work and supporting their recovery journey. The restaurant has become an integral part of the community, not only due to its culinary offerings but also through its educational workshops and networking opportunities aimed at fostering a supportive environment for those in recovery. The ongoing collaboration with recovery homes reflects the establishment’s dedication to social responsibility and community well-being.
FAQs
What is DV8 Kitchen’s main mission?
DV8 Kitchen’s main mission is to provide employment opportunities for individuals recovering from addiction.
When was DV8 Kitchen established?
DV8 Kitchen was established in 2017.
What recent recognition did DV8 Kitchen receive?
DV8 Kitchen was recognized as Commerce Lexington’s 2025 Small Business of the Year for its Second Chance Employment Program.
What is the significance of the Vocational Training Foundation?
The Vocational Training Foundation supports employees by offering resources and training to assist them in their recovery and employment journey.
How does DV8 Kitchen contribute to the community?
DV8 Kitchen contributes to the community by hosting workshops on crucial topics and organizing events that benefit its Vocational Training Foundation.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Established | 2017 |
| Owners | Diane and Rob Perez |
| Specialization | Breakfast and baked goods |
| Mission | Provide employment for those in recovery |
| Awards | 2025 Small Business of the Year |
| Second Location | Opened August 2021 |
| Annual Run Event | August 16, 2025 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Lexington Honors Small Businesses
Dad’s Favorites Deli Ranks Among Top Independent Restaurants
Additional Resources
- Lex 18: DV8 Kitchen Awarded 2025 Small Business of the Year
- Kentucky.com: DV8 Kitchen Recognition
- Lane Report: DV8 Kitchen Awarded
- Visit Lex: DV8 Kitchen Overview
- Wikipedia: Small Business
- Google Search: DV8 Kitchen
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
