10/09/2026
HAPPIEST OF BIRTHDAYS TO OUR LONGEST-SERVING TEAM MEMBER!
Today we're celebrating someone very special to our Mici family! Our co-founder, Jeff, wanted to share a few words about Mike, our longest-serving team member, who just turned 60! 🎉
Back in 2004, we had just signed the lease on our very first Mici, downtown at 16th and Stout. I walked up to the space the next day and there was a guy waiting outside. He told me he'd worked at the restaurant that was there before and asked us to keep him in mind if we were hiring.
That guy was Mike. We talked, we liked him, and he was there on our very first day. 22 years later, he's still part of our Mici family.
My dad took a liking to Mike right away and taught him all our family recipes, making sure he could prepare everything exactly the way Dad wanted. Mike became our sauce guy, and at one point he was making every sauce for all of our Mici restaurants!
These days, Mike is part of Alex's crew at our Colorado Blvd location. He also helps out in our other kitchens with prep, training on new items, and keeping our equipment running. And believe me, Mike has some strong opinions about how things should be done at Mici. We wouldn't have it any other way.
He's told me more than once that he loves working here because we care so much about quality, and he wants to work somewhere he can be proud of. That means a lot to our family.
Now, a few things you should know about Mike:
Toss something toward a trash can near him and he'll swat it to the floor and yell BLOCKED like he's blocking a layup.
He can be grumpy, and he'll definitely let you know it. But a joke and a smile are usually right behind it.
He loves giving people a hard time, and he can take it just as well. When Mike was about to turn 40, I gave him a REALLY hard time about getting old. I was 34 at the time. Well, Mike, who's laughing now?
We share a love of music, and every year we try to get to a concert together. Wednesday night, we celebrated his 60th at Rush! He allowed exactly ONE picture and grumbled while I was trying to take it. Naturally, I'm sharing it.
❤️ And one of my favorite things about Mike is how he says goodbye to everyone. Whether you're coming or going, you're almost guaranteed to hear him say, "Love you, bye!" That's just Mike.
Our whole family loves this guy. My parents ask about him often. Kim, Michael, and Monica are all still close with him. Our kids love him. Marissa gets to drive him around visiting stores these days, they have a blast exchanging each others favorite songs and singing at the top of thier lungs together!
If you've been to our Colorado Blvd location for lunch on a Monday, Wednesday, or Friday, there's a good chance Mike made your food and might even be the one bringing it out to ask how you like it. Funny enough, that's how he met his girlfriend!
Looking through all these photos from over the years reminds me just how much life we've shared. Restaurants have changed, people have come and gone, our family has grown, and through it all, Mike has been there.
Mike, you're truly a Mici treasure. Thank you for 22 years of hard work, loyalty, friendship, and for caring so much about the food we serve. We're lucky to have you.
And a big thank-you to Alex and the whole Colorado Blvd crew for taking such good care of him.
Happy 60th birthday, buddy! We love you!
Love you, bye! ❤️
— Jeff Miceli, Mici Co-Founder
🎉 NOW WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Over 22 years, Mike has worked alongside hundreds of Mici team members and served countless guests.
Have you worked with Mike, met him at one of our restaurants, or have a favorite Mike story? Help us wish him a happy 60th birthday and share your memories in the comments! We'd LOVE to hear from our former team members, longtime guests, friends, and everyone who knows this one-of-a-kind guy! ❤️
