Two new restaurants are coming to the Atlantic Park development near The Dome entertainment venue.
Mi Vida, a Mexican restaurant, and The Grill, an upscale steakhouse, plan to open by mid-November. They will become the brands’ fourth and second locations, respectively, and the first ones in the state. The others are in Washington, D.C.
Expanding to Virginia Beach appealed to the restaurant group’s owners and founders, Jason Berry and Michael Reginbogin, because of the city’s distance from the nation’s capital, its busy tourist scene and the mixed-used environment backed by celebrity and native Pharrell Williams.
Their D.C.-based Knead Hospitality and Design has grown to nine full-service restaurant and fast-casual brands since 2015. Mi Vida was named one of the Top 100 independent restaurants with the highest-grossing sales in 2023 and 2024 by Restaurant Business.
Menus were updated at their existing restaurants in anticipation of the new venues.
Berry said Mi Vida — Spanish for “my life,” and known for its tacos — would serve cuisine from all over Mexico, including classic cochinita (braised pork), smashburger tacos and four new fajitas introduced this year, including vegetarian and vegan options. It will feature about 15 small plates as well.
The margaritas, of course, are a big seller, but customers can also sip nonalcoholic beverages and half-strength drinks (1 ounce of liquor rather than 2) at the massive 9,000-square-foot, two-level spot.
At The Grill, customers can expect an open and airy design and a variety of steaks, seafood and the popular wedge salad — maple-braised bacon, marinated tomatoes and onions, and blue cheese. The steak butter is also a hit, but the ingredients are a proprietary secret.
The martinis are a big deal, Berry said, and people also can choose from a 300-bottle wine list.
The two restaurants together will employ nearly 200 people and are hiring at 350 20th St., Suite 123, in Virginia Beach.
“We believe in the development and the people that created it,” Berry said.