At age 15, Chef Michael Mills decided that a career in culinary arts was his passion.  He started his journey with a job as a dishwasher in a local restaurant while in high school. 

​

After high school graduation he attended two years at Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte NC graduating with an Associates Degree in Culinary Arts.  From there he cooked from Charlotte to Kansas City and back.  He practiced his craft in upscale restaurants and family fun spots, all the while planning for his own restaurant.

​

In 2016 Mike, with his wife Kelly and their adorable daughter Alandra, moved back to Elizabeth City.  After visiting a local brewery in downtown Elizabeth City Mike and Kelly knew it was time to pursue his dream of his own restaurant and downtown Elizabeth City was the place to be.  The Mills Downtown Bistro is the result of that dream.