- November 16, 2024
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Chris Chibarro stands outside Millie's North. Photo courtesy of Millie's North
Millie's North employees celebrate the opening of the restaurant. Photo courtesy of Jeff Stolowitz Photography
Chris Chibarro with father Sal Chibbaro. Photo courtesy of Millie's North
Filet and shrimp fondue. Photo courtesy of Millie's North
Smoked local fish dip. Photo courtesy of Millie's North
A new restaurant opened at 330 S. Atlantic Avenue on Feb. 10, offering fresh seafood sourced from local fishermen, plus a full bar and cocktail list.
Millie’s North — owned by husband and wife Chris and Amy Chibbaro, plus a private owner — is named after the Chibbaros’ pet dog, Millie. The restaurant’s original location, Millie’s Restaurant and Catering, in Daytona Beach Shores, opened in 2018.
Chris Chibbaro had moved to the Ormond Beach area from New Jersey in 2001, and fell in love with the region.
Some obstacles interrupted the Chibbaros’ initial attempt to open in Ormond, and a regional partner died unexpectedly shortly before the move.
But the Ormond Beach location made its debut not long after.
The restaurant focuses on seafood that’s not only fresh, but local.
“It always upsets us that almost all the fish that is caught around here is exported out,” Chris Chibarro said.
Chris Chibbaro said his favorite dish on the menu is the shrimp francaise — local shrimp, angel hair pasta and lemon caper beurre blanc.
He described Millie’s North’s motto as “Positive Mental Attitude,” or PMA, an acronym posted throughout the kitchen for employees to see.
“I love high quality food and things that are delicious and everything, but for me, it’s more about being a catalyst for people to create memories,” he said. “The best compliment that I’ve ever had was when somebody told me that, ‘We got in the car to come tonight, and I told my wife it felt like we were going to a neighbor’s house for dinner.’”
The restaurant’s Daytona Beach Shores location was featured in Season 36 of Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.”
The Chibarros have two young daughters who admire their parents’ businesses, and enjoy growing up in the environment.
The Ormond Beach location is currently closed on Mondays and open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. The Daytona Beach Shores location is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week.
Millie’s North is located at 330 S. Atlantic Ave. in Ormond Beach. The Daytona Beach Shores location is located at 3218 S. Atlantic Ave.
