BEAUMONT, Texas — A Beaumont man is determined to continue turning his life around through his new business after spending four years in prison.
Micah August is the owner of Mikee's Kitchen on Magnolia Avenue. Here he combines his culinary skills with his love for people.
August isn't a typical restaurant owner and while he's had a bumpy past he's forging a positive future. He's making it all happen one plate and one customer at a time.
"I like to cook breakfast, lunch, whatever," said August.
The day usually begins early for August.
"That's the first thing, once I get the grits I'm smooth sailing," he said.
After that he moves to cutting up sausage for the seafood gumbo, all in preparation for the Sunday rush.
"I just like when I cook and when people eat it I like to see their face and when they hit their little dance move like 'ohh this food is good'," August said.
It hasn't been easy for August, who is also a father of one. The restaurant has only been open for a month.
"When I first started cooking was when I got laid off from my plant job that I had when I first came home from being incarcerated," August told 12News.
August says he doesn't keep it a secret to staff or customers that he spent almost four years in prison.
"Me dealing with the streets it got me where I went. But I don't regret it at all it's just an eye opener and a lesson. If it wasn't for that I wouldn't be here today," he said.
His past made it hard for August to find steady work.
"It was just hard, like a lot of people don't want to hire you," he told 12News.
So in 2021 he took a chance on himself and began selling plates. He then bought his first food truck and eventually opened his first restaurant in the north end of Beaumont.
"I knew I didn't want to settle. I knew I was worth more than that," said August.
He has advice for people at home, hoping to rewrite their stories too.
"Just stay positive and change your thought process," he shared.
August says he plans to expand to a second location in Beaumont by next year and he's always looking to help men and women looking for a second chance.