David Dopkin, the managing partner of Miss Shirley’s Cafe, offers an inside look at the 20-year-old chain, detailing his family’s role in its origins, the lesser-known story behind its name and the operational strategies that fuels its lasting success.
The News-Letter: Could you share the story behind how Miss Shirley’s Cafe got started?
David Dopkin: All right, this is a long story! Our family's venture into the restaurant business began when my late grandfather Michael decided to become a silent partner at a deli in Mt. Washington, Md. The original plan was simple: hire a manager to run the deli while my grandfather collected the profits. However, the manager only lasted six months, so my grandparents and my father ended up running the place themselves.
The name "Miss Shirley’s Cafe" actually comes from a line cook and prep cook who worked at the deli, which was originally called The Beast and Deeds. Shirley, one of the prep cooks, worked closely with my late father Eddie Dopkin. She was a dedicated team member and stayed with us for many years. As our business evolved, we opened a second deli, but as catering gained popularity, we closed the delis and transitioned into a catering operation called The Classic Catering People based in Owings Mills, Md.
Shirley remained with our family business as a prep cook until she passed away a few years before we opened the restaurant. To honor her dedication and loyalty to our family’s first venture, my father decided to name the cafe after her. While some guests think she created all the recipes, she actually never worked at the cafe itself. Still, we know she would be proud of the talented culinary team that develops our seasonal menus.
The birth of Miss Shirley’s Cafe was somewhat unexpected. After moving on from The Classic Catering People, my father opened a Tex-Mex restaurant called Loco Hombre in Roland Park, Md. It was a casual spot with Tex-Mex offerings — way before Tex-Mex became trendy — and my father was quite the visionary. Loco Hombre’s popularity led us to take over Alonso's — a neighboring bar — due to overwhelming demand. So, we found ourselves running both a Tex-Mex and an Italian restaurant.
Next, we aimed to acquire a parking lot across the street from these restaurants to accommodate our customers, but instead, we decided to open Miss Shirley's Cafe — a Southern-inspired, upscale, casual breakfast, brunch and lunch spot. It quickly became incredibly popular among the surrounding neighborhoods and college students.
N-L: Let’s talk about the menu items. Are there any favorites or unique dishes you offer, and what makes them stand out?
DD: One of our signature dishes is "Get Your Grits On," which puts a fun twist on classic shrimp and grits. Instead of serving it in a bowl, we plate jumbo blackened shrimp on fried green tomato slices atop stone-ground grits with bacon. The dish is drizzled with a dynamite sauce. It even appeared on Food Network’s "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" with Guy Fieri!
COURTESY OF MISS SHIRLEY’S CAFÉ
Miss Shirley’s Café’s "Get Your Grits On" takes shrimp and grits to the next level, delivering a mouthwatering twist on the classic dish.
N-L: I heard you won “Restaurateur of the Year” from the Restaurant Association of Maryland — that's a huge honor! What are your secrets to maintaining exceptional customer service and making your restaurant stand out?
DD: Consistency and follow-through are everything. We make it a point to deliver high-quality, beautifully presented meals and exceptional hospitality across all locations. Our loyalty program rewards frequent guests, and we always thank our customers for choosing us. We also focus on eco-friendly products — sourcing local, cage-free eggs and environmentally conscious items.
Training is another critical component. As former teachers, my wife and I bring organizational skills into the business through structured manuals and policies. Regular morning meetings, signage and training materials keep everyone on the same page, but we also express appreciation with team activities, raffles and other events. Team bonding is a huge part of Miss Shirley's culture, and we encourage staff to suggest activities and participate in volunteer work to support our community.
As we celebrate our 20th anniversary at Miss Shirley’s Cafe, I’m proud that many of our managers have been with us for over a decade, creating a close-knit, second family atmosphere. Our success truly relies on the dedication of our team.
COURTESY OF MISS SHIRLEY’S CAFÉ
Miss Shirley’s Café recognizes two more longtime team members as they celebrate their 10th anniversary with the café.
N-L: What challenges have you faced while running the business and how did you overcome them?
DD: One of the biggest challenges has been adapting to rapid changes and meeting high demand. When we first opened, we underestimated just how popular the restaurant would become, resulting in long wait times and a bit of a scramble to accommodate everyone. Within two years, we responded by doubling the restaurant's size and eventually expanding to additional locations to serve more guests.
However, the journey wasn't without personal challenges: After my father passed away, we faced a period of uncertainty. During this time, we leaned heavily on a dedicated and well-trained core team, whose commitment helped keep everything running smoothly.
When the pandemic hit, we had to pivot quickly once again by implementing delivery services and setting up takeout windows to continue serving our customers safely. Throughout it all, flexibility and adaptability have been the keys to navigating each obstacle and maintaining our standards of service.
N-L: What does the term cafe mean to you and what experience do you hope customers have?
DD: To me, a cafe should be a warm, welcoming and cheerful space where guests feel truly at home. Beyond offering great service and high-quality, beautifully presented food, it’s about creating a memorable experience — whether it’s through a comforting meal, friendly conversation or simply enjoying the atmosphere. Our goal is for every customer who walks through the door to leave feeling happier and more connected.
N-L: How do you engage with both loyal and new customers?
DD: Social media plays a big role in how we connect with our community, whether it’s highlighting specials, running contests or sharing news about local events. We’ve also built strong connections through our loyalty program, various partnerships and charitable events — all of which help us reach and engage with different groups of customers. Customer feedback is another vital component: We actively listen and respond to both positive and negative comments. Constructive feedback shapes how we train our staff and improve our offerings, ensuring that we continue to grow and meet our customers’ expectations.
N-L: Lastly, any exciting developments to share?
DD: We’re thrilled to be celebrating our 20th anniversary with special menu items to mark the occasion. In addition, we launched a $5,000 scholarship at Morgan State University to support students pursuing careers in hospitality — a way for us to give back to the community that has supported us for so many years. We’re also focused on strengthening our community bonds through various partnerships and outreach efforts. We’re deeply grateful to our loyal customers and our hardworking team who have made this milestone possible.
COURTESY OF MISS SHIRLEY’S CAFÉ
Miss Shirley’s Café partners with the International School of Protocol to help children enhance their social dining skills and enjoying delicious dishes.
