Monique Mickle

A proud Fort Worth, Texas native, Monique Mickle has always found solace in the kitchen. From an early age, she cherished hours spent watching her mother cook with self-taught grace and creativity, and today, attributes this as the beginning of her lifelong love of food.

In 2012, Mickle transformed her passion into a profession, relocating to the Lowcountry to pursue a career in the restaurant industry. She began humbly, accepting her first kitchen role as a dishwasher at Stars Rooftop & Grill. Embracing every opportunity to learn from the seasoned chefs around her, Mickle spent her off-hours refining her skills at home. Her dedication paid off when she was promoted to lead Stars’ banquet operations.

Mickle quickly built a reputation for excellence and determination within Charleston’s vibrant culinary community. She joined The Darling Oyster Bar as a prep cook and rapidly worked her way up to a full-time line cook. As her talent and leadership abilities continued to shine, she accepted her first sous chef role at Millers All Day before returning to The Darling in 2021 as sous chef. Today, she proudly leads the kitchen as Executive Chef.

A natural leader with an unwavering commitment to her craft, Mickle understands the grit, resilience, and dedication required to succeed in the culinary industry. She fosters a collaborative, supportive kitchen culture where her team feels empowered to grow, celebrating both individual and collective achievements. Through her hands-on leadership style and focus on maintaining high morale, Mickle has cultivated an environment where her team can thrive both professionally and personally.

In her free time, Mickle treasures time spent with her family. She enjoys quality moments with her beloved daughter, Gabie, and her lifelong partner, Whitney, who continues to inspire her every step of the way.