Richard Danker sold Dank's Deli to Pedro and Maria Fuentes in 1996. They had worked with him at his Washington D.C. restaurants for many years and had been his long-time business associates. The Fuentes viewed the prospect of owning their own restaurant in Middleburg as a wonderful opportunity.

Maria and Pedro are the parents of two children, Pedro Junior and Alma, and they were very happy to move to a less urban setting in Loudoun County to raise their family.

The fact that the restaurant was just 15 minutes from their home was also terrific. No more wasted commuting time and no more congested traffic. Because the restaurant was already established and because they had worked in Danker's restaurants for so many years, they recognized that their talents and experience would be real assets in Middleburg, and, assuming success, that their future would be much brighter.

Today, Pedro insists his customers are "the best in the world," and Maria is sure "the nicest people in Middleburg eat at Dank's."

Every town that has a variety of eating establishments is blessed in many ways. Middleburg's restaurant variety is delicious because one hardly expects a village of 600 or so residents to be able to support the diversity offered by 16 restaurants. As we all know, our visitors are the ongoing support for all of our businesses and, most certainly, that includes our restaurants.

Dank's has a classic Deli feel with a small counter and table area that ensures all customers will have an opportunity to chat and catch up on community news. The sidewalk café area is packed in good weather and the people watching is scrumptious.

For 13 years Maria and Pedro and their assistants have met customers desires and needs with their ever-changing menus. Maria says their California Cruiser, Santa Fe, Berkley, Philly Cheese Steak and Chicken Hoagie are their most often ordered sandwiches.

Favorite soups include Chicken Gumbo, Chicken Lemon Rice, Boston Clam Chowder, and (OF COURSE!) Chili. Their Grilled Chicken Salad and the Taco Salad are long-time favorites.

Pedro has been a cook all of his adult life and so he is a pro at keeping the orders moving right along and keeping the kitchen calm during the rush hours. That means service at Danks is amazingly good when the line is long.

Dank's is open Monday through Saturday from 10:a.m. to 6:p.m. and many customers rely on them for early supper as well as for lunch. Their Kid's Menu is as down-to-earth as PB&J, Grilled Cheese and Burgers among many other offerings.

The Fuente's son Pedro Junior is married, lives in California and has blessed the family with two grandchildren. Their daughter Alma, is now a second-year student at George Mason University.