Meet Dabriah Rice | Owner, Divine Catering & Events and Co-Founder, 6888 Kitchen Incubator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dabriah Rice and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dabriah, what’s the most important thing you’ve done for your children?
When I started my catering business, it was simply a hobby and a way to earn extra income. However, after becoming a mother, the business took on a deeper meaning – it became about creating a legacy for my children. Through my entrepreneurial journey, I’ve shown my two daughters that hard work, determination, and perseverance truly pay off. I want them to understand that they can achieve anything they set their minds to, without limits. Seeing their mother in various roles – running a business, public speaking, cooking, catering, and performing on stage – creates lasting impressions that empower them. They witness firsthand that women can be successful business owners and multifaceted professionals. This living example, I believe, is the most impactful gift I can give them as a parent.

What should our readers know about your business?
My journey in the culinary world started with family roots – I come from a long line of culinary artists who instilled in me a deep passion for cooking and creative food presentation. What began as Divine Catering & Events 18 years ago has grown into multiple ventures that not only serve our community but help build up other entrepreneurs.

What sets us apart is our commitment to both excellence and empowerment. While we’re known for our Southern-style cuisine and signature dishes like our mouthwatering macaroni & cheese, our true distinction lies in how we’ve expanded beyond traditional catering to create opportunities for others. This vision culminated in co-founding the 6888 Kitchen Incubator, which opened in March 2024 in downtown Dayton, providing aspiring food entrepreneurs with commercial kitchen space and business education.

The journey hasn’t been easy – building a successful catering business requires incredible dedication, long hours, and constant adaptation. But I’ve learned that challenges are opportunities for growth. My education at Sinclair Community College and the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program provided crucial foundations, but the real lessons came from hands-on experience and perseverance.

One of my proudest achievements is establishing the Divine Catering & Events Scholarship fund in 2020. As someone who’s experienced the challenges of building a food business from the ground up, I’m passionate about helping others access the training and resources they need to succeed in this industry.

I want the world to know that Divine Catering & Events represents more than just excellent food and service – we’re about creating pathways for success in our community. Whether through our catering services, our scholarship fund, or our kitchen incubator, everything we do is rooted in the belief that success should be shared. We give all glory to God for our achievements and believe strongly in lifting others as we climb.

The most important lesson I’ve learned is that true success isn’t just about building a profitable business – it’s about creating lasting impact in your community. That’s why we’ve structured our business model to include mentorship, education, and opportunities for other aspiring entrepreneurs. Through initiatives like our Sharpen the Axe program and partnerships with other local non-profits, we’re committed to making a difference beyond the kitchen.

Our brand story is one of persistence, faith, and community. From family recipes to a full-service catering business, to creating a platform for other food entrepreneurs, every step of our journey has been guided by a vision of empowering others while maintaining excellence in everything we do.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
For an unforgettable week in Dayton, I’d start by introducing visitors to our vibrant downtown food scene. The recently opened 6888 Kitchen Incubator showcases some of our city’s most innovative food entrepreneurs under one roof. For more culinary adventures, I recommend the sophisticated atmosphere of Jollity, the creative comfort food at West Social Tap, and the amazing biscuits at Salt Block. Culture, Gather by Ghostlight, Table 33, and Coco’s Bistro round out some of Dayton’s finest dining experiences.

When it comes to nightlife, the historic Oregon District is a must-visit with its unique blend of bars, restaurants, and shops. For a more upscale evening, Tender Mercy offers craft cocktails in an intimate setting, while The Reserve on Third provides great entertainment and atmosphere.

For entertainment, I’d suggest catching a show at the magnificent Schuster Center, challenging friends to classic arcade games at DK Effect, or enjoying a Dayton Dragons baseball game at Day Air Ballpark. Two Social and Scene 75 Entertainment Center offer great options for active fun, while The Neon Movie Theater provides a perfect spot for independent and art house films.

No visit to Dayton would be complete without exploring our rich history at Carillon Historical Park, experiencing hands-on science at the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, or spending a day at the incredible National Museum of the United States Air Force – one of the largest military aviation museums in the world.

To experience local culture and fresh air, I recommend starting a Saturday morning at the 2nd Street Market, where local vendors sell everything from fresh produce to artisanal crafts, followed by a stroll or bike ride through RiverScape MetroPark along the Great Miami River.

This itinerary offers a perfect mix of Dayton’s culinary scene, entertainment venues, cultural institutions, and outdoor spaces, showing visitors why our city is such a special place to live and visit.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout goes to my parents, who have consistently supported every endeavor I’ve undertaken, but I want to especially recognize my father, Dale Ogletree. For over 18 years, he has been the backbone of Divine Catering, serving as both master chef and unwavering supporter. His culinary expertise is behind many of our signature dishes that have delighted countless customers. As a family-owned business, Divine Catering’s success is deeply rooted in his dedication and support. Through every season of change, through moments of doubt when I’ve wanted to quit, and through each new beginning, my father has remained steadfast by my side. His presence and contribution have been invaluable – Divine Catering wouldn’t be what it is today without him. His commitment goes beyond just being a chef; he’s been my right-hand man, mentor, and biggest champion throughout this entire journey.

Website: www.divinecateringevents.com and www.6888kitchen.org

Instagram: @divinecateringdayton and @6888kitchen

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dabriah-rice-2b6bb230/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/divinecateringevents and https://www.facebook.com/6888kitchen

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ohtastefoundation

Image Credits
Shutter Eye Photo