Warrenton Sports a Glorious New Restaurant

Warrenton Sports a Glorious New Restaurant

By Leonard Shapiro

Glory Days is now open in Warrenton

Richard Danker, a co-founder and owner of Glory Days Grill.

“Play Ball,” has to be Richard Danker’s all-time favorite expression. It’s part of his email address, his cell phone’s call-back message and often at the end of his written correspondence, texts included.

The long-time Middleburg resident has been a baseball fan and all-sports lover going back to a childhood that included frequent visits to RFK Stadium to watch the old Washington Senators, including their very last game in 1969.

He’s coached he and his wife Janet’s now-adult two boys in youth sports, and these days, he’s one of three partners who own sports-themed restaurants in Northern Virginia, Richmond, Maryland, West Virginia, North Carolina and Florida. In 2021, “Glory Days Grill” celebrated 25 years since the company opened its first eatery in Burke.

The 40th opened in Warrenton in mid-April. The ribbon-cutting was at 3:30 p.m. and the first meals were served 30 minutes later from a diverse menu loaded with popular items like juicy ribs, bulging burgers, and serious salads. Even gluten free dishes are available and food choices definitely “cover all the bases.”

“We wanted to have a sports-themed American grill that catered to families, local kids sports teams and people who just like good food,” Danker said. “We hire local high school kids, many in their first job. We also sponsor Little League and youth soccer teams wherever we’re located.”

Danker comes by it naturally. His family ran the now-closed Danker’s steakhouse on E Street in the District for many years, and he washed dishes there at 15. The Middleburg Deli began as Dank’s Deli in 1994 before Danker sold it Pedro and Maria Fuentes so he could focus on Glory Days. Both had once worked for him in the D.C. restaurant. His two Glory Days partners, Jeff Newman and Bob Garner, also have significant restaurant chops, as does executive vice president and director of operations Gary Cohen. Why Glory Days and not “Play Ball?” According to its web site, it’s “a nod to the “Glory Days” or the “good ole’ days” of sports and highlights famous moments in sports history….We strive to maintain three pillars of focus: commitment to quality food and ingredients, a love of sports and generosity in the surrounding community.”

That generosity includes charitable fundraising. For every “Blend Burger” sold, Glory Days donates $1 to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation aiding first responders and veterans. They’ve raised money in Florida to build a home for a needy family and the company hosts an annual Northern Virginia golf tournament benefitting various local charities.

The Warrenton establishment, including 45 televisions, is managed by Alexandra “Ali” Gels, who now is “doing all the heavy lifting,” Danker said. The new restaurant is at 74 Blackwell Park Lane in a 6,500-square foot space that once housed a Ruby Tuesday franchise. They’ve hired 80 people, most part-time, and still looking to add more staff.

“I always thought Warrenton would be a good location,” Danker said. “It’s under-fooded—if that’s a word—for families. Ruby’s was empty and we started talking to the landlord about it during the pandemic. It’s already been wellreceived, and we’re very happy.”

Clearly, it’s always “Play Ball” at Glory Days Grill in Warrenton.

The restaurant is located at 74 Blackwell Park Lane and open Monday through Thursday from 4-11 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to midnight.