From Stolen to Stunning: The Story Behind the Dad’s Kitchen Mural
In 2019, someone stole a 40-foot container from Dad’s Kitchen—filled with essential catering equipment. But what happened next is a story only Fair Oaks could write: a generous donation, a fresh start, and a stunning mural painted by accomplished Sacramento artist Michael Joseph Mikolon.
Someone in a local Fair Oaks Facebook group recently asked, “Does anyone know who painted the mural on the container at Dad’s Kitchen?” And my brain went—wait, I was there when that mural was being painted! I took photos! I talked with the artist! Surely I wrote a blog post about it back then…
Spoiler alert: I didn’t.
I searched all through my blog thinking surely I wrote about this!—but nope. Not a single post. Just a folder of photos and a vivid memory of chatting with the artist while he worked.
So here we are. A few years late, but better than never, right?
Let’s rewind to August of 2019 when something wild and honestly kind of unbelievable happened. Dad’s Kitchen in Fair Oaks had their entire 40-foot storage container stolen. Yes, the whole thing. It was packed with catering equipment, glassware, tools, and everything they relied on for events and service. Gone overnight.
It was heartbreaking, especially for a community that truly loves this local gem. It’s the kind of place where people gather for lunch on the patio, share drinks with friends, and celebrate milestones. This isn’t just any restaurant. It’s family-owned, and we’re invested. When something like this happens, we feel it.
Thanks to some sharp detective work and community awareness, the suspect was caught and most of the equipment was recovered. But the container itself? That was long gone.
Here’s where the Fair Oaks community did what it does best: it rallied. A brand new container was donated to Dad’s Kitchen, and instead of leaving it as a plain metal box, they turned to local artist Michael Joseph Mikolon to turn it into something beautiful.
I stopped by while Michael was in the middle of painting the mural. I chatted with him, snapped some photos, and soaked in the moment. It felt like watching something broken be made whole again—but with art.
Michael’s mural transformed what could’ve been a lingering reminder of loss into a powerful symbol of resilience. That container, once the center of a theft story, became a bright, bold, creative landmark—one that still makes people smile to this day.
And now, thanks to that Facebook question and a little digging through my archives, I’m finally sharing those photos and the story behind them. Sometimes the best stories take a few years to surface. This is one of them.
So if you’ve ever wondered who painted the mural at Dad’s Kitchen—it was Michael Joseph Mikolon. And he didn’t just paint a mural. He helped turn a tough moment into a reminder of how strong and supportive this community really is.
Photos of Michael painting the mural by Chrysti Tovani
About the Artist
Michael Joseph Mikolon is an accomplished artist and 30-year resident of Sacramento, California, who lives and works in the R Street Warehouse Artist Lofts. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Center for Creative Studies. Known for his vibrant murals and fine art, Michael brings stories to life through color, movement, and meaning. His artistic passion lies in capturing the essence of the human figure and the urban landscape. His work can be found throughout the region, adding depth and personality to public spaces.
To explore more of Michael’s work or connect with him, visit his official website at artistmichael.com or follow him on Instagram at @michaeljosephmikolon.
