Mother, son open Manassas restaurant

Nora Barnes and her son, Daniel Mann Barnes, have combined careers of more than 50 years in the restaurant busi-ness. Until recently, they never had the opportunity to own their own facility.

That changed last month with the opening of Afterlife 360 Restaurant at 8090 Sudley Road in Manassas.

They have put all that experience into opening and operating their new restaurant.

"Our primary goal at Afterlife is to provide the most comfortable, relaxing experience ever offered in the service industry," Daniel Barnes said. "We have left no detail unexplored, from our 157-year-old church pews converted into booths, entertainment, original art and choice of color scheme, in order to obtain instant relaxation for our customers and their closest companions."

The two are very community-minded.

"We have had a long lasting connections to various non-profit organizations. Just this week we had nine guest bartenders come in and raise $1,250 for "Be a Santa to a Senior," a community service program that will bring hundreds of gifts to needy and lonely seniors in Prince William County," said Daniel Bar-nes.

They have also worked with Tender Hearts, Make-A-Wish Foundation, American Cancer Society and the American Red Cross.

"We have and continue to donate our time, energy and hearts to those in greatest of need," said Nora Barnes.

Daniel Barnes, who was the winner of the D.C. Fastest Bartender Contest and has a large trophy in the restaurant, said "We are not trying to change the world, just the restaurant industry. We feel giving back is our highest calling having no bounds and is the keystone of our organization."

The restaurant has seating for 120 and is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., with dinner served to 1 a.m.

The menu offers appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, pizza and entrees. A $4.99 steak dinner is very popular, as is the bison chili. The appetizers are mostly $5; soups $3.50; salads $4.50; sides $2; sandwiches $5 to $6; and entrees $7 to $9.50. A children's menu is also available as is carryout.

Special parties can also be arranged.

"Like in the old days of restaurants, we put service as a high-priority item. We want our customers to come in relax and have a good time. They can watch television or just be part of the surroundings. So far we have had a great response from the public. We have many customers coming who knew us from our previous places of employment and many new ones. It just gives me goose bumps every time a new customers comes in," said Daniel Bar-nes.

Barnes made the restaurant's furnishings, including the bar. He has also used antiques collected through the years.

"Our aim from the opening day has been to establish a restaurant that cultivates both loving relationships and a sense of community. We feel we have done that," Daniel Barnes said.

For more information, call 571-379-5279.

Staff writer Bennie Scarton Jr. can be reached at 703-369-6707.