  We propose a flavor symmetric approach to unify the origin of dark matter
(DM) with the non-zero $\theta_{13}$ in the lepton sector. In this framework,
breaking of a $U(1)$ flavor symmetry to a remnant $Z_2$ ensures the stability
of the DM and gives rise to a modification to the existing $A_4$-based
tri-bimaximal neutrino mixing to attain the required non-zero $\sin
\theta_{13}$. This results in a range of Higgs portal coupling of the DM which
can be potentially accessible at various ongoing and future direct and collider
search experiments.
