New Managers and Kitchen Construction

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Created: Tuesday, 20 February 2018 15:32

There are many exciting changes taking place at Monarch Brewing Company. In the past few months, two key management positions were filled. Executive Chef Joe Zaranski joined Monarch in late November. Most recently, Chef Zaranski worked at Biaggi’s in Champaign, IL and The Italian Village in Chicago, IL. Chef Zaranski has over 30 years of professional experience providing leadership and management of kitchens creating a wide variety of food styles. He and his team have been working on a new menu that was released on Tuesday, February 13. The new menu’s focus is a combination of casual brew pub favorites, new salads options, as well as a few upscale entrees and desserts. Chef Zaranski creatively incorporated several of Monarch’s own brews into many of his recipes and worked the menu to pair well with both wines and beer.

Ivan Samayoa joined Monarch in early January as General Manager. Ivan has extensive experience in the restaurant industry having worked at and managed restaurants ranging from casual to very fine dining. Most recently, Ivan was the General Manager at Big Grove Tavern and The Hub, both in Champaign, IL. Since joining Monarch, Ivan has been working on revamping the cocktail menu at the bar and retraining the staff on steps of service. In the coming months, he will also overhaul the wine menu as he is a certified Level One Sommelier and has a passion for wine, spirits and beer.

In the past month, Monarch also undertook a kitchen refresh project designed to better fit the menu and service style that Monarch will offer. In an effort to streamline food production and expedite orders more efficiently, a 16 foot portion of wall was removed in the kitchen and new equipment installed to accommodate the menu.

“Our guests will definitely notice the results”, says Matt Miller, co-owner of Monarch Brewing Company

-- Monarch Brewing Company is located in Monticello, IL situated in a former 100 year old church.  Reservations or general inquiries can be made by calling (217) 631-1141