Berwyn native Joe Monnich and his business partner, Justin Weathers, are working on growing their Stove and Co. restaurant empire on the Main Line, writes Michael Bradley for Main Line Today. 

The two men used to work for renowned restaurateur Stephen Starr before opening their own eateries. 

“When I was an employee, I thought (Starr) was crazy,” said Monnich, a 2001 graduate of Conestoga High School. “I used to think he should go take a vacation, or I’d see that it was 10 o’clock at night and think he should go home. Now, I’m standing here, and I’m the same person.” 

With the opening of their two latest locations, Revival Pizza Pub in Chester Springs and DePaul’s Table in Ardmore, Monnich and Weathers now run six restaurants.

They are facing the challenge of continuing to expand their footprint while making sure to avoid overextension, exhaustion, and failure. 

“Finding the tipping point is tough,” said Monnich. “It comes down to good hires and a strong infrastructure. We want to focus on smart hiring and smart training. That’s the biggest challenge post-COVID. We’d like to grow, but we need great management and great culinary directors.” 

Read more about Stove and Co. in Main Line Today.