Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1283918
New Owner s Taste Success With a Trio of Local Restaurants B Y R E N E E B R I N C K S A s restaurants navigate an unpredictable year, Ken Donkersloot and Mona Calis are finding success with three Monterey Peninsula mainstays. The new owners of Coastal Roots Hospitality—a refocusing of the previous Downtown Dining brand—took over Rio Grill, Montrio Bistro and Tarpy's Roadhouse in June. Donkersloot, who comes from the corpo- rate world, appreciates the chance to grow the brand and create behind-the-scenes operating efficiencies. Calis, who grew up working in her family's restaurant before building a hospitality career, embraces front-of-house operations in Monterey and Carmel. "This opportunity lets us both work together and do what we enjoy," she says. "We're excit- ed to be settled in this part of California." While the focus on customer service and culinary excellence hasn't changed, the pair has been introducing new carry-out options, con- necting team members to professional devel- opment opportunities, and scheduling more live music performances. New service offerings beyond the restaurants, like catering and event planning, are in the works for later this year. They also want to expand upon the restaurant group's established philanthropic record, sup- porting food drives, youth organizations and other Monterey County charities. Coastal Roots is all about enhancing the overall experience for long-time customers and new guests alike. "We have strong tourism support because travelers want to go where the locals go, and these restaurants are successful because they have tapped into what locals are looking for. We want to keep it that way," says Donkersloot. For more restaurant information, please visit CoastalRootsHospitality.com. SHORTCUTS BUSINESS Ken Donkersloot and Mona Calis own Coastal Roots Hospitality, which includes Rio Grill in Carmel, Montrio Bistro in Monterey and Tarpy's Roadhouse on Highway 68. Photo: Kelli Uldall 58 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S U M M E R / F A L L 2 0 2 0