While Monarch doesn’t have a permanent location yet, we’re bringing our vision to life through events and pop-up experiences across Denver. These gatherings reflect the warmth, hospitality, and thoughtful cuisine we aim to offer when our doors officially open.
Monarch is a neighborhood restaurant in the making—a place envisioned for casual weeknight meals and celebrating life’s biggest moments. With a focus on regional, seasonal ingredients, our open kitchen will craft flavor-driven, nourishing dishes that surprise and delight. Monarch aspires to become a timeless hub for connection, warm hospitality, and unforgettable meals, carving out its place in Denver’s vibrant dining scene.
Inspired by the monarch butterfly’s instinctual journey home, Monarch is designed to be a regular’s restaurant—a welcoming space for perfectly executed food and genuine community. Our plans include an ever-changing menu of seasonal vegetables, sourdough pizzas, and rustic mains, all served in an inviting atmosphere built around connection and care. While we’re not open yet, we’re working diligently to bring this vision to life and look forward to becoming a place you’ll cherish for years to come.
ABOUT
Meet the Team
Justin Freeman
Justin is an accomplished chef with deep roots in the culinary traditions of seasonal and locally sourced cooking, stemming from his upbringing in the Hudson Valley. His early family dinners instilled a love for high-quality ingredients and creating memorable dining experiences. This ethos is carried into his professional career, which now sees him as the Executive Chef at Somebody People.
His career began with notable experiences, including opening The Greenwich and serving as the Chef de Cuisine (CDC) at Upland in NYC under the mentorship of Justin Smillie. Upland, which operated 14 services weekly and generated $10.5 million annually, played a crucial role in honing Justin's approach to California-style cuisine with a seasonal focus.
With over 14 years of industry experience, Justin has contributed to esteemed restaurants like Ai Fiori, Seamore’s, and Nobu, continually drawing inspiration from his love for local ingredients and culinary exploration. Whether in the kitchen or at the farmer's market, Justin's passion for discovery and creativity shines through in his dishes, making each meal a celebration of quality and family-style dining.
Daniel Matthews
Danny began his career in the food and beverage industry at 18, working his way up to FOH Manager at a bustling eatery/nightclub on the University of Iowa campus by the time he was 21. He then transitioned to the hotel industry, managing food and beverage operations at a boutique hotel in Chicago, where he gained extensive experience over four years. From there, he was recruited to be part of the opening management team for a San Antonio resort with 11 F&B outlets, before being recruited again to Denver by a hospitality group.
After years of leadership in hospitality, he made a career shift and successfully launched his own barbershop five years ago. The shop has grown from 3 chairs to 5 and has consistently increased revenue each year, becoming a staple in Washington Park neighborhood.
His background in managing diverse teams and businesses, along with his passion for creating exceptional guest experiences, positions himself well for the next chapter in his career — opening a restaurant that brings all his expertise together.