Our Story

Brothers and founders of BU Hospitality, David & Paul Reinert, began working in restaurants at the age of 16. “Early on in our journey, we worked in kitchens, and in the front of the house, where we learned many of the fundamentals and intricacies of the restaurant business. During the first few years of working in different roles and at different types of establishments, we realized that hospitality was our calling in life. As we grew older and grew our knowledge and passion for food, beverage, and service, we began to formulate our own unique style and hospitality vision which eventually led to the opening of our first business, Monte’s, in 2001.

Today, we proudly own and operate three unique restaurant brands in Grand Rapids that include Butcher’s Union, Gin Gin’s and O’Toole’s Public House. Driven by our love for GR, our passion for food and drink, and our desire to create original and exciting dining experiences for our community, we are continuously seeking innovative ways to evolve and enhance our beloved City’s hospitality landscape”.

OUR HISTORY

1993-2000

The Apprenticeship:
Dishwasher, Busboy, Host, Prep Cook, Line Cook, Food Runner, Doorman, Security, Server Assistant Barback, Bartender, Trainer, Shift Manager, Bar Manager, Accounting, Human Resource

November 14th, 2001

Monte's celebrates its grand opening

May 22nd, 2003

O'Toole's celebrates its grand opening

May 23rd, 2008

Rockwell Kitchen & Tap and Republic celebrates its grand opening

December 5th, 2015

Monte's farewell and final night open

October 5th, 2016

Rockwell's Kitchen & Tap / Republic are sold to Restaurant Partners Management

February 2nd, 2017

Butcher's Union celebrates its grand opening

November 14th, 2023

Gin Gin's celebrates its grand opening

THE FUTURE IS NOW

OUR VALUES

Excellence

We try our best to steadfastly uphold the highest standards of quality, continuously striving to surpass our guests expectations. From the taste of our ingredients to the service we provide, to the atmospheres we create, excellence is woven into every facet of our organization.

Consistency

We believe that consistency fosters engagement, and thus we strive to provide a consistent experience at each location. By maintaining a reliable and exceptional standard, we try to cultivate a sense of trust and loyalty among our team members and guests.

Happiness

Our team is the heart and soul of our organization. We recognize their value and are dedicated to their well-being and growth. We strive to create a nurturing work environment with ongoing education and the necessary tools for success.

Community

We are believers in our community, understanding that our success is intricately tied to its prosperity. We support local and regional sourcing and try to be a positive force that uplifts and enriches the neighborhoods we serve.

Innovation

Our goal is to stay at the forefront of industry trends and changes, continuously seeking fresh ideas and creative approaches. By embracing innovation, we remain relevant, invigorating our restaurants, and delighting our guests with memorable experiences.