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
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.
