Andy Montero:
I grew up in Chesapeake (Great Bridge), Virginia with a simple story of great parents, 3 brothers (Danny, Greg, and Paul), and a wonderful group of extended family and friends. My parents, Dr. Juan and Mary Montero, raised me to have a love and compassion for people and a love for food. I grew up helping in the family kitchen and creating after school snacks for myself and my brothers. I worked at a local restaurant in Great Bridge, called Court House Café, and fell in love with this industry. Johnson and Wales University was my college of choice, and from there I learned all that I could about this world I now call “normal”. I spent my mornings at school, and my nights working in and sharpening my skills at numerous Hampton Road’s establishments like the “The Painted Lady” and “Cypress Point Country Club”. I had the pleasure of meeting and learning from talented chef instructors, traveling to Italy to study, and meeting my future bride and business partner!
Karin Montero:
I was born and raised in Elizabeth City to parents, Ed and Sandra Strickland and sister Sheila, with a pretty boring story about an idyllic childhood. I have wonderful memories of playing in the kitchen, creating my own special desserts and cakes, and “helping” my mom cook. I’ve always loved to eat out and try new restaurants, and had the dream to one day have my own restaurant. In high school, I became involved in the classes and clubs that involved food, and was pushed in the direction of Johnson and Wales University by my favorite teacher, Susan Brown. I went with the goal to learn the ins and outs of the industry, front and back of the house. It was there that I learned the fundamentals of cooking, dining service, mixology, and also that I couldn’t cut it in the kitchen! I loved cooking, but I just wasn’t cut out for “serious” cooking. I fell in love with the service and mixology side, and that’s where I’ve been ever since. I had the pleasure of meeting my handsome husband there, and the rest is history!
Us:
After graduating from Johnson and Wales in 1998, we stayed on for another year as teaching assistants. We got engaged in May of 1999 and decided to make Elizabeth City our home. We had big plans of opening our own restaurant in Elizabeth City, but decided that we had to get married first. Luck was on our side, because we were able to find the perfect place for our restaurant and wedding! We were married on June 24, 2000, and had our reception in the grassy field that is now Montero’s parking lot. Alvin and Peggy McPherson and their family called this house home for more than 30 years, so it brings lots of history, memories, and great stories. Our construction and remodeling process of the McPherson home would definitely be what you would call a LONG process. We kept ourselves busy during this time with the birth of our first daughter, Emma, working in area restaurants, and planning. Five years later, in November of 2005, we opened Montero’s and began this insane life that we love. We’ve had our ups and downs, and are proud of the fact that we have survived this long! During this time we’ve added two more beautiful daughters, Claire and Anna, made lots of mistakes, learned from them, and created a restaurant family that we love like our own. It’s a crazy life, but it’s one that we love and have a passion for!