Today we’d like to introduce you to Izzy Reka.
Hi Izzy, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
“I came to this country from Albania, and since 2009, restaurants have been my entire life. I started from the bottom in kitchens and dining rooms across Philadelphia and New York, learning everything I could. For me, hospitality isn’t just a job—I am a true lover of good food and someone who genuinely believes in taking care of people.
In 2019, I poured my heart into opening my first dream project, Mare Monte. We were barely getting our footing when COVID hit, and like so many others, we struggled just to survive. But we kept our doors open, kept cooking with love, and relied on the incredible support around us.
Today, thanks to a fabulous community that embraced us, things are going wonderfully. In 2022, we were blessed to open our second home in Jenkintown, Via 417.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The restaurant business is easily one of the toughest industries to run, and shortly after we opened, COVID hit. We were forced to shut down our dining room and operate strictly on takeout. Finding help was almost impossible during that time. Every day was a survival test—one day I was the dishwasher, the next day I was a busser, the hostess, the line cook, or the server. Whatever needed to get done to keep the lights on, I did it with my own two hands.
Even today, the challenges continue. Food prices, insurance, and utilities are constantly rising, making it harder than ever. But through it all, we make a conscious effort to keep our menu prices as affordable as possible because we know our community is facing those same rising costs.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Mare Monte ?
When it comes to our food, we focus on Italian-American cuisine with a modern twist. Everything is crafted with care—all of our pastas, sauces, and pastries are made completely fresh in-house every day. We love to experiment in the kitchen, bringing daily specials to the table that infuse French and Mediterranean influences into our dishes.
What truly sets us apart from others of our caliber is that at least 50% of our menu consists of unique dishes you won’t find anywhere else, alongside our constantly changing daily specials. We also host a wide variety of special events, from baby showers and bridal showers to intimate weddings, making sure every gathering feels personal and memorable.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Books: Classic literature, culinary art & cookbooks, chef biographies, philosophy, psychology, and spirituality.
Apps: Instagram and Facebook (primarily for business marketing and community outreach).
Podcasts & Media: The Joe Rogan Experience, The Diary Of A CEO, Religion For Breakfast, Johnny Harris, The Why Files, and Tim Dillo
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.maremontenj.info
- Instagram: maremontenj
- Facebook: Mare Monte
