
January 13, 2025
MARINETTE – As Co-owners Andres Aguirre, Jose Aguirre, Felimon Aguirre and Jose Luis Guzman reflect on the weeks since opening Monarca Mexican Bar & Grill in Marinette, they said they are grateful for the “incredible support and warm welcome” they have received from the community.
Located at 2410 Roosevelt Road, Monarca Mexican Bar & Grill celebrated its grand opening Dec. 3, 2024, with a ribbon cutting with the Marinette Menominee Area Chamber of Commerce.
“It was a joy to welcome the community to Monarca and introduce them to our food and culture,” Andres said.
Business spans tradition
Walking in, Andres said customers will notice a unique decorative detail within the restaurant’s logo and building interior – dozens of gorgeous monarch butterflies.
“The name ‘Monarca’ represents the monarch butterfly, a symbol of transformation and resilience that holds special significance in Mexican culture,” he said.
Andres, alongside his family and three business partners, said he chose Marinette to open the restaurant because of its reputation as a tight-knit community and its growing appreciation for diverse dining experiences.
When he moved to the area, Andres said he immediately loved it.
“Marinette felt like the perfect place to introduce Monarca, as it’s a town that values connection and culture, which aligns with the heart of our restaurant,” he said.
When the location was decided, Andres said he and his fellow co-owners looked to their own culture when creating the concepts for the restaurant.

“The inspiration for Monarca came from a deep love for Mexican cuisine and culture and a desire to share that passion with the community,” he said.
Andres said collectively, he and his fellow co-owners have well-seasoned backgrounds in both the culinary arts and business management industries.
“This combination gave us the skills to craft a menu that balances authenticity with creativity, and the expertise to manage a restaurant that prioritizes excellent service and a memorable dining experience,” he said.
Andres said some of his fondest childhood memories include spending time in the kitchen helping his family prepare Mexican dishes.
“I remember making tamales during the holidays – it was always a team effort filled with laughter, storytelling and the wonderful aromas of spices and freshly made masa,” he said.
Not surprisingly, Andres said those experiences shaped his desire to pursue a career in the restaurant industry, which eventually led to co-owning Monarca.
“Those moments inspired my love for cooking and the importance of sharing food with others,” he said.
A fiesta for the taste buds
Andres said the restaurant’s menu showcases a blend of traditional Mexican dishes and creative takes on familiar favorites.
“Many items are inspired by cherished family recipes passed down through generations, including our salsas and marinades, which are made fresh daily,” he said.
A peek at the menu shows a handful of starters, including fresh grilled pineapple, avocado salad or the creamy corn dip appetizer; a variety of entrees, including steak sopes, burrito fajita bowls, carne asada street tacos and birria chimichangas; and a few dessert options, including flan or churro fries.
“One of our most unique dishes is the Molcajete Monarca – a signature platter featuring a combination of flavors that highlights the best of our menu,” Andres said. “It’s a dish you won’t find anywhere else.”
He said the menu also includes an assortment of beverages, options such as house margaritas, hibiscus iced tea, Mexican sodas and fruity non-alcoholic daiquiris.
Focused on the experience
Andres said with its colorful decor and friendly staff, Monarca is a place for families, friends and special occasions.
“The atmosphere at Monarca is vibrant and inviting, designed to make guests feel like they’ve stepped into a warm, authentic Mexican setting,” he said.
Andres said the restaurant can also accommodate large groups – though reservations are recommended.

“Whether it’s a family gathering, a birthday celebration or a work event, we have the space and hospitality to make it a memorable experience,” he said.
Looking forward, Andres said he hopes his team’s commitment to customer service and the restaurants’ notable offerings inspire growth.
“We’d also love to expand to other locations while maintaining the same high quality and personal touch,” he said.
Within the next five years, Andres said he hopes to see Monarca as a staple in the community and to be known for its delicious food – a proud nod to his culture.
Furthermore, he said he believes that along with customers, his family will help his business reach new heights – crediting them for their support in recipe sharing and day-to-day operations.
“It’s a true family effort,” he said. “Their support and contributions are part of what makes Monarca feel like a welcoming, family oriented place for our customers.”
Andres said he is appreciative of the restaurant’s journey so far and is excited to connect with one of the most important parts of Monarca: its customers, through social media, partnerships and at events.
“We’re excited to participate in local festivals and offer promotions to support schools, charities and other community organizations,” he said.
Andres said Monarca is more than just a restaurant.
“We’re a place to celebrate life’s moments and connect with loved ones over great food,” he said.
Monarca Mexican Bar & Grill is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Follow the restaurant on Facebook to view its full menu and to see weekly specials.