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algonquin, ill. - Montarra Grill, one of the few independent full-service restaurants in this fast-growing outer suburb some 50 miles northwest of Chicago, faces the same challenge that plagues many fine-dining restaurants: how to find a niche amid the explosion of casual dinnerhouses.
Surrounded by a sea of casual chains like Cheeseburger in Paradise, Houlihan's and On the Border, Montarra Grill has captured enough customers with its upscale fare and contemporary American style to make it through its first three years.
While new customers continue to come into Montarra Grill, a core of regulars has sustained the restaurant and spread the word about it to others. Now the challenge is to build on past success with innovative food offerings, creative marketing and personalized service.
Principal owner Jeff Dunham, who owns the strip mall where Montarra Grill is located as well as other commercial real estate, and his partners Bob Wallen and Ellen Miller do not have restaurant backgrounds. They made up for that by hiring experienced people to run the front- and back-of-the-house - Jeffrey Raines is general...