Breakfast Dads – Marcus
Have you met Marcus?
Marcus is one of the go-to guys in the kitchen over at our Niagara-on-the-Lake Sunset Grill. He’s a relatively laid-back person, yet he knows when to take charge and hustle when he needs to.
He got his start at Sunset Grill about three and a half years ago at our Fourth Avenue, St. Catharines location. He was a part of the opening team there.
Marcus has been working in the restaurant industry since he was 13. He started out in the dish pit, then became a prep cook and eventually made his way to kitchen manager. “Start at the bottom and slowly work forward,” he says. “Take whatever you can get, and learn it to the best of your ability, then move onto the next step.”
He worked his way up the ladder through good old-fashioned hard work and dedication to his craft. When he was a cook at another restaurant, Marcus came in after hours to learn the grill and sauté station. He practiced until he was good at it. That’s Marcus.
He wouldn’t be able to do what he does without his loving wife, Mounia, by his side. “We’ve accomplished a lot together,” he says. “I can’t do this without her.” She’s always been there to encourage and root him on. 
Marcus grew up in Thorold, and now calls Niagara Falls home. He lives there with his wife and two boys, Zackee, 11, and Adam, 8.
Zackee was actually the first boy born into the family, and Marcus’ father-in-law had the honour of helping pick out a name just as unique as his grandson.
Marcus says Zackee is definitely more of the introspective type, and Adam is the risk-taker. “He’s eight going on 18,” he laughs.
It’s clear he shares a very special bond with his sons and that family comes first for Marcus.
“Aim for the stars, but keep your head in the books if you want to be successful is what I tell my sons,” Marcus explains.
One of his favourite pastimes is to ride his Harley down to Port Dover with his oldest in tow for Friday the 13th celebrations.
“My boys love the bike,” he says with pride. At first, they were a little scared, but eventually, they couldn’t get enough, Marcus adds.
Marcus and Mounia work opposite shifts so it can sometimes be hard to find time to all be together, however, they make it work. They’re planning a family trip to Cuba in November, and Marcus is particularly excited as he has never been before.
One day down the road, Marcus would love to be a part of store openings for Sunset Grill and perhaps even become an official member of our training team.
“It’s a really great chain to work for,” he says. “Everyone has been great; they’ve all helped me along the way in one shape or form. They work it out so you can spend time with your family,” he says with appreciation.
The next time you’re in Niagara-on-the-Lake, be sure to stop by Sunset Grill and say hi to Marcus!
STORE INFORMATION
Queen St. & Regent St.
62 Queen St.,
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON, L0S 1J0
Monday to Friday 7:30 AM to 4 PM
Saturday & Sunday 7:30 AM to 9 PM
