Bailey, whose family has been a part of the Monroe community for many years, is working on transform the former Red Onion to open Main Street Social in December. The Red Onion, a Monroe restaurant that featured fine dining, closed its doors May 31.
“I was at a point in my career when I decided to start working for myself,” Bailey said. “An opportunity was put in front of me and I jumped for it.”
Bailey, who has never owned a restaurant, said he’s managed many restaurants and has helped to turn around some restaurants.
“I’ve always loved to cook,” Bailey said. “Whatever I make, I like to step it up a notch.”
Bailey said his aspiration to become a chef started while he was a student and worked for George Burnas, who owns and runs the Brandywine Inn, also in Monroe.
While the style of food to be served at Main Street Social is still under development, Bailey said he’ll be using local ingredients in “foodie-style” sandwiches. Bailey said the menu will be moderately priced, with a majority of items less than the prices of the former Red Onion.
Bailey studied at Johnson & Wales University in Providence, R.I., which many consider among the best culinary schools in the United States.
“I sum up my style as taking simple food and making it better,” he said.
Bailey used an example such as macaroni and cheese and doing a twist by maybe adding using finer cheeses or topping it with a garlic crust.
As he works to transform the restaurant, Bailey said there will be a number of cosmetic changes, such as new paint and fabric as well as new kitchen equipment.
“Thirty-five seats is the perfect size for a restaurant,” he said.
When it opens, he said there will be a full-service bar and the restaurant will start with lunch service and grow into offering dinner service as well. Bailey said he may employ 10 to 15 people to operate his restaurant.
“There’s a lot of clean-up to do,” he said. “One of the big challenges is dealing with the shortcomings of the building.”
The building at 214 S. Main St. originally opened in the early 1800s as the Hotel Onion, a hotel and stage stop. Back then, the owners would hang an onion over the doorway to let people know food was being served.
As for having his first mentor located just upstairs, Bailey doesn’t see him as competition, adding that “he was his biggest cheerleader.”
“I want to bring a positive light to downtown Monroe,” he said.
About the Author
