The Good Life – September-October 2019

RUSTICA
Simplicity at Its Finest
Back to Business: Rustica’s New Owners Carry on Tradition
WRITTEN BY: MEGHAN FEIR • PHOTOS BY: URBAN TOAD MEDIA
Rustica Eatery & Tavern, one of Moorhead’s favorite restaurants,
closed its doors earlier this summer for two weeks. Panic ensued
in the hearts of their patrons. Once they were informed it would be
under new management, a second round of panic took place. This
time, it was concern over potential menu changes. Would people still
be able to get their “burrata fix”? Would the fried chicken and pizzas
still be available? Would those items taste just as good, if they were?
Would people’s taste buds ever dance again?
These and other questions bounced in the minds of many, but
thankfully for these loyal customers, the new management team
happened to be equally loyal employees of Eric and Sara Watson,
the previous owners. Executive chef Micah Leitel has worked at the
restaurant and tavern nearly four years, and Anna Weisenburger took
on her role as front house manager in March.
A month after Weisenburger started, the Watsons approached the
two employees, encouraging them to take over the business. It didn’t
take much convincing. Both Leitel and Weisenburger knew they each
wanted their own restaurant someday. “Someday” just came a lot
sooner than they had imagined.
While it’s inevitable the two will gradually make their mark on the
place, they want to keep Rustica customers happy and satisfied by
keeping staples on the menu and the restaurant vibes the same. The
homey environment, comforting food and occasional twists regulars
have grown to love will continue being a fixture of Rustica.
Read on to learn more about the new owners and
their unique approach toward working in the
hospitality industry.
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