Press One for Chris and Megan Curren

About this episode

Chris and Megan Curren discuss their journey in the restaurant industry and the importance of team culture and mental health.

This week on the Press One Podcast, Steve and Shannon sit down with Chris and Megan Curren, the husband-and-wife duo behind one of Chicagoland’s most talked-about restaurants—The Graceful Ordinary in St. Charles, Illinois. From a vision of turning a historic riverfront bank building into a warm, modern-day “ordinary” (a colonial gathering place), the Curren's have built more than a restaurant—they’ve created a community hub. In this episode, we cover: Chris’s journey from Chicago’s top kitchens to opening his own restaurant in the suburbs. Megan’s hospitality expertise and the role of culture in shaping unforgettable guest experiences. Why they believe a happy team leads to happy guests—and how they live that every day. The importance of mental health in restaurant culture, and how they’re setting new standards for staff well-being. Their exciting plans for expansion: a new restaurant in Aurora (Winter 2025/26) plus two new concepts coming to St. Charles. Whether you’re passionate about food, leadership, or customer experience, this conversation is packed with insights on building something lasting—one plate, one guest, and one experience at a time.

People in this episode

Hosts: Steve, Shannon

Guests: Chris Curren, Megan Curren

Topics covered

• restaurant industry
• hospitality
• team culture
• mental health
• community building
• expansion plans

Keywords

• restaurant
• hospitality
• team culture
• mental health
• community
• expansion
• guest experience

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Graceful Ordinary

Places: Chicagoland, St. Charles, Illinois, Aurora

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