The Munchery
New Eatery Serves Up Delicious Homestyle Cooking and Craft Cocktails
by Holly Madrigal
It was difficult to hear Shauna Brown-Martin over the sound of the auctioneer at the Junior Livestock Auction. She asked me, “Do you know where to get the best peaches locally? We want to feature them on the menu at our new restaurant.” (I wondered if these auctioned animals were going to find their way onto the menu there.) Actually I do. It’s Langdon Day Farms in Potter Valley. But what new restaurant, I wanted to know. “It’s called the Munchery, and it is at the south end of town on our property next to the gas station,” she shared excitedly.
As a Willits native, this is wonderful news. Shauna’s family has owned Browns Corner in Willits for years and they have always gone above and beyond when supporting the community, hence her vigorous bids on the locally raised steers, pigs, and sheep at the Junior Livestock Auction. The Munchery fills a culinary space that has been vacant in town until now: brunch, lunch, and dinner with a seasonal outlook and fresh local ingredients. The interior space feels high-end, but the price is totally approachable. Shauna had originally considered opening a deli or creperie, but once she discovered that a coveted liquor license was being released by the former Yokayo Bowl, she jumped at the opportunity, which would allow the restaurant to have a full bar. Now you can indulge in a Bloody Mary at brunch or a signature Munch-Tini (vodka, raspberry, grapefruit, Cointreau, with a lime) at supper. Nowhere else in Willits is quite like it.
The menu is filled with classics with modern updates, like the Hearty Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie, the Cajun Shrimp Scampi, and the Wagyu Sliders. The Munchery’s love for local comes through with a John Ford Beef Open Flame Grilled Rib Eye to honor Willits’ favorite resident rancher, and the Beast Burger, which uses a smash burger from family friends Fonsen Cattle, topped with house sauce, onions, and pickles. Dustin Decker is the breakfast and lunch chef, and George Koro does most of the recipe development for evening service. Chef Joshua Landes heads up the team, and together they have created a menu they are really happy with. “We will have seasonal specials with some favorites that will stay consistent,” said Shauna.
On the north side of the restaurant is a spacious patio where diners with pups like to sit. Recently, a large group gathered there for a family brunch, with the staff skillfully stepping around happy dogs while distributing the eggs Benedict, breakfast crepes, and mimosa flights. Area heaters keep everyone comfortable while eating outside.
The full liquor license has allowed the bar to craft a line of signature cocktails and events. Bloody Mary Sundays has a full selection of a Spicy Mary, a Smoky (with smoked bacon chipotle salt), a Bloody Mendo (with gin), and a Bloody Munch (insert raised eyebrow here). When the weather is fine, the patio fills up with those wanting to partake in a lazy Sunday feast. The drink specials change with the season and what’s on hand, and the bar has a line of fruit purees—orange, mango, strawberry, and others, all of which can be added to your cocktail of choice.
The Munchery has filled a niche in Willits for casual fine dining, and the community is thrilled. Brunch, lunch, and dinner are now being provided with a smile from a great local family who celebrates their neighboring farmers and ranchers. Stop by and see for yourself what all the fuss is about.
The Munchery
1797 South Main St., Willits
(parking on the north side of the building)
(707) 941-0028 | TheMuncheryWillits.com
Open Mon - Thurs 7am - 9pm, Fri 7am - 10pm, Sun 8am - 2pm
Weekdays closed 3pm - 4pm
Photos courtesy of The Munchery
