Restaurant Owner
Photo by Lorae Mundt
Marwan Taib
M
arwan Taib had an unusual entry into the restaurant business. Born in the historic city of Fes, Morocco, Taib always was captivated by the business dealings of his father, grandfather and uncles. This inspiration fueled his drive to be in business for himself. “As a child I was fortunate to travel around the world and explore different cultures which exposed me to different cuisines,” Taib says. Fast forward to Taib’s college years, where he struck up a relationship with Chicago real estate developer Khaldoun Fakhoury. “Mr. Fakhoury was like a father figure and mentor, who I shadowed,” Taib explains, “During this period I was at the center of so many deals, especially at the peak of the real estate market.” Taib spent his college years in the River North neighborhood in Chicago striking deals with the best in business and managed to put many of the successful restaurants in business in the area. His opportunity came three years after graduating from DePaul University. A building on the east end of St Charles stood vacant in what was considered an “economically distressed business zone,” Taib explains. “Everyone told me to walk away. But I knew that this could be successful as long as I could create a unique business model to draw people outside of St. Charles.” Today, that business model has become the Spotted Fox Ale House, a dining staple in the Tri-Cities.
“We offer more than just the food and TVs that most restaurant do. We are keen on the total dining experience.” As the demand for craft beer grew, he saw the potential and Spotted Fox Ale House has 30 world class beers on tap. “Spotted Fox is known for serving a quality food from a scratch kitchen for a great value. We make everything from scratch fresh and daily. “The Tri-Cities and Saint Charles are great markets for any business to flourish and grow, as long as the business model is consistent and supplies the demand of the local residents,” Taib says. “We are lucky to be in this town and we are grateful for the local support, which has turned Spotted Fox Ale House into a local brand.” Taib returns the favor, by joining the locals and hosting charity event at spotted fox at no charge like Ashely Simmons fundraiser in December that raised $40 thousand to help fight Multiple Sclerosis. “I believe in Karma,” Taib says. “The more I give back to the community, the more God gives back to me.”
3615 E Main St., St. Charles SpottedFoxAleHouse.com