A good brunch menu, for most people, includes waffles. Golden waffles topped with butter and a hearty amount of syrup make for a wonderful sweet treat as part of a well-rounded meal.
An upcoming Greeley restaurant will feature this classic brunch option alongside a boozy selection for those who are 21 and older.
Oak and Maple’s menu will feature waffles that fit into the sweet, savory, sandwich and salad categories, explained owner Matt Estrin. From traditional waffles to chicken and waffles, and even a cornbread waffle smothered in chili, Estrin is excited to bring these wonderful waffles to the community.
Brunch-goers will have to wait a few months before trying all the creations as the new restaurant isn’t scheduled to open until August. The remodeling process is ongoing at the building that will house the new restaurant at 1640 8th Ave., which previously housed Slushed.
“I’m really excited,” Estrin said. “Of all the ventures that we have done, this is the best representation of my family. I’m a big family man.”
Since he and his family moved to Greeley 14 years ago, Estrin has built up a reputation for successful businesses in downtown Greeley and elsewhere in Colorado. He has owned 477 Distilling, 825 9th St., Unit B, Greeley, for five years — celebrating the distillery’s sixth anniversary on June 8. He is also a co-owner of the Greeley Hatchet House, 820 9th St., Unit A, and operates After Hours Cocktail Bar in Fort Morgan.
Oak and Maple is his first time stepping into the food industry, but he doesn’t have any reservations about it.
“I just feel like I’m going to work my butt off, and we’re going to have really good food,” he said. “It’s going to be a fun concept that doesn’t exist in Greeley.”
Accompanying the waffles are the drinks. He said some of them will be from 477 Distilling, but he plans to speak with local spots such as WeldWerks Brewing Co. and TightKnit Brewing Co. about serving their beverages, too, as a way to continue downtown Greeley businesses’ camaraderie. That kind of collaboration is one of the pillars that makes downtown Greeley a place to be, Estrin said.
“We have a ‘rising tides lift all ships’ mentality,” he said.
Estrin wasn’t bashful about his love and admiration for the city and its downtown. As a downtown business owner and member of the Greeley Downtown Development Authority, he has a passion for highlighting the downtown area. After all, leading people to destinations is a divine skill of his.
Estrin grew up in Southern California, then spent some time in Florida and later Denver. When he came to Greeley, before serving spirits to the community, he spent eight years speaking about the Holy Spirit at the pulpit as a worship pastor at Journey Christian Church.
“I loved it, but I was excited for a new venture. (I’m) really passionate about spirits. A different kind of spirit,” he said.