Farm to Pizza: Monarch Enters Denver’s Food Scene

Nestled in the heart of Brooklyn, Frankies 457 is the kind of restaurant that makes you feel at home—cozy, flavorful and unpretentious. It’s a hallmark of the New York neighborhood dining scene, one Justin Freeman, a New York-born chef with an impressive culinary resume, has cherished throughout his career. Now in Denver, Freeman is recreating that same sense of community with Monarch, a pop-up pizzeria and bistro that celebrates Colorado’s local bounty and neighborhood-driven dining culture.

Freeman’s journey from New York to Colorado started three years ago, prompted by an offer to join The Greenwich in Denver. “We always knew we wanted another child,” Freeman explained, reflecting on his decision to move his family from Manhattan during the COVID-19 pandemic. “New York was going through a big transition, and our space was really small. So, we decided to make the jump.”

Since arriving, Freeman has immersed himself in Denver’s growing culinary landscape. After two years dedicated to The Greenwich, he took a summer to reset with his family before embarking on new ventures. Partnering with local barber Daniel Matthews, Freeman launched Monarch, a passion project that combines his love for pizza with the versatility of Colorado’s seasonal ingredients.

“At this moment, we’re just a pop-up series,” Freeman shared. “We focus on Colorado produce and meats, curating as many different menus as we can.” The ultimate vision for Monarch? “A pizzeria meets bistro, with rotating pizzas featuring local artisanal flours, entrees and sides.”

For Freeman, the concept stems from a yearning for the neighborhood spots he frequented in Brooklyn. “I miss those places where you go once or twice a month, and everything on the menu is great. There’s no pretension, just super tasty food at a reasonable price,” he said. “That’s what we’re trying to create—a place where people feel at home.”  

The name Monarch carries deep meaning, inspired by the Monarch butterfly’s remarkable migration through Colorado. “Monarch butterflies travel through the Rockies to Canada, and when they return, it’s often a new generation that instinctively knows the way home,” Freeman explained. “That sense of homecoming is what I want people to feel when they come to our pop-ups—or eventually, our restaurant.”

Freeman and Matthews have hosted Monarch pop-ups in breweries, vintage shops and even private homes, with events ranging from intimate pizza classes to wedding catering. “We try to do at least one or two a month, depending on schedules,” Freeman said, adding that his full-time role at Somebody People—a plant-based Denver favorite—comes first.  

While Monarch isn’t strictly plant-based, Freeman’s experience at Somebody People has inspired his approach. “We’ve been toying around with vegan-style pizzas, using vegetables as the base to give them the right mouthfeel,” he said. “I think more people should be open to trying plant-based food—it’s about creating those nostalgic flavors people miss.”  

Social media has been the primary way Freeman and Matthews spread the word about Monarch. Followers can expect thoughtfully crafted menus featuring local ingredients, a laid-back atmosphere and a touch of Freeman’s New York culinary flair.  

With Monarch now a year into its journey, Freeman is already looking ahead. The dream is a brick-and-mortar space where Denverites can savor the same comforting, community-driven dining he grew up loving. “I’ve been working on this idea for six years, perfecting the pizza dough recipe for just as long,” he said. “It’s exciting to see it all come together here in Denver.”  

Freeman’s culinary odyssey—from the bustling kitchens of Nobu and Upland to Colorado’s more intimate dining scene—embodies the Monarch butterfly’s spirit of transformation and return. As Monarch grows, one thing is clear: Freeman is bringing more than great food to Denver. He’s creating a sense of belonging.

To learn more about Monarch and upcoming pop-ups, follow @MonarchDenver on social media.