Our story

Wooden Paddle was founded in 2013 by a couple of married college drop-outs with almost no restaurant knowledge and even less money. Since then, we’ve learned a bit and, thankfully, hired a team that’s much smarter than us, so Wooden Paddle continues to grow.

(630) 326-8150

Meet our people

These are the people who make it happen everyday. They’re scrappy, they come with batteries included, and while they take their work seriously, they don’t take themselves too seriously. This here’s the dream team.

Wanna join us? Apply here!

Celina Meiss

Executive Strategic Partner
(Ms. Behind The Scenes)

First Job: Dress Consultant at Kathryn’s Bridal
Fave WP Pizza: Greens, Eggs, + Ham
Hobbies/Interests: Gardening, helping people move, spending QT with my favorite people, packing for trips, returning items I’ve purchased (I know, I know), and cooking whilst listening to jazz

Joelle Beranek

Director of Events and Catering
(Ms. Zhuzh It Up)

First Job: Cashier at Chipain’s Grocery store
Fave WP Pizza: Pretty Fly with Spinach
Hobbies/Interests: Running, triathlons, hanging out with my kids and dogs, sewing, baking, and reading

Jonathan Cowan

Co-Founder
(Mr. Extrovert)

First Job: Cashier at Taylor St. Pizza of McHenry
Fave WP Pizza: Pepperonly
Hobbies/Interests: Spending time with family, beating my boys in fantasy football, golfing, listening to books on audible, and admiring architecture

Brianna Cowan

Co-Founder
(Ms. How Can We Make This Even Better)

First Job: Riverside Chocolate Factory
Fave WP Pizza: Full of Bulgogi
Hobbies/Interests: Reading like they’re about to burn all the world’s books, biking, interior design, thrifting

Miriam Gorecki

Event Coordinator
(Y2K)

First Job: Jr. Content Developer at Dealer Inspire
Fave WP Pizza: Banh Mi
Hobbies/Interests: Chilling with my dog, shopping, watching youtube, traveling, dancing around my kitchen

Patrick Cassata

Director of Culinary
(Chef)

First Job: Cook at McDonald’s
Fave WP Pizza: The Buzzkil
Hobbies/Interests: Fishing, canoeing, and weight lifting

Angela Terrafino

General Manager
( Ms. Always Has Snacks)

First Job: Library Page
Fave WP Pizza: Full of Bulgogi
Hobbies/Interests: Snacking, Re-finishing furniture + doing random DIY projects, hanging out with Chewie 🐾, and cooking

Timothy Cowan

Lead Event Chef
(Mr. Photogentic)

First Job: Old Town Pizza
Fave WP Pizza: The Buzzkill
Hobbies/Interests: Playing basketball, video games, and playing drums

Meredith Wood

Assistant General Manager
(Team Receptionist)

First Job: Best Buy
Fave WP Pizza: Full of Bulgogi
Hobbies/Interests: Snowboarding

Hailey Fusco

Floor Manager
(Ms. Positivity + Sunshine)

First Job: Panera Bread
Fave WP Pizza: The Buzzkil
Hobbies/Interests: Singing and playing with Bella girl 🐾

Shea Manning

Kitchen Lead
(IT Guru)

First Job: Mother’s Helper
Fave WP Pizza: Rocketman
Hobbies/Interests: Watching movies, theatre

Joanna Machaj

Kitchen Lead
(Ms. Fundamentals)

First Job: Lifeguard + Swim Instructor
Fave WP Pizza: Full of Bulgogi
Hobbies/Interests: Skiing, painting, and baking

Kirstin Zelhofer

Floor Manager
(Ms. Always Follows the Rules)

First Job: Sales Associate at Claires
Fave WP Pizza: Getting Figgy Wit It
Hobbies/Interests: Nature Photography

Sarina Pica

Floor Manager
(Ms. Always Thinking)

First Job: Salon Assistant
Fave WP Pizza: Great Balls of Fire
Hobbies/Interests: Sleeping

Clayton Harris

Kitchen Lead
(Quiet But Powerful)

First Job: Jersey Mikes
Fave WP Pizza: Getting Figgy Wit It
Hobbies/Interests: Skating

The nitty gritty details

Lemont Location

212 Stephen St.
Lemont, IL 60439

(630) 326-8150
hello@woodenpaddle.com

Hours

Monday-Thursday: 11:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. CT
Friday: 11:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. CT
Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. CT
Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. CT
Brunch: Saturday + Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. CT

La Grange Location

Coming soon-ish.

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