Where in the United States can you go to get delicious food, authentic Belgian beers, and sincere absolution? Look no further than The Belgian Monk in Punta Gorda, Florida! At this Charlotte County hot spot, Ken McCoog (owner), Diane Rogers (manager), and the crew serve up flavor and fun with a friendly face, making it a top choice for locals and out of state travelers alike.

Patrons come from near and far to get in on the delicious Belgian beers. From traditional Belgian Quadrupels like The St. Bernardus Abt 12, to the less adventurous imports like Stella Artois, there is something for everyone. And we can’t forget the food! Their menu is jammed packed with flavorful items like handcrafted Belgian Meatballs, classic Belgian Frites, and delightful little pieces of heaven known as Monk Bites. These Deep-fried pretzels covered with beer cheese and bacon, are guaranteed to tickle your taste buds.

Even with the hardships of the pandemic, The Belgian Monk has persevered and continued to sell food via takeout, delivery, and outdoor dining. Ken, Diane, and the rest of the team are a great example of how a solid foodservice program can be beneficial in a time of uncertainty. Having the right equipment has been a big part of executing their menu. Because their kitchen space is only 10’x10’, they had to explore their options when purchasing a deep fryer, which led them to the AutoFry.

The AutoFry was not only the perfect fit for their space, but it also allowed their kitchen to operate without having to install costly hoods or vents. And the AutoFry hasn’t skimped on performance either. According to Diane, “over our four years of ownership we have had zero down time and with very little maintenance it has performed flawlessly.”. She goes on to say that she would “highly recommend the AutoFry to any pub, restaurant or bar just because of its simplicity and effectiveness.”.

Here at MTI, we are so happy to be a part of the growth and success of so many wonderful businesses, especially The Belgian Monk. If you are ever near Punta Gorda, Florida, make sure to stop in for an ice-cold Belgian beer and basket of those  delectable Monk Bites.