UPDATE: White Stag Undergoes Renovations

UPDATED Nov. 8: St. Charles Patch was informed by White Stag ownership that the tavern likely will change its format. We will update readers when we know more information. Below is the original story.

A Geneva man used more than 15 years experience in restaurants and a love of English pubs in opening St. Charles' newest tavern.

Owner Chris Yovanovic offers English-style food and atmosphere in his , located in the former home of Sugo Italian Ristorante on the east side.

In 2007, Yovanovic and his wife moved to the Tri-City area, where they felt right at home in St. Charles. While their growing family eventually moved to nearby Geneva, Yovanovic decided that St. Charles would be the perfect place to open his pub. 

Yovanovic started in restaurants in high school and possesses more than 15 years of experience. He earned a bachelors degree from Penn State's highly-acclaimed Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Management program.  

White Stag Tavern opened on Aug. 3. The tavern's bar and food menu has heavy English influences, which comes from Yovanovic's direction as the owner and chef. His menu will evolve as he receives feedback from customers during the first few weeks in business. 

Patch sat down with Yovanovic to talk about his new venture: 

St. Charles Patch: What gives you the experience to open an English tavern?

Yovanovic: I've worked in this industry for more 15 years and have a degree in hospitality from Penn State. I started working in restaurants when I was in high school and I've held every position you can in the bar environment, from bartender to manager. I am most comfortable with the English pub because, when I lived in Los Angeles, I managed a few successful English bars in Studio City.  

Patch: Why did you choose St. Charles for White Stag Tavern?

Yovanovic: My wife and I moved out here from California about four years ago and we love it. I looked at purchasing a bar in Batavia, and considered Geneva, but St. Charles has the most traffic. This space was perfect for us, dimensions wise, and it's right off of Route 64, which generates a lot of traffic. St. Charles has a very similar demographic to Studio City. The target markets are a lot alike so I have experience with this demographic. 

Patch: What is your favorite item on your menu?

Yovanovic: The Steak and Ale Pie, which is like Shepard's Pie. The menu is heavily English influenced, so we serve Bangers and Mash, too. The full British menu won't be ready until our grand opening, which won't be for another few weeks or so. I'm going to open the dining room slowly to get opinions back on the British food—work all the kinks out of the menu. I will slowly open to get everything worked out by mid-September, the start of football season. I think that's the best way to open a restaurant or bar, slow and steady. 

Patch: What makes your staff special?

Yovanovic: There's not really anyone new to this kind of environment here. My people have all worked in the bar and restaurant industry their whole lives. We all have a combined 30 years of experience. 

Patch: Why will people come to White Stag?

Yovanovic: Because we have a higher-end selection of food and beers. We also have a lot of games and sports. We show all the English Premier League soccer games and the World Cup. Plus, we have a lot of games, a new pool table, darts, video games, etc.

White Stag Tavern is located at 1307 E. Main St., St. Charles. They open daily for lunch at 11:30 a.m.