Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacquelyn & Matthew Calos.
Hi Jacquelyn & Matthew, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Passport Restaurant was born from a simple love: trying new cuisines and flavors from around the world. For years, exploring food was our favorite adventure — discovering bold spices, unexpected ingredients, and the stories behind every dish. Cooking became our way of reliving those experiences and sharing them with the people we care about.
Over time, we realized we wanted to share that joy with our community, too. Our area has wonderful food, but we felt there was room for even more variety — more colors, more flavors, more inspiration from places near and far. And because we believe great food starts with great ingredients, we make it a priority to use quality, locally sourced products whenever possible. It lets us honor both global inspiration and the farmers, growers, and makers right here at home.
One of the things we love most is the challenge of creating a brand-new menu every month. It keeps us curious, creative, and constantly learning. Every menu is a chance to travel somewhere new, celebrate a culture, and invite our guests along for the journey — all while grounding those dishes in fresh, local ingredients that bring out their best.
At Passport, food is more than something you eat — it’s an experience, a conversation, a shared journey. And we’re grateful to share ours with you.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like many small restaurants, our journey hasn’t been without its hurdles. One of the biggest challenges has been staffing, especially in the back of the house. Finding and keeping a strong kitchen team is essential when you create a new menu every month, and the constant creativity and pace can be demanding. Still, we’ve worked hard to build a crew that shares our passion and keeps our standards high.
We’ve also had to navigate rising food costs and increasing operational expenses. From ingredients to utilities and supplies, everything has become more expensive in recent years. Crafting innovative, globally inspired dishes while still keeping them affordable for our customers has required creativity, flexibility, and a lot of behind-the-scenes problem-solving.
Another obstacle has been getting our name out into the community. Being a newer, unique concept in the area means we’ve had to work hard to introduce ourselves, share our vision, and show people what makes us different. It’s taken time, patience, and consistent effort to build awareness and trust.
Despite these challenges, each obstacle has pushed us to learn, adapt, and grow. They’ve shaped who we are today and strengthened our commitment to offering great food, warm hospitality, and a dining experience that brings people together.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Together, we bring a combined history of passion, dedication, and hands-on experience to everything we do. Matt has spent more than two decades in the kitchen, honing his craft, exploring new flavors, and developing a deep understanding of what makes a dish truly memorable. His years of commitment to cooking have shaped the heart of our menu and the creative approach behind every plate we serve.
Jackie has been part of the restaurant world since she was a teenager, working on and off in roles ranging from part-time to full-time. Her experience on the operations side gives her a strong feel for what it takes to create a welcoming, well-run dining experience. In addition to her restaurant background, Jackie also brings a unique perspective from her career in STEM education—an eye for detail, organization, problem-solving, and systems that help keep everything running smoothly.
Together, our combined experiences—from Matt’s culinary expertise to Jackie’s blend of hospitality and STEM-driven structure—have shaped the foundation of our restaurant. It’s this partnership, built on years of learning and doing what we love, that drives us to create something truly special for our community.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
One of the things we love most about Brainerd is its small-town spirit. Coming from Boston, the gentler pace has been a wonderful change. Our downtown neighbors feel like friends, and we’re proud to be part of a community where businesses support one another and grow together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.passportbrainerd.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PassportBrainerd/
