Rajavel Jagadesan, along with his spouse Kelly and two daughters, Devi and Meera, purchased Chatty Monks in May 2021. Already owners of food processing businesses, Palace Foods Inc. and Sambar Kitchen, the Jagadesans decided to combine their food experience with a family love of beer and commitment to community in this ultimate “tap takeover.”

Raj came to the United States from India in 1968 and his parents ran an Indian grocery store to stay true to their roots. While he was working part time, he became acquainted with his coworker, Kelly McKnight, both of whom quickly fell in love and got married! After having two children, the family was complete. Devi, the first-born, caught the entrepreneurial bug from Raj. She went off to Xavier University to major in marketing and then Sarah Lawrence College to pursue a MFA in Creative Writing. A love of the arts led Meera, the younger daughter, to the University of San Francisco for art history. Together, Devi and Meera believe community building can be accomplished through public art and storytelling. Using the Chatty Monks platform, the Jagadesan family will continue to build on their vision of bringing the community together in the greater Reading area and beyond.

So what’s “on tap” for Chatty’s? A new menu, which Raj describes as “pub staples with a twist.” You will see old favorites and new fusion delights like lemon curry, tomato curry, chaat nachos, and more! . Devi and Meera have also continued “Chantin’ for Charity,” month-long initiatives to benefit local organizations such as Opportunity House, Safe Berks, and Reading Pride.

And expect a lasting commitment to the long-held tradition of West Reading as an art space, starting with a mural project inside the restaurant, the new Chatty Monks plans to collaborate with local artists. The Jagadesans are not just here to take up a spot on the Avenue; they are here to make an impact in West Reading and beyond.