JOE FOLLETT, General Manager

With over two decades of experience in the restaurant industry, Joe brings a deep passion for hospitality and a proven track record of leadership to Verbena. His career began at 16, washing dishes and bussing tables, and has since flourished into a diverse and accomplished journey.

Most recently, Joe served as Director of Operations with Strang Chef Collectives, where he played an instrumental role in launching Strang Hall in downtown Overland Park. His career has spanned managing a variety of restaurant concepts, including roles with Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecue, Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant, and The Cheesecake Factory.

When he’s not ensuring a top-tier guest experience at Verbena, Joe enjoys life with his wife, Ashley, and their two children, Adelyn and Noel, who are both competitive soccer players.

Joe is excited to bring his genuine love for the craft of hospitality to Verbena, ensuring every guest feels at home from the moment they walk in the door.

MIKE DeSTEFANO, Executive Chef

Mike, a Kansas City native, graduated from Johnson and Wales University in 2008 with a culinary degree and the University of Missouri in 2010 with a Bachelors in Hospitality Management. Between schools, Mike worked in Washington, DC, for Chef Todd Gray at his restaurant Equinox. While attending MU, he worked for Chef Aaron at Le Bourgeois Winery. Upon graduating from Mizzou, he moved to Chicago and worked under Chef Andrew Brochu at Kith & Kin, Graham Elliot, and El Ideas.

In 2014, Mike joined The Alinea Group to build Roister with Chef Brochu and Chef Achatz. Mike worked at The Aviary until Roister opened in April 2016. He served as Roister’s Chef de Cuisine until 2019.

TARA CURTIS, Wine & Bar Director

Tara is the Wine and Bar Director at Verbena. In her role, she works with her bar team to create seasonal cocktail and mocktail offerings, curates the wine list, and works with private events on beverage options to enhance their experience. She is currently studying for her Sommelier certification with the Court of Master Sommeliers, receiving a full scholarship from the organization to do so.

Tara has been in the restaurant industry for nearly 20 years. Previously, she worked at Union Square Cafe, the flagship restaurant from Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group. While there, she was a captain for private events, received wine and beverage training from industry leading professionals, and worked closely with the chefs to expand her food knowledge as well. She also worked at Gram and Dun for a number of years, as well as multiple restaurants and bars during her college years at Mizzou.

Tara is also an opera singer and loves using the skills honed in that career in her hospitality world. She will happily chat with you about anything music related for as long as you like and tell you embarrassing stories about falling onstage.

ANNA IGNATOVICH, Event Coordinator

Anna has been a server at Verbena since the restaurant opened in 2020 and is now responsible for coordinating private events. 

“The thing I like most about my job is being around people. I’m a very social person, and I love how many different people I meet on a daily basis.” 

Anna grew up the Kansas City area and has been in the restaurant industry since she was 16, gaining extensive experience in serving, banquets, and catering. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her two kids, hanging out with friends, vacationing, going to the gym, and journaling.

Interesting facts about Anna:

• She can speak Russian, but not Spanish. (Her mom is Russian, her dad Mexican.)
• She appeared in several Huggies commercials as a baby and wanted to become an actor when she was younger.
• She has a “weird obsession” (her description, not ours) with hippos.