Congratulations to Tom and Beth Swigart on their induction in the Unity High School Alumni Hall of Fame.
With over 27 years owning & operating the original Monical's Pizza in Tolono, Tom and Beth Swigart spent countless hours delivering the ultimate pizza experience while providing jobs and mentorship to thousands of employees. Tom and Beth met back in 1979 while they were both high school students working at the Tolono Monical's. After both attending school and held positions in separate fields (Tom - welding and technology as well as agriculture; Beth- cosmetology school), they decided to expand their professional life in 1996 by purchasing the restaurant where they met. Over the years, the family connection continued with Beth's mother serving as a waitress for many years and their daughter Megan making pizzas at the Tolono location and later in the Normal location where Megan met her now husband John Waltrip. Tom and Beth enjoyed giving back to their community in various ways including Beth's service on the Tolono Park District for over 20 years, and Toms service on the Champaign County Farm Bureau and the board of directors. Monical's went through many changes over the years including providing pizza for area schools, sporting events, and private parties. The biggest change they faced was how to manage their staff and service during the pandemic. Their quick pivot to provide call in, curb side service and delivery service was a huge hit and kept their employees employed and their many guests happy. While Tom and Beth have many memories and milestones to reflect on, their favorite part of their journey in the restaurant business was being a part of both their employees and customers lives. From countless graduations, weddings, births, and funerals, Tom and Beth Swigart have played key roles in the lives of many in Champaign County over the years. Tom continues to farm the family ground near Arcola and Beth co-owns the highly rated Aeline Salon.