Bloomsbury Bistro Says Farewell to John Toler and Announces New Owners Stephen and Anne Stuart Koster
After serving as executive chef and owner of Bloomsbury Bistro since 1995, John Toler is taking a pause from working in the food industry. With the coming transition, Bloomsbury Bistro is excited to announce that longtime friends of Toler, Stephen and Anne Stuart Koster, will be taking over ownership. The Kosters will begin their new role as owners of Bloomsbury Bistro and open to the public tonight, Friday, October 9, 2020.
Under this new leadership, the Kosters hope to honor what Toler built at Bloomsbury Bistro while bringing some of their own original concepts to the restaurant. Bloomsbury Bistro’s welcoming atmosphere and consistently delicious, innovative menus will continue to be a focus of the restaurant. The Kosters plan to keep locals and regulars happy by featuring Toler’s beloved favorite dishes while furthering his signature cooking style. The Kosters and Toler have been tirelessly going through past Bloomsbury Bistro menus—dating as far back as ‘95, when the restaurant first opened—to get ideas of previous dishes the Kosters could bring back to the current menu.
When asked about the transition, Toler says, "After spending a large majority of my life at Bloomsbury Bistro, I would never leave it to just anyone. I’ve known Stephen and Anne Stuart for such a long time and they’re the perfect pair for this transition and keeping alive our motto, ‘Everything you love about fine dining, without the hype.’”
The Kosters are excited to step up as owners and Bloomsbury Bistro holds a special place in their hearts; Anne Stuart celebrated her 21st birthday party at the restaurant and the couple even had their wedding rehearsal dinner at Bloomsbury Bistro. Koster states, “We plan to hold on to what everyone loves about Bloomsbury Bistro, including a lot of the beloved staff. We’ll bring back some of John’s greatest hits, and introduce some new menu items as well.”
The new leadership of the restaurant will debut extended restaurant hours and launch a brunch service on Sundays in the very near future. Opening night is scheduled for tonight, Friday, October 9, 2020. Patrons are encouraged to call (919) 834-9011 for reservations. Bloomsbury Bistro will be open from 5:00pm to 10:00pm, Tuesday through Saturday.
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About Chef John Toler
John Toler, a West Virginia native, completed his formal training in classical French cuisine as first in his class at L'Academie de Cuisine in Bethesda, Maryland. Before settling in North Carolina he worked with several well known chefs in the Washington, D.C. area. Most notable were Jean Louis Palladin of the Watergate, and Jeffrey Bueben, chef-owner of Vidalia and Bis. John’s relocation to Raleigh coincided with Rick Robinson's decision to open Mondo Bistro in Chapel Hill, where John served as sous chef from the restaurant's inception until early 1995 when he left to open Bloomsbury Bistro.
Both Toler—and Bloomsbury Bistro—have become recognized locally and nationally for his innovative menus and the restaurant’s sophisticated, yet comfortable dining atmosphere. Publications such as USA Today, Food and Wine, Bon Appétit and Southern Living have cast a flattering spotlight on Chef Toler's cooking style.
About Stephen and Anne Stuart Koster
Originally from Eastern NC, Stephen and Anne Stuart both moved to Raleigh to attend NC State. After meeting and working together at 42nd Street Oyster Bar, they later started dating and then married. After eight years at 42nd Street, Anne Stuart left to join an accounting firm while Stephen joined the management team where he worked an additional six years of a ten year tenure. Stephen was hired by The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar in 2012 where he spent more than 8 years starting with the first location in Charlotte then as general manager in Raleigh and later in managing director roles. After many years in the restaurant industry, Stephen and Anne Stuart are excited to start their own business adventure with their family through ownership of Bloomsbury Bistro.