There’s an exciting new chapter ahead for one of Downtown Stratford’s most recognizable buildings on Brunswick Street!
The space – most recently home to Revival House – has been purchased by a local and regional ownership group and will reopen as Bijou at the Church in late July.
The project is led by Managing Director Michael Lutzmann, who brings extensive local business and community leadership experience alongside a strong investment group committed to the long-term success of the property. Partnering in the project as General Manager, is longtime Stratford restaurateur Mark Simone, owner/operator of Bijou Restaurant for the past 12 years, and a highly respected figure within Stratford’s culinary community.
The investor group includes four others that make up the “kitchen boys” (men’s only cooking group!) – Peter Maranger, Paul Maranger, Joe Popkey and Peter van Vloten. Important for the last group that owned this precious building was that it remained open, in some capacity, to public access and with this new venture that mission has most definitely been achieved!
The new name brings together two familiar parts of Stratford’s dining story – Bijou Restaurant and the former Church Restaurant – while introducing a refreshed vision for the space. Plans for the 84-seat restaurant include a year-round destination for dining, weddings, private events, live entertainment, and community gatherings.
Guests can expect a locally-inspired menu featuring ingredients from Perth County and Southwestern Ontario, paired with a thoughtful wine and beverage program designed by sommelier Michael, to appeal to a wide range of visitors from theatre-goers to event guests and locals. Billed as casual fine dining, Mark intends to carry on the celebrated Bijou traditions of 27 years. “You can also expect great scallops when we can get them!” says Mark.
Reservations can be made now for after July 24th. In the meantime, the team is working to accommodate previously booked weddings (eight in fact!) and events wherever possible during the transition.
For more information, find Bijou at the Church in our online directory!
