Dining News: Folsom's Bidwell St. Bistro Sold
August 13, 2013
Bidwell Street Bistro, a favorite among my friends who live in the 'burbs, has been sold by longtime owner Richard Righton so he can concentrate on his other two restaurants, 36 Handles and Relish Burger Bar.
Righton said in a telephone interview Tuesday afternoon that as a fine dining restaurant, Bidwell St. Bistro needed a full time owner who could continue to grow the business and refine the food and service. With one restaurant in Folsom and two others in El Dorado Hills, he was no longer the right person.
The new owner is local, in his 50s and has experience owning a number of bakeries, said Righton. While Righton politely declined to disclose the name of the new owner so he or she could make their own announcement, a search of public records suggests the new owner is Charlie Castellani, who owned at least one bakery in Hanford until 2010.
The new owners will take over on Sept. 1, but Chef Wendi Mentink and the staff will remain in place. Righton said that he wanted to find a buyer who would retain the staff. Righton will also help with the transition over the next few months.
As for Righton, he'll continue to own and run his pub and burger businesses, and is looking to expand the Relish Burger Bar concept.
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