Deanna Johnson, the owner of the award-winning Black Forest Chew-Chew Gastrotruck, has purchased Descarís Roadside Bar & Grill; and is planning to reopen the restaurant as the Black Forest Bistro in January 2020.Johnson and her all-female crew won the Food Networkís Peopleís Choice award for Food Truck of the Year, three years in a row: 2017, 2018, 2019.Johnson bought the property in Black Forest because she didnít want to be in a strip mall; plus, she added that the building has history and character ó and itís in Black Forest, where she lives. The Black Forest Bistro will be open Thursday through Sunday for lunch and dinner, and Johnson is planning a Sunday brunch, which she hopes will be a draw for the churchgoers. The bistro will offer the same menu as the Chew-Chew food truck for the most part.ìPart of the menu will stay the same and just like with the truck, part of the menu will change from week to week,î Johnson said. ìIt keeps people wondering what we will have that week; and for me, itís fun to plan.îJohnson said she eventually plans to offer 13 local craft beers on tap, plus wine and cocktails. She said she has already talked to a few local breweries that will help them create their own unique bistro beer.The ambiance will appeal to families and single people ó and it will be a good place for date night, Johnson said. The double-sided fireplace will keep it cozy in the winter and the patio will host musicians during the summer. In the future, she said they will host special events. She also wants to display artwork from local artists.People have already called to make reservations, Johnson said. However, she said she hasnít made plans for the opening festivities.She said they will use local suppliers when possible and already she has a local ìpickle person.îThe Chew-Chew Gastrotruck will be parked at the bistro for a few months after they open, while they settle in to the new restaurant. They will be back on the road late spring or early summer.ìWeíre going to be bringing award-winning food to the Forest, with the crew everybody loves and some new faces as well; and weíre so excited,î she said.
