News

Le Boulanger owners opening fast casual concept

The Brunello Family, founders of California's Le Boulanger, is opening a fast casual concept.

June 24, 2015

The Brunello Family, founders of California's Le Boulanger, is opening a fast casual concept, Fire, Oak & Barley, in July at 341 S. California Ave., in Palo Alto, California.

The new restaurant concept name represents: Firefor the wood-fired menu, Oakfor the wine bar and local wine selection and Barleyfor the local craft beers on tap, according to a company press release. The menu will incorporate some of the popular breakfast menu items and sandwiches from Le Boulanger, combined with wood-fired oven specialties, such as pizza, pasta and other items kissed by the flame for lunch and dinner. Local craft beers and wines combined with fast casual service, and a relaxing environment will make for the perfect place to enjoy with the family, friends or date night, said CEO Dan Brunello, who is also the patriarch in the Brunello family.

Most of the family has been involved with food and Le Boulanger all their lives, and Dan's children, Jeff and Kristina Brunello, plan to continue the recipes and traditions, combined with their own creative ideas at Fire, Oak & Barley. Overseeing the development and location opening of this new concept, both Jeff and Kristina are passionate about locally sourced foods, healthy eating and environmental duty, and are eager to share this with the Palo Alto community, Dan Brunello said.

"Both Kristina and Jeff have excellent tastes and a youthful passion about food for today's guests," he said. "Fire, Oak & Barley is really an opportunity for them to showcase their style."

Fire, Oak & Barley is now hiring and will employ about 30-40 team members from the local community. Applicants can visit Fire, Oak & Barley Facebook page to see how to apply.

"Our newest brand will incorporate some of our signature items from Le Boulanger and a whole new menu to satisfy any dining wishes throughout the day," Kristina Brunello said. "Our focus is to provide our customers with high quality, nutritious options with an unbeatable atmosphere. With a family of my own, I seek places that offer healthy, fresh menu items and a fitting setting to enjoy great food, local beer and wine. Fire, Oak & Barley will be great for Palo Alto and our neighbors to enjoy."

The 4,000-square-foot Fire, Oak & Barley restaurant was designed by Berkeley-based Kahn Design Associates. Features include a custom wood-fired oven with an oval beer and wine bar. Warm colors and lighting create a unique and comfortable dining area with sliding windows to the outdoor patio which seats 16 guests.