FIRE, OAK and BARLEY WOOD-FIRED BISTRO Opening Soon In Palo Alto

The Brunello Family, founders of Le Boulanger, Inc., the California family-owned Bay Area bread maker and operator of 17 bakery-cafes, announced they will open a fast casual restaurant concept, Fire, Oak & Barley, at 341 S. California Avenue in Palo Alto, California in July.

The new restaurant concept name represents: Fire for the wood-fired menu, Oak for the wine bar and local wine selection, and Barley for the local craft beers on tap. 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.

Since 1981, the Brunello family commitment to top quality ingredients and caring customer service, combined with their family’s old world recipes, has created a nearly 35 year tradition of life with food. Most of the Brunello family has been involved with food and Le Boulanger all their lives. Today, the new generation, Jeff and Kristina Brunello, the founder’s children, 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.

“A truly great meal requires three things: the freshest ingredients; skill and attention to detail in preparation and service; and most of all, a real passion for food,” said Dan Brunello, Chief Executive Officer, Le Boulanger, Inc., and father. “Both Kristina and Jeff have excellent tastes and a youthful passion about food for today’s guests,” he continued. “Fire, Oak & Barley is really an opportunity for them to showcase their style!”

Fire, Oak & Barley is now hiring and will employ approximately 30-40 team members from the local community. Applicants can visit Fire, Oak & Barley Facebook page to see how to apply. Open daily, hours of operation will be Sunday - Thursday 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., and Friday & Saturday 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

“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,” said Kristina Brunello. “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 beautiful new 4000 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.