Bijou continues its legacy at Braai House after devastating fire

Peter Williams, Mark Simone, Linda Simone, and Warren Stableford pose in front of its new location ahead of a grand reopening.

What was once lost is now an example of dedication, perseverance and a community coming together. 

Bijou owners Mark and Linda Simone were devastated after losing the place that they called home last October after the original Wellington Street Bijou restaurant was gutted from an overnight electrical fire. Afterwards, the Stratford culinary gem that stood for nearly 25 years faced an uncertain future.   

For the remainder of 2024, the Bijou team were finding their footing and searched for a path that would ensure the bistro’s revival.  

“We didn't know what we were going to do as everything was being assessed on the extent of the damage,” said Mark. “As we got into the new year and closer to February it was clear that there were still many issues that required handling, and it became prominent that we were going to have to do something different.” 

After reaching out to the Simones, Anthony Jordaan, owner of the Braai house, offered the opportunity to relocate the Bijou within the downstairs of his current restaurant premises.

“We started discussing whether it makes sense to put two restaurants in one building,” said Mark. “That's when it really started to trigger that this could be a possibility and after many discussions, we concluded that this could be the continuation of the Bijou legacy.” 

With 90 per cent of its original staff coming back, the new Bijou will share residence with the Braai House on the lower level at 34 Brunswick Street. The new space will feature a 44-seat weather optimized outdoor patio, a 14-occupant bar, along with an interior dining room housing up to 46 guests. 

Mark suspects that guests will be amazed when they walk through the door on its launch day on May 6. The approachable modern look will continue its farm to table food service that guests can enjoy from a spacious dining room. 

“We’re hoping people are going to be walking with a big smile and they’re happy that we’re still here and that they are in a restaurant that provides a tremendous experience. The restaurant is designed to give people space and comfort.” 

Starting in June, Bijou will offer wine tasting that will run until October, along with culinary tours heading to locations such as Montreal and Argentina. 

The team at Bijou were overwhelmed by the thousands of people that pledged their support after the loss of the original location. Mark says that the staff were grateful and optimistic of a new fulfilling future for the Bijou.