Owner: Shawn and Carolyn Hoveland
By Ann Marie Byrd, Feature Writer
Beartown Bistro opened its doors in James City at 1200 US-70 in March of 2020, and features a large, newly renovated dining and bar area, as well as an extensive menu featuring distinctive dishes by Chef Shawn Hoveland.
“I have a passion for food and enjoy innovating traditional dishes into something new and exciting,” says Shawn. “In a sea of restaurants serving similar dishes, I strive to set my creations apart by infusing them with creativity and uniqueness. Eating the same dishes repeatedly bores me, and I believe variety is essential for everyone’s dining experience.”
Shawn, who was formerly the chef and co-owner of the Chelsea Restaurant for 20 years, has enjoyed a good reputation as a chef. But as the years went by, he found himself gravitating towards “kicked-up comfort foods instead of white tablecloth fare.”
He says, “I like cooking for everyone. I grew up in the kitchen cooking with my family, including my mom and dad, grandmother, Aunt and uncle, and the woman who took care of us when my parents were at work. The restaurant is a family business, with my partner Carolyn, who runs the wait staff and the front of the restaurant.”
The slogan of Beartown Bistro is “The Ultimate Comfort Food: Taste the Awesomeness! Show up hungry, Leave happy!”
It doesn’t disappoint.
The bar is huge and filled with happy faces, eating delicious food amongst the locals. It’s the perfect place to grab lunch or enjoy a drink and appetizer with friends.
The menu at Beartown Bistro has a playful mixture of culinary delights, with a combination of southern comfort foods, Italian dishes, Asian fusion, and traditional American fare. The menu overall consists of a wide variety of appetizers, salads, burgers, sandwiches, pasta—and what many people consider to be the best pizza in town. Enjoy!