Bobby Moore on the Record: The Future of Bar Moore and Bis On Main
April 5, 2023 - by Sandy Vo
Bobby Moore on the Record:
The Future of Bar Moore and Bis On Main
When Chef Bobby Moore saw that Founder Joe Vilardi was planning to sell Bis on Main, he couldn’t pass it up. It took a year of negotiations and conversations, but eventually, the baton was officially passed to Moore in October 2022. Now as the new owner of Bis on Main and Bar Moore (formerly B-Bar), he is starting a new legacy on Main Street in Downtown Bellevue – one that is rooted in creativity, curiosity, and great hospitality.
“I was at a point in my life where I didn’t want to sit behind a desk permanently but I also didn’t want to travel,” Moore said. “I’ve been on the Eastside for a long time, so when the opportunity to take over Bis on Main and Bar Moore came up, I knew it was time to start something new. There’s always growing pains when new ownership comes in, but I’m dedicated to keeping it authentic to Old Bellevue.”
Today, the remodeled Bis on Main space can be described as open, bright, and cheerful. The restaurant offers a sophisticated atmosphere, where Moore continues to put his roots and passion for Northwest cuisine into every dish, like the tuna niçoise salad, Maine lobster roll, and more.
“What Joe did was build a staple institution for the community, and I want to honor his 24-year reign by providing the same level of high-quality service and hospitality with my own personal twist,” Moore said.
While Bis on Main continues to be known as a white-table-cloth institution, Bar Moore is catered to a more relaxed audience. Right next door, the bar is described as a love story and an ode to European style, culture, and cuisine. Their intimate lounge serves fresh seafood and shellfish, a variety of bubbles, and delicious cocktails made in a space perfect for connecting with friends, families, and colleagues.
The relationships he built with local farmers and winemakers during his 20.5-year career as the executive chef at Barking Frog inside Willow’s Lodge allowed him to elevate both menus by using more locally-sources fruits and vegetables. Moore said that a restaurant is at its best when the ingredients are fresh and sourced with love. He described his time at the Willow’s Lodge as “instrumental,” teaching him skills like forging friendships with colleagues, mentoring staff, and building a successful business.
“This isn’t a new venture for me,” Moore said. “I’ve been in the restaurant business since I was 15 – This is my passion, and I hope the Downtown Bellevue community sees that.”
Moore’s start in the kitchen began as a kid when his father taught him how to cook from scratch. His passion for food took him through culinary school and a job at 11 different restaurants. While Moore has dabbled in multiple cuisines, his expertise lies in making French food inspired by top chefs like Anthony Bourdain and his mentor, Monique Barbeau.
“I’ve always had a love for cooking. Now that I’ve settled into Main Street, I can focus on continuing to build on my career and leave a legacy that I can be proud of at Bis on Main and Bar Moore,” Moore said. “I look forward to working with the best quality ingredients, best bartenders, best servers and create a team that we can all look back on and say it was a great time.”
Moore believes every day is worth celebrating – grab a drink, meal or spend some time at Bis on Main and Bar Moore in Old Bellevue. You can learn more about both establishments at their website.
This blog is part of the Heart of Bellevue: our campaign to showcase local businesses while connecting you with stories of activity, creativity and recovery. Find out about our campaign and explore more of what’s happening around Downtown.
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Bis on Main
10213 Main St
Bellevue, WA 98004
