Kona Bistro changes hands, plans for alterations to menu and decor

By Hannah Jolly, For The Miami Student

Customers of Oxford's Kona Bistro can expect changes in cuisine and decor after a change in ownership.

Tyler and Blake Jennings bought Kona Bistro from previous owners and co-founders, Tom and Amy Elliott, after 18 years under the Elliott's operation. The deal was finalized on Oct. 19.

Tom Elliott said customers will notice changes over time.

"The brothers plan on redecorating and modernizing Kona," he said. "They plan on keeping Kona's food the same right out of the gate and slowly integrating their own tastes. I know the brothers are talented and have a lot of culinary wisdom and aspirations."

While there will be changes, much will remain the same. Tom Elliott said the name and staff of Kona will be true to tradition. The business is staying somewhat in the family - Tyler and Blake Jennings both previously worked at Kona Bistro. According to Tyler, their connection to Kona made the decision to buy easy.

"Kona brought Blake and I back to Oxford," Tyler Jennings said. "Blake was in correspondence with Tom about the purchase and they came to me to ask if I wanted to be a part of it. Of course I said yes. Kona's a part of us, it's what we know."

Tom Elliot said he thinks Blake and Tyler will be true to their roots with Kona.

"I don't believe they plan on changing the name. It was part of what they wanted to have," Tom Elliot said. "As for the staff, they are keeping all employees. The brother's knew coming into the climate they would need staff support to make things work."

Correspondence about a possible sale began much earlier. In mid-summer 2015, the Elliotts and Jennings began their conversation about Kona's potential sale.

"Originally, we looked at using a broker but didn't feel comfortable," Tom Elliot said. "If I didn't find a fit, I wanted to continue looking for the perfect candidate. The brothers know what makes a success here in Oxford."

This ability to find success comes from experience. Tyler and Blake both have extensive experience in the restaurant business.

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According to Tom Elliott, Tyler runs the kitchen in the back of the house at Kona. Blake has worked in kitchens, in the front of the house and in management. Tyler and Blake had been out on their own in Cincinnati and Chicago, working in restaurants after their early years employed at Kona. They found themselves coming back to their roots in Oxford with the purchase of Kona.

Debra Bowles, owner of Artistry Farms and previous goat cheese supplier to Kona, reminisces on her time doing business with Tom and Amy Elliott.

"Tom was an incredible influence on Oxford. The Elliotts were huge supporters of the performing arts at Miami, as well as non-for profit organizations," Bowles said. "They tried to use locally grown food as much as possible. They used to shop at the Farmer's Market every week,"

Sophomore Leanne Zappia is a frequent diner at Kona.

"Kona Bistro has always been my favorite place to eat in Oxford. I've loved the service and food that I'd gotten when Kona was run by the previous owners and I'm excited to see what the new ones will bring to the table," Zappia said.

For Tom Elliott, selling was a hard decision but one he feels will be worth it in the end.

"It's bittersweet selling Kona," he said. "It's been a great experience and we've built great relationships. Those friends will exist forever. It's so satisfying to build something from scratch and stepping away is the bitter part but it's sweet to know I will have time to spend with my kids and look for new career opportunities."