Newtons new owners of eclectic Med Bistro
Few changes planned for Folly Road restaurant
Few changes planned for Folly Road restaurant
Grace Beahm
The Post and Courier
Buzzy and Rebecca Newton had frequented the Med Bistro on Folly Road for years, so after Buzzy, the former CEO of Piggly Wiggly, 'enjoyed retirement for a couple of weeks,' he and his wife bought the West Ashley institution from Judy Anagnos.
The popular West Ashley dining spot Med Bistro has changed hands, and it's fair to say that the new ownership team brings with a wealth of food experience to the table.
Budding restaurateur Joseph T. "Buzzy" Newton III spent more than 30 years as president and chief executive officer of Piggly Wiggly Carolina Co., the Charleston-based supermarket chain. He retired in April and now serves as chairman of the board.
But he has a bit more free time now that he's not overseeing more than 100 grocery stores and 5,000 employees. So Newton and wife Rebecca decided to purchase the neighborhood restaurant where they've been regulars for years.
"I enjoyed retirement for a couple weeks," Newton said. "But I just know I need something to do."
The couple bought the business in South Windermere Shopping Center from Judy Anagnos on Friday. Terms of the deal weren't disclosed.
The space at 90 Folly Road has housed a restaurant for more than half a century. Anagnos bought the place about three years ago, when it was known as Med Deli. She said she'll miss the people most of all.
"I have a real attachment to this place," Anagnos said.
Med Bistro became a favorite of the Newtons for its creative dishes and friendly staff, as well as its ample parking and convenient location, an easy drive from their downtown home.
They plan to freshen up the decor and expand the menu, including replacing the worn black booths and adding a wood-burning pizza oven. But they don't plan to change the restaurant's "funky" ambience, which includes walls adorned with colorful local artwork and live evening entertainment.
"We don't want to lose the character," Rebecca Newton said.
Med Bistro's head chef, Todd Garrigan, said he hopes the new owners will help attract even bigger crowds to the place, especially at dinner time.
Buzzy Newton said he has been toying with the idea of owning a restaurant for years.
But the Med Bistro venture is not his family's first foray into the culinary world. Son Tradd Newton formerly ran the acclaimed McCrady's restaurant downtown, which was owned by Piggly Wiggly's parent.
The company later sold that fine-dining establishment, and the younger Newton opened Fleet Landing, a popular dining spot on Charleston Harbor.
Reach Caroline Fossi at cfossi@postandcourier.com or 937-5524.
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