After 32 years, Champagnes Bistro & Deli in Newport Beach gets new owners

After 32 years, Champagnes Bistro & Deli in Newport Beach will have new management.

Previous owner Rand McDevitt and general manager Tina Voso are retiring and new owners Matthew and Winnona Tobey will take over the operation on Monday, Nov. 1. The Tobeys will give the nearly 3,000-square-foot space with about 75 seats a brush up, not a complete remodel, and they will not close during the renovation.

They also will not change the concept, but simply hope to add their own touch given Matthew Tobey’s experience as a general manager, most recently, at Wild Goose Tavern in Costa Mesa, and Winnona Tobey’s expertise as chef, she attended the Culinary Institute of America and has an associate degree earned through the American Culinary Federation. She has worked at the Fairmount Scottsdale Princess,  the Wigwam Resort and Spa and as pastry chef on the opening team of the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel.

“We are honored and feel extremely privileged to carry the torch on, from Rand, his wife Terry, as well as Tina,” Winnona Tobey said. “We have big shoes to fill, and I couldn’t be more excited to be taking this venture on with my husband.”

The Tobeys decided to change gears during the pandemic and become owners. They are looking forward to working together and the schedule will suit their lifestyle in caring for their two children, a 4-year-old son and 14-month-old daughter.

Winnona Tobey grew up in Pennsylvania where she learned traditional baking. She will make sourdough and other breads for the sandwiches as well as treats, including her special chocolate cake. “It’s a very classy cake, one of the moistest cakes you’ll ever have,” Matthew Tobey said. “And she makes a s’mores ice cream cake that is unique and different, very, very good.”

Along with the added bakery offerings, Winnona Tobey will re-fresh the menu with special attention to the dinner offerings. Prices will remain similar to those set by the previous owners.

The restaurant serves beer and wine, Matthew Tobey will add some new selections to the wine list. “We want to find things that are a little bit off the beaten path,” he said.

The Tobeys invite locals to come in and try the new menu and leave with an armful of delicious baked goods to enjoy at home.

“Imagine a neighborhood kitchen where families and loved ones can gather to share a simple meal,” Winnona Tobey says. “The new Champagnes will be fueled by my Old-World upbringing, and my love for cooking and hospitality. With homage paid to my past, our recipes will be refreshed and modernized to create memorable experiences for families and neighbors all around.”

Find it: 1260 Bison Ave., Ste., D-3, Newport Beach, 949-640-5011, champagnesdeli.com.

Open under new management: Champagnes will not close during the changeover, open 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily.