With the help of an
Economic and Community Development Institute (ECDI) loan obtained through the
Bad Girl Ventures business plan program, Jillian Davis’
Toast wine bar opened in Cleveland's Gordon Square Arts District earlier this year. Her unique take on food, wine and cocktails fits right into the neighborhood. The restaurant/wine bar specializes in doing things a little differently.
“We serve revitalized farm fare, and most of what we serve is locally sourced,” says Davis. “We have wines that are off the beaten path and craft cocktails.” Toast makes their own tonics for their cocktails and grows some food ingredients on-site. All dinners are served up in small plate fashion. “People like to graze a little more these days,” Davis says.
While it took Davis a little while to open Toast’s doors, things are thriving now thanks to the BGV program and ECDI loan. “The BGV program was great, I learned a lot,” says Davis. “ECDI was someone BGV put forth as an alternative to the banks. It worked out really well for me. I got money for inventory and equipment. No one will give you money for that stuff.”
Davis has hired 10 employees, including chefs, servers and bartenders and hopes to add more staff as Toast grows. “Our chefs are really slaves to the kitchen at this point,” she says. “As we start spreading the word and getting people in the door, we’ll be getting more staff.”
Toast has fit right into the neighborhood culture as well. Davis calls Toast’s wine list a bit more “geeky” than other area places, and they are the only restaurant in the area serving small plates.
“We all really complement each other; there’s a great synergy in the area,” says Davis. “Our wine selection sets us apart. We’re different than everybody, but we fit in."
Source: Jillian Davis
Writer: Karin Connelly