Bohemian Bistro coming to Occidental
Chef James Millar is partnering with the founders of Acme Burger to open Bohemian Bistro this spring in Occidental, taking over the former Hazel restaurant space — a cross‑regional chef collaboration aimed at reinvigorating the local dining scene (sonomamag.com). The project is being positioned as a renewed destination for both locals and visitors to Napa‑adjacent Sonoma country (sonomamag.com).
The property tied to the project is listed at 3782 Bohemian Highway in Occidental, the address long associated with Hazel. (sonomamag.com) A liquor‑license application connected to the new venture has been filed with county authorities, indicating formal permitting is already underway. (newsbreak.com) Hazel’s owners Jim and Michele Wimborough are preparing to relocate Hazel to 3688 Bohemian Highway but have not published an exact reopening date while navigating county approvals. (whatnow.com) Acme Burger opened its first location in Cotati in February 2019 and has expanded into Santa Rosa and Petaluma as part of a roughly five‑unit footprint across the region. (sonomamag.com) Co‑founder Todd Kniess trained at the Culinary Institute of America and positions Acme around local sourcing and community‑driven operations, according to the brand’s about page. (acmeburgerco.com) The couple told local reporters they do not plan to run daily operations at the new Occidental site and will remain focused on their existing fast‑casual locations. (sonomamag.com) Chef James Millar joins the project with fine‑dining credentials, having served as chef de cuisine at Violetto inside the Alila Napa Valley in St. Helena. (sonomamag.com)
