The Restaurateurs Behind Animo Are Debuting a New Concept in Kenwood

Locals can expect the menu to offer "European-inspired bistro and trattoria dishes, like Neapolitan-style pizzas, Roman-style pasta, wiener schnitzel, and steak frites."
The Restaurateurs Behind Animo Are Debuting a New Concept in Kenwood
Photo: Google Earth

Chef Joshua Smookler and Heidy He, the restaurateurs behind Sonoma’s Animo, plan to debut a new concept in Kenwood, Golden Bear Station.

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Coming to 8445 Sonoma Highway — taking over the former home of TIPS Roadside — the eatery will neighbor establishments such as Landmark Vineyards, Ordaz Family Wines, and St. Anne’s Crossing Winery & Guest House.

What Now San Francisco contacted He and Smookler to inquire about Golden Bear Station, but they could not provide further information before publication.

Nevertheless, according to SFist, locals can expect the menu to offer “European-inspired bistro and trattoria dishes, like Neapolitan-style pizzas, Roman-style pasta, wiener schnitzel, and steak frites” — and, to drink, cocktails and a selection of wines from California and beyond.

For readers who are unfamiliar with Animo, the high-end restaurant opened at 18976 Sonoma Highway in 2022 and is known for offering Californian-Korean dishes in an intimate, exclusive space.

“Golden Bear Station will be a more approachable, casual spot, with lower price points”, Smookler shares with the Chronicle.

Golden Bear Station is slated to open sometime this fall. Stay tuned for updates.

Elise McCorkle

Elise McCorkle

Elise McCorkle is a freelance writer for What Now Media Group. She is an alumna of The University of Texas at Austin and has experience working in the creative, advertising, and events industries. She is currently based in Lisbon, Portugal.
Elise McCorkle

Elise McCorkle

Elise McCorkle is a freelance writer for What Now Media Group. She is an alumna of The University of Texas at Austin and has experience working in the creative, advertising, and events industries. She is currently based in Lisbon, Portugal.

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