Lexington is set to welcome back a beloved dining establishment as Crust, a wood-fired pizza and pasta restaurant, plans to reopen in early 2025. The new location will be situated in the Beaumont Center at 3195 Beaumont Center Circle Suite 100, taking over the space formerly occupied by Whiskey Bear, which closed in May.
Owner Kuni Toyoda initially opened the restaurant as Smashing Tomato in 2011. It was revamped to Crust in 2014, then briefly renamed Bella Forno in 2019, incorporating menu items from his popular Bella Notte restaurant. However, the original Crust was closed in October 2020 after six months of inactivity due to the pandemic, and the lease was allowed to expire.
Toyoda has expressed excitement about the revival of Crust and the upcoming remodeling of the new location. He stated, “I always wanted to bring the Crust concept back when the timing is right.” The decision to close the previous location stemmed from a need to consolidate operations toward other restaurants within the Bella Notte Restaurant Group.
The upcoming menu at Crust is expected to feature artisan pizzas and a variety of appetizers, including charcuterie with Kentucky country ham. Changes to the menu will include subtle updates while maintaining the essence of the original offerings. The decor will be designed to be “more airy with a touch of West Coast Modern,” featuring natural wood elements.
While the visibility from the street is noted as a concern, Toyoda is optimistic about drawing customers from the nearby Beaumont neighborhoods. The new location also boasts a large patio, ideal for alfresco dining, and aims to provide a unique and relaxing ambiance.
Crust will become the sixth establishment in Toyoda’s Bella Notte Restaurant Group, which also includes two Bella Cafe locations and two Smashing Tomato locations. The restaurant is poised to be a welcome addition to the local dining scene, bringing back a familiar name and a cherished concept.
