For Executive Chef Ryan Thornburg, taking over the kitchen at Bistro on the Boulevard was a ceremonious return of sorts.  He was the original sous chef for the restaurant when it opened in 1997.  Ryan worked at the restaurant for 2 1/2 years, later creating dishes at nearby Tosi's and the Orchard Hills County Club in Buchanan.  Ryan stated "I'm from St. Joe, right here, our kids and our family, our kids go to school here or around here.  It's like coming home."

Since taking over the kitchen, Thornburg has been making adjustments to the restaurant's menu, keeping it fluid, creating dishes that coincide with seasonal flavors, utilizing local produce and reiterating the restaurant's mission to be a staple for visitors and locals throughout the year.  Thornburg said he makes good use of the local and area produce and product as much as he can.  "I think it's important to support the economy and support your local growers and artisans we should use it, it's right out our back door."