Yannick Bigourdan
Proprietor

Born in the South of France to a family heavily entrenched in the food industry, it is only fitting that Yannick has risen through the ranks of the business himself. Yannick’s great grandfather started a family business in the late 1890’s selling homemade pâté and other delicacies to delicatessens throughout Europe. This success prompted the next generation, and saw Yannick’s grandfather’s illustrious career as a chef celebrated with the awarding of an industry pinnacle, a Michelin Star. Under his tutelage, Yannick’s father and uncle became distinguished culinary leaders in their own right, which next passed to Yannick.

After completing High School, Yannick travelled for the next two years to Spain, Germany and finally Ireland, where he worked in a Five Star Relais et Chateaux Hotel, Dromoland Castle. Upon his return he joined the prominent Swiss Hotel School of Lausanne to start his degree in Hotel and Food and Beverage Management. Four years later, Yannick graduated with honours and was promptly recruited by industry leaders’ Four Seasons Hotel and Resorts. His first stop was in Los Angeles at the world-renowned Regent Beverly Wilshire working as Dining Room and Bar Manager. Two years later, he was transferred to the legendary property in Yorkville Toronto where he held various positions including; Truffles Manager, Studio Café Manager and eventually, Director of Restaurants and Bar.

Looking for his next challenge, Yannick teamed up with partners to acquire the Harbord Street Restaurant, Splendido. Over the next 8 years, the restaurant received numerous honours, including being named Best Restaurant by Toronto Life (2005), and ranking first in Wine Access’ Annual list of the Top 100 Canadian Restaurants (2007). Yannick and business partner David Lee sold Splendido in the summer of 2009.

In August 2008, Yannick opened Nota Bene, a 7’000 square foot space located at the corner of Queen and University in downtown Toronto. Nota Bene became an instant success and received rave reviews. Soon after opening, Nota Bene was named “Best New Restaurant” by both Toronto Life and enRoute Magazine.

Yannick is the recipient of the Ontario Hostelry Institute’s Gold Award in the Independent Restaurateur category, which recognizes outstanding efforts of hospitality professionals. Yannick and Nota Bene co-owners David Lee and Franco Prevedello also had the distinction of being named Independent Restaurateur of the Year in December of 2009 by Food Service and Hospitality Magazine.

Yannick is heavily involved in the restaurant community and devotes a significant portion of his personal time to raising funds for the Bloorview Kids Rehab Children’s Centre, a charity he respects immensely. To date, Yannick and his partners have raised close to a million dollars for Bloorview.

Yannick and his wife Kris reside in Toronto with their two young sons, Ty and Leo. Yannick enjoys spending time at the family cottage and has become a passionate hockey player.