Popular Rochester restaurant under new ownership. What changes are in store?

Nosh, which has been a popular destination for food and cocktails since it opened in 2016, has a new owner.

Here's what to know about what's ahead for the restaurant in the Neighborhood of the Arts.

Who bought Nosh?

Vicky Chanthavisinh-Carey, 38, has purchased Nosh at 47 Russell St. She has been working in Rochester's restaurant scene since age 15. She was co-owner of Yellow Elephant, which was open in Perinton from 2018 to 2020.

Chanthavisinh-Carey said she's inspired to be working in the midst of several woman business owner in the immediate area; Petit Poutinerie, Scratch Bakeshop, Stacy K Floral and Winter Swan Coffee are all women owned.

Who were the previous owners?

Pete Lezeska, a real estate agent, and John Nacca, an attorney, opened Nosh in 2016.

What about the chef?

Joseph Zolnierowski, who was executive chef while also opening two locations of Old Pueblo Grill, is now working exclusively for Old Pueblo Grill, which has a third location in the works.

R.J. Wood, a longtime Nosh chef, is now executive chef.

Why did she buy Nosh?

After closing Yellow Elephant, Chanthavisinh-Carey knew she wanted to be a business owner again.

Her initial plan was to start a restaurant from scratch, but during the pandemic, construction materials and labor (both for construction and for the restaurant itself) were in short supply. She knew from experience that it was critical to have the right team in place.

That's when she started scouting for an existing restaurant instead of creating a new one. Nosh was one of her favorite restaurants, but it was not for sale. She reached out to the owners through a mutual acquaintance and they came to an agreement.

"I'm taking over with the right team in place," she said. "How lucky am I to have this opportunity?"

What will be changing at the restaurant?

Not much will change, Chanthavisinh-Carey said. "The venue, the food, is like everything I've ever dreamed of," she said.

Playful favorites that have been on the menu since the beginning ― including the giant Tomahawk steak and the Korean sit-down suppers — will continue. Menus will continue to evolve seasonally; expect to see more dishes that reflect Chanthavisinh-Carey's Thai-Lao heritage.

Tracy Schuhmacher covers food and drink. Spot a new restaurant in your neighborhood? Email her at tracys@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Nosh restaurant in Rochester has new owner. What changes are in store?