'Top Chef' Contestant's Sonoma Restaurant To Close

Restaurants & Bars

'Top Chef' Contestant's Sonoma Restaurant To Close Celebrity Chef Casey Thompson said it was not the outcome for Forktable she'd hoped for.

SONOMA, CA — Celebrity Chef Casey Thompson announced the closure of her Sonoma restaurant, Folktable, at Cornerstone Sonoma.

The three-time competitor on television's "Top Chef" series made the announcement Monday on Instagram, citing circumstances "out of our control."

The San Francisco Chronicle reported in June that Cornerstone Sonoma, an outdoor marketplace on Arnold Drive, was a "shell of its former self and appears to have more vacancies than vendors."

This came after the property was purchased by controversial developer Kenneth Mattson, the newspaper reported. In May, the FBI raided Mattson's home at 3000 Castle Road in Sonoma Valley after Mattson's business partner, Tim LeFever, alleged Mattson had defrauded investors.

"This is not the outcome we hoped for," Thompson wrote in her announcement. "Thank you for being a part of our journey, for sharing countless memories, and for supporting us through the years. It's been my pleasure to serve this community, and am deeply grateful for each and every one of you who helped make our dreams a reality. I will carry these memories with me, and I hope you will too."

The restaurant opened in December 2020, offering farm-to-table fare through a partnership with Tank House Farms.

In 2021, the restaurant received the Bib Gourmand designation from the Michelin Guide, a recognition bestowed on restaurants with "good quality, good value cooking." It received the honor again in 2022 and 2023.

It all comes to an end Sunday, the last day the restaurant will be open.

After that, Thompson aims to land a new culinary home. To any potential employers, Folktable staff members also come highly recommended.

"Please support the incredible, hard-working, talented staff that will need to find jobs during this difficult time —pre-holidays ... Believe me, they are worth it," she wrote.

Thompson invited customers to come say "hi and goodbye" before Folktable closes its doors.

"I hope Sonoma will welcome us all in with open arms after these tumultuous years," she wrote. "We, the team at Folltable have always supported everyone in this community. We love this town."