Taylor Barker opened The Black Owl Bistro in May 2026, bringing more than a decade of culinary experience and a passion for good food and community togetherness. Located at 17071 McLean Road, the fully licensed bistro offers breakfast, lunch, dinner and catering services. Soule Photo

MOOSE CREEK – Taylor Barker opened The Black Owl Bistro in May 2026, taking a over a decade of hands-on cooking experience and a passion for bringing people together to create a unique place for the community to gather. Located at 17071 McLean Road, The Black Owl Bistro is fully licensed and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with catering options for special occasions.

Having lived in the area for more than a decade, Barker saw an opportunity to create a full-service bistro focused on quality ingredients, made-to-order meals, and a welcoming atmosphere. Since opening in May 2026, they have been fortunate to receive tremendous support from the community, and are proud to be growing alongside it.

“The Black Owl Bistro is the result of a dream I’ve had for many years,” said Barker, “The idea first started as a college project when I was studying culinary management at Algonquin College, but owning a restaurant has always been a personal goal.”

Over the years, Barker gained experience working in large banquet facilities, cafés, and most recently as a cook in long-term care.

“Those experiences taught me the importance of quality food, hospitality, and building connections with the people you serve. When the opportunity arose to open a restaurant in Moose Creek, I decided it was the right time to pursue that dream after a long search for a spot to purchase and call my own.”

The name, The Black Owl Bistro, comes from Taylor’s fascination with owls. He told The Record that he enjoys their intelligence and sophistication as well as their quirky personalities.

“When I was brainstorming names for the restaurant, I wanted something that felt distinctive, memorable, and a little more refined than the typical restaurant name. I didn’t want a name that blended in with everyone else,” Barker explained.

What sets The Black Owl Bistro apart is their focus on both quality dining and community involvement. The team strives to create a place where people can enjoy great food while also feeling connected to the community around them. To do this, they regularly host live music, special events, and community gatherings, helping make the restaurant more than just a place to eat.

“Supporting local organizations is very important to us,” shared Barker, “Whenever possible, we support local suppliers and businesses, believing that strong local partnerships help strengthen the entire community.”

Since opening, The Black Owl Bistro has helped raise donations for Maxville Manor’s palliative care program, supporting the purchase of sleeper chairs that allow family members to stay comfortably with loved ones during difficult times. They also partnered with Ecole Elementaire Catholique La Source to provide school lunches at an affordable price, helping ensure local students have access to quality meals.

“The Black Owl Bistro was never meant to be just a place to eat. We wanted it to be a gathering place where people can enjoy great food, connect with one another, and help strengthen the community we call home,” said Barker, “Our goal is simple: serve great food, provide exceptional service, support our community, and create a welcoming place where people can gather, celebrate, and make memories.”

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