The Frog and The Peach Restaurant is announcing a change of ownership.  Betsy Alger and Jim Black, founders of the restaurant and proprietors for 29 years, are selling the business to Bruce Lefebvre, their Executive Chef since 2001.

Betsy Alger and Jim Black were bold enough back in the early 1980s to set up shop on the hope and promise that New Brunswick would rise up from the ashes of urban decay. 

The Frog and The Peach has consistently received accolades throughout its history.  Alger and Black’s creative sensibilities and flair for reinvention have kept the restaurant feeling fresh and always on the cutting edge of local and national trends.   “It is time now to move on to new ventures and adventures. We leave a well established operation that will thrive with new energy and a fresh face.” 

The restaurant will be in excellent hands. Lefebvre actually began his professional career at The F&P, starting as a line cook the day after graduation from The Culinary Institute of America.  Leaving to hone his craft in New York, he worked for Charlie Palmer at Aureole;  stagiered at Daniel and Lespinasse and returned to The Frog in 2000. Since becoming Executive Chef eleven years ago, Chef Bruce has consistently been recognized as one of the leading chefs in the state.

“I am honored to carry on the tradition and reputation of The Frog and The Peach, and I certainly plan to tap into Jim and Betsy’s experience and creativity, knowing that they are just a phone call away.”

The culinary and management teams will also remain in place, maintaining consistency and leading the restaurant forward: General Manager Jim Mullen, Sous Chef Mike Fortino; Pastry Chef Joseph Erdely and  Event Manager Jack Tagmouti.

Betsy Alger and Jim Black are grateful for having had dedicated employees, many of whom have gone on to assume top spots in the industry and successful restaurants of their own; thanking each and every current and past alumnus for being part of The Frog family.  They thank their loyal guests for decades of patronage. They wish Bruce Lefebvre much success in his new role at the helm of The Frog and The Peach.

(Taken from the Frog and Peach press release on April 6, 2012.)