Q&A talks with Aimee and Gail Filippetti, co-owners of toast + tonic creative kitchen.
Established in 2023 by chef Aimee Filippetti, toast + tonic breathes new life into Olde Mistick Village with a combo of creative dishes, craft cocktails and superb sweets baked in-house, giving people a place to gather with a focus on fresh, innovative ingredients, and dessert — always.
How did you get into this business? What motivated you?
Aimee: I’m a Mystic native and Culinary Institute of America grad who holds degrees in both food business management and advanced baking and pastry arts.
In 2020, I launched Never Enough Bake Shop at the Ledyard Farmers Market. When the opportunity arose to purchase Mystic’s beloved Bleu Squid Cafe, I saw a chance to expand and create something that reflected my unique tastes and talents.
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In 2023, toast + tonic creative kitchen was born. In an endless effort to stay well-rounded, I’m also pursuing a master’s degree in wine and beverage.
How has your business grown in the past year? What have been your company’s biggest accomplishments?
Aimee: In 2023, I received a grant from the Women’s Business Development Council. This grant helped to further the restructuring of the restaurant from Bleu Squid to toast + tonic creative kitchen.
What’s a major challenge your business has overcome in the past year?
Aimee: As with any change, it takes time for things to grow and to gain a following. We have watched the restaurant patrons increase as they spread the word about how great toast + tonic is.
What major strategic plans do you have in the next few years?
Aimee: Ideally, we would like to see the business grow and to be able to increase our hours into the early evening happy hours, and to increase events.