Chef Hunter Toth Leaving Hook & Hoof, Restaurant Poised for Success

Toth's departure marks a transition for the Willoughby bistro after a decade of his leadership.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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After 10 years as the chef and co-owner of Hook & Hoof in Willoughby, Ohio, Hunter Toth is stepping down from the restaurant he helped build. Toth says he is leaving the business in a strong position, with his business partner Chaz Bloom remaining and his sous chef Kevin Lanning taking over as executive chef to "rejuvenate" the restaurant.

Why it matters

The departure of a founding chef is often a pivotal moment for a restaurant, but Toth believes Hook & Hoof is well-positioned to continue its success under new leadership. Willoughby has seen many ambitious restaurants come and go, so Hook & Hoof's longevity is notable in the local dining scene.

The details

Toth opened Hook & Hoof with Chaz Bloom in 2017 and has been the driving force behind the bistro's success over the past decade. However, with a young son at home, Toth says he is ready to move on and let the restaurant enter a new chapter. He is confident that Lanning, his longtime sous chef, will excel in the executive chef role and help "rejuvenate" the business.

  • Hook & Hoof opened in early 2017.
  • Toth's son was born the summer before the restaurant opened.
  • This Saturday, February 11, 2026, will be Toth's last day at Hook & Hoof.

The players

Hunter Toth

The co-owner and founding chef of Hook & Hoof, who is stepping down after 10 years to pursue other opportunities.

Chaz Bloom

Toth's business partner, who will remain with the restaurant as it transitions to new leadership.

Kevin Lanning

Toth's sous chef, who will be promoted to the executive chef role to lead the restaurant going forward.

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What they’re saying

“After much discussion with my wife, family and closest friends, I've made the decision to step down and move away from the restaurant completely. My son was born the summer before we opened so I never really got to settle into what my new life outside the restaurant was. This place has been my identity for 10 years.”

— Hunter Toth, Co-owner and Founding Chef (clevescene.com)

“This will be a really cool next step for the restaurant. He's extremely talented and will help rejuvenate Hook & Hoof.”

— Hunter Toth, Co-owner and Founding Chef (clevescene.com)

What’s next

Toth's last day at Hook & Hoof will be this Saturday, February 11, 2026, at which point his sous chef Kevin Lanning will take over as the new executive chef.

The takeaway

The departure of a founding chef is often a pivotal moment for a restaurant, but in the case of Hook & Hoof, the transition appears to be a positive one. With a strong business partner, an experienced sous chef taking the helm, and a decade of success behind them, the Willoughby bistro seems poised to continue thriving under new leadership.