Candace Kovar, the new owner of Ann Arbor’s recently opened Toastique, is a former therapist and mom who comes from a long line of entrepreneurs.
Kovar believes her background as a therapist was a natural fit with Toastique.
“Mental health and healthy food go hand in hand,” said Kovar. “What we eat affects our mood, behavior, and even how we think.”
Candace Kovar and Austin (Candace’s husband, who helps) wanted to ensure that they were part of a franchise and movement where healthy, no-added-sugar, and incredible-tasting food was at the center of their business, as this can positively impact mental health.
Candace also wanted to be a positive role model for her daughter. She said it’s empowering to be a woman business owner who doubles as a mother. When deciding to open Toastique, it was important for her daughter, Maeve, to see her hard work in fulfilling a life-long dream of creating something of her own.
“Delicious and healthy food starts at home with parents and families,” Kovar said. “We strongly encourage families to visit and indulge in the menu and kids menu.
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While Candace comes from a long line of restaurateurs who owned several Jet’s Pizza locations, she wanted to show her daughter that women are capable of being moms and business owners and focus on being a woman as well. Her daughter, Maeve, is three years old and has been on an adventure together with her parents — everything that Candace does is for Maeve. Maeve loves the fresh fruit on the menu, smoothies, toasts and everything off the kid’s menu.
The owners are parents, so they understand that finding food that kids will enjoy or be open to trying can be challenging. The kids’ menu has items such as PB&J, grilled cheese, kids’ charcuterie (hummus, avocado smash, celery, bananas, strawberries, blueberries, and sourdough toast), mini bowls of original acai and blue mystique.
Kovar and her husband have prior connections to Ann Arbor as well. They had their first date in downtown Ann Arbor while both were studying for their master’s of psychology, so Ann Arbor is where it all began for them. Today, they love the Ann Arbor community, and they frequently go out for date nights and take their daughter to kid-friendly activities in the area.
Get to know Candace Kovar
1) Tell us about your family!
My husband, Austin, and I met while both completing our master’s in psychology. We have a 3-year-old daughter, Maeve. I practiced therapy for around six years before we got pregnant with Maeve. At that point, we knew we wanted to pursue our entrepreneurial adventure.
2) Where did you go to school?
Austin and I both completed our Master’s at The Michigan School of Psychology in Farmington Hills.
3) Do you have any hobbies?
I enjoy photography – taking family and individual photos. I also love to spend time doing activities with my daughter, Maeve, whether that be dancing, singing or playing games. Recently, we’ve loved visiting the cider mill and apple orchard. My husband and I love to try new and fresh cuisines.
4) What is your dream vacation?
We’ve been fortunate to travel to various places around the world together as a family, the most recent adventure was to Iceland before we opened Toastique this Summer. Our dream vacation would be to go to South Africa, or even Greece! I think Maeve would love a vacation to Disney as well.
5) Do you prefer books or movies?
As of lately, it’s been challenging finding the time to enjoy a good book, but I do love reading with Maeve — the most recent read was “Stellaluna,” but we also do enjoy a good family movie night.
