So Bo Cafe reopens with new ownership

So Bo Cafe in Federal Hill has a new owner.

The property was sold by longtime owner Brent Ludtke earlier this month to Anna Leventis, a Towson native and Lutherville resident who is making her first go at restaurant ownership, leaving behind a career in information technology. "This is my full-time job now," Leventis says. "More than full time."

Leventis reopened So Bo Cafe last Wednesday after a few days of painting and cleaning.

So Bo Cafe opened in late 1997. It flourished for years with its cozy charm and comfort-food menu, especially during the years when Winston Blick, now of Clementine, was running the kitchen, but appeared to fall on hard times in recent years. In July 2010, So Bo Cafe held a fundraiser, for itself, as part of Ludtke's attempt to rally business.

Leventis has kept on the So Bo Cafe staff and hired on a few new hands in the kitchen. The comfort food focus remains, but Leventis has plans to expand the menu.

There's one change already, beside the fresh paint.

"We're starting to bake all of our own breads," Leventis says.