Black History Month Spotlight: Chef Keonte’ Tooles of Touché French Creole in Downtown Aurora

As part of our Black History Month Spotlight series, the Aurora Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is proud to highlight the Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs who enrich our region through creativity, community, and culture.  This week, we caught up with Chef Keonte’ Tooles, co-owner of Touché French Creole in downtown Aurora, whose passion for great food and genuine hospitality is creating a taste of New Orleans in the heart of the Fox Valley.

From a College Dream to a Downtown Destination

For Chef Tooles, cooking isn’t just a craft—it’s a calling. “The dream of being a business owner has always been on the horizon for me,” he shares. That dream began to take shape during his college years, when he realized he wanted to pursue a life of creating dishes that bring people joy.

Now a three-year resident of Aurora, Chef Tooles has grown that dream into reality through Touché French Creole, where Creole flavors and Louisiana charm meet downtown Aurora’s lively dining scene. “When people visit us, I want them to feel like they took a trip to NOLA without booking a flight,” he says. “But I also want it to feel like home—where they can come anytime of the week and feel welcomed.”

Community at the Heart of It All

From the moment Touché opened its doors, the community showed up—and hasn’t stopped. “The way the community supports us, from attending events to simply coming in for a meal, has been incredible,” says Chef Tooles.

He also credits Aurora’s thriving arts and tourism scene for helping small businesses like his flourish. “Travel plays a pivotal role in Aurora’s business life, especially with the Paramount Theatre,” he says. “Paramount patrons have made us part of their night out downtown. As Aurora continues to grow, so will tourism—and that’s great for everyone.”

Mentors, Motivation, and Continuous Learning

Chef Tooles’ journey has been fueled by inspiration from both within and beyond the kitchen. “I’m constantly learning from others before me and from mistakes I’ve made,” he says. “When you think you’ve learned everything there is to know about your craft, there’s always another lesson. Never stop learning and educating yourself.”

He’s quick to give credit to those who’ve supported him—his parents, former culinary school mentors who still check in, and of course, “the community, which is the biggest blessing of all.”

What’s Cooking at Touché

When it comes to standout dishes, Chef Tooles says guests can’t go wrong with Touché’s signature catfish, a fan favorite that embodies the restaurant’s soulful flavor. Lately, though, he’s been especially proud of their crawfish pasta—a dish that’s quickly becoming a must-try among regulars.

If you’re looking for the perfect time to visit, mark your calendar for Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday on February 17. Touché will host a festive event featuring a special tasting menu that brings New Orleans flavor to life in downtown Aurora.

“The best way to support us is just to keep showing up—whether that’s coming out for events, bringing friends for dinner, or supporting us online,” Chef Tooles says.

Living and Loving the Aurora Area

When he’s not in the kitchen, Chef Tooles enjoys exploring other local eateries. His top pick? Arthouse in downtown Aurora. “The staff is great and the food is great as well.”

When asked to describe his community in three words, Chef Tooles doesn’t hesitate: “Supportive, Resilient, Hard-working.” It’s a fitting reflection of both Touché’s story and the Aurora Area’s vibrant, ever-growing spirit.

Celebrate Black History Month by supporting local Black-owned businesses like Touché French Creole, located at 56 E. Galena Blvd. in downtown Aurora. Follow them on social media for updates, events, and new menu highlights—and experience the taste of NOLA, right here at home.