Filtering by Tag: Opening

Minas Carne Brazilian Barbecue Replaces Mariposa Taqueria in Danbury

Interview Restaurant Brazilian Brazilian BBQ Danbury Opening Cocktails Buffet Interview

Andrew Dominick July 16, 2026

At the end of March, the Reyes Family announced that Mariposa Taqueria would be closing after six years on Mill Plain Road. Technically, though, they weren’t going anywhere. Instead, they decided to change it over to one of their other long-standing concepts in the city of Danbury. Not Amigo’s Deli. Not Mezon Tapas Bar, which was previously in the Mariposa space. But rather, a second, slightly different iteration of Minas Carne Brazilian Barbecue called Minas Carne Brazilian BBQ & Bar.

Phase Two: The Haven Opens Rooftop Restaurant + Bar in Norwalk

Features Interview Restaurant Seasonal Rooftop Rooftop Bars Norwalk The Haven Norwalk Cocktails Seafood Opening Interview

Andrew Dominick July 07, 2026

In February, we brought you a piece highlighting The Haven and all its different components; the event space, the speakeasy, and two others that were on the way in a wellness forward cafe and the rooftop. Well, folks, the latter is here, and if you missed the rooftop that was formerly part of Evarito’s, it’s back, and it’s totally reimagined. Co-owner Christian Burns, who, as you know was behind Evarito’s and The Pompano in the same space as The Haven, and his partners, Joe and Aldo Criscuolo, saw a new vision for the roof that got launched just in time the summer season and beyond.

Chef Tom Kaldy & Joe Keane Open The Hidden Kitchen in Manchester, CT

Restaurant Opening Manchester Caterer Lunch American Sandwiches Take Out Cooking Classes

Amy S. White July 02, 2026

The Hilliard Mills still carry the memory of industry, with brick walls and tall windows that loom over Bigelow Brook in Manchester. The complex is credited as being the oldest woolen mill in the nation, a nationally listed historic site. Where loud machinery once clattered for centuries, today there is something much quieter, the main building now filled mostly with office and business space.

But in October 2025, something else began to take shape in what had been the rather bleak atrium of this historic treasure. The almost 300-year-old space has been transformed, adorned with an eclectic mix of classic album covers, where tunes from these albums like Synchronicity by The Police now echo through the rafters. Two fine dining chefs, long accustomed to pressed tablecloths and tasting menus, have traded china and linen for counter service and take-out containers with their new venture, The Hidden Kitchen at Hilliard Mills. Chefs Tom Kaldy and Joe Keane opened this “Chef-Owned Takeout Café” as part of a larger operation offering full-service catering and themed cooking classes, and it’s as much a reimagining of a typical lunch joint as it is a love letter to the community at large.

TAC Burger: Wave Hill Breads Owner Opens Smash Burger Spot in Norwalk

Features Ingredients Interview Restaurant TAC Burgers Norwalk Smash Burgers Burgers Fast Casual Ingredients Homepage Wave Hill Breads Opening

Andrew Dominick June 29, 2026

From master baker to burger maker isn’t a natural progression, but for Wave Hill Breads’ owner, Tim Topi, that’s exactly what he did. While simultaneously running Wave Hill’s wholesale location on High Street, and a bakery-cafe on Westport Avenue that opened in 2024, Topi decided to give smash burgers a shot for a few reasons. One, there was a vacancy a couple storefronts away from the cafe where Francesca’s Authentic Italian Deli once stood.

Norwalk Bagel Co Opens in South Norwalk With Sourdough Bagels & Breakfast Menu

Restaurant Bagels South Norwalk Norwalk Opening Breakfast Breakfast Sandwich Homepage

CTbites Team June 21, 2026

South Norwalk just got a serious bagel upgrade. Husband-and-wife culinary team Chef Gary King and Pastry Chef Emily King are officially opening Norwalk Bagel Co. on Wednesday, May 13, bringing handcrafted sourdough bagels, elevated deli classics, house-made baked goods, and chef-driven breakfast and lunch offerings to the neighborhood. The duo, who launched the popular Ridgefield Bagels & Bakes in November 2023, are now expanding their scratch-made, naturally leavened bagel concept to South Norwalk.

Luca's Beach Kitchen Opens at Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk

Interview Restaurant Seasonal Norwalk Calf Pasture Beach Luca's Beach Kitchen Beach Eats Beach Cocktails Interview Opening

Andrew Dominick June 15, 2026

If you’ve been to Calf Pasture Beach anytime since the end of May, the bright colored, beachy food trailers near the concession pavilion very likely caught your eye and captured your attention. Aiming to make some changes to Norwalk’s beach with Luca’s Beach Kitchen is Anthony Luciani, his wife, Rosa, and their partner, Cory Burns. Luciani, as locals know, is a Norwalk native who owns the popular Mr. Frosty’s Ice Cream Shop nearby and a food truck, Seaside Sliders. As for Burns, he used to work for Luciani as Mr. Frosty’s first ever ice cream truck driver. Long story short, they stayed friends for over 20 years, Burns wanted to leave his career in finance behind and team up with his buddy on a cool concept.

Chef Mogan Anthony + Seleste Tan Open Barnoodle in Greenwich: Handrolls, Noodles + Small Plates

Features Interview Restaurant Greenwich Asian Southeast Asian Interview Opening Sushi Ramen Noodles Homepage

Andrew Dominick June 08, 2026

At the beginning of 2025, Greenwich locals and the husband-and-wife team of Mogan Anthony and Seleste Tan opened the doors to La Bistro in Cos Cob. Just over a year later, a mile-and-a-half north on the same street, across the Cos Cob line into Riverside, they’re at it again. And this time around, they’re leaning on their Southeast Asian culture for inspiration at Barnoodle.

Carpenter's Pub Opens in Black Rock From Familiar Neighborhood Faces

Features Interview Restaurant Carpenter's Pub Black Rock Bridgeport Cocktails American Pub Opening Interview Gastropub Homepage

Andrew Dominick May 27, 2026

Carpenter’s Pub may be the newest haunt on Fairfield Avenue, but the trio of owners behind it are familiar faces in Joseph Farrell, Sean Nye, and Marty McCarthy. For seven years, Farrell was behind the popular Walrus + Carpenter, originally located a hop, skip, and a jump away from where Carpenter’s is, while McCarthy’s Fire Engine Pizza (with two more spots in Milford and Shelton) has been a neighborhood staple for over 25 years, and Nye, a celebrated barman, who now lives in Black Rock, has likely mixed you a drink at Farrell’s Walrus + Carpenter, The Spread or El Segundo, L’Escale, or one of the two Milestone locations. How the three came together to open this American gastropub happened in stages.

Chef Carlos Perez Takes The Helm At Good News Restaurant & Bar in Woodbury

Restaurant Woodbury Litchfield County Opening American Global Cuisine Homepage

Jeff "jfood" Schlesinger May 23, 2026

The year was 1992. The Cold War ended with the collapse of the Soviet Union and apartheid in South Africa dissolved. At home, the Los Angeles riots erupted after four police officers were acquitted in the beating of Rodney King, Hurricane Andrew, a devastating Cat-5 storm, slammed into South Florida, Bill Clinton defeated incumbent George H.W. Bush in the presidential election, and completely below the radar, a new idea came to light when the first text message, “Merry Christmas Eve,” was sent.

Coincidentally, in the small town of Woodbury, Connecticut, Carol Peck opened the Good News Cafe.

jjStacks Gets New Life in Newtown: Epic Burgers + Comfort Food Menu

Features Ingredients Interview Restaurant Newtown Burgers Wings Fried Chicken Sandwich Sports Bar Family Friendly Opening Interview Homepage

Andrew Dominick May 15, 2026

“It wasn’t a decision made lightly with how the last two worked out,” says Joe Attonito, who’s talking about giving restaurant ownership another go after his Ridgefield sports bar, Tiger’s Den, had to close in 2018, and when he decided to shutter jjStacks in Brookfield at the end of 2023. While Tiger’s Den never got a second run, jjStacks never went away. Attonito operated it as a food truck while simultaneously running the brick-and-mortar and when it closed, the Stacks Mobile, its signature chicken wings, burgers, and hefty hot dogs included, kept the brand alive. The “decision” Attonito speaks of is the return of jjStacks, this time in Newtown, and so far, he’s been welcomed with open arms.

Roost Kitchen + Coffee Opens in Fairfield With Delicious Healthy Fast Casual Menu

Restaurant Greenwich Fairfield Healthy Eats Breakfast Lunch Eggs Sandwiches Opening American

Kendall Arkay May 12, 2026

What do Bluebird Taqueria and Roost Kitchen + Coffee have in common? Besides healthy, incredible food, a dream staff, and an aesthetic interior? A cool boss.

I had the pleasure of sitting down with owner Mike Pietrafeso to get the inside scoop on what he’s built over the past 10 years. As an avid Roost fan, I needed no excuse to head over.

Beyond an impressive chef résume, from culinary school to helping open some of Fairfield’s go-to spots and even personal chefing for Melissa & Doug, Mike has grown Roost into multiple locations and launched sister spot Bluebird Taqueria. He’s not slowing down.

It all started with Ada’s, his first project, which quickly became a local staple in Riverside, his hometown in Greenwich, CT. Formerly a candy shop, Ada’s Kitchen and Coffee turned into a true community hub, not just for locals but for Mike’s wife and three kids too. While Ada’s eventually closed, the concept never left. They moved right down the road and opened Roost, but as Mike says, Ada’s was always Roost. The core of it stayed the same, and the menu is so loved they rarely change it because people have their go-to orders and stick to them.

Fast Casual Takeout Spot Hey Taco! Opens in Westport at Former Border Grill

Ingredients Interview Restaurant Tacos Mexican Opening Westport Fast Casual Takeout Interview Homepage

Andrew Dominick May 05, 2026

After over 20 years of slinging burritos, burgers, wraps, and Mexican fare, Border Grill, on Westport’s busy Post Road E, may have shut down, but in its place is another fast casual Mexican concept, Hey Taco! Behind Hey Taco! is Judd Malin, a commercial real estate professional, his wife, Edith Galvez, and Edith’s father, Hector. But make no mistake, Malin isn’t a restaurant newbie. In the past, he’s been a co-owner of four in the past, namely, F.I.S.H. Restaurant + Bar, Quattro Pazzi, Boca Oyster Bar, and Wish Café, all in Stamford. As for Hector, he’s the culinary talent.

Gruel Britannia Opens 2nd Spot in Westport With Events + Pop Ups Coming Soon

Features Interview Restaurant British Cuisine British Westport Interview Gruel Britannia Karen Hubrich Opening Homepage Prime Rib

Andrew Dominick April 08, 2026

Karen Hubrich isn’t shy about telling anyone she’s a late bloomer. After a long career cooking in country clubs and as a private chef for Michael Bolton, she emerged on the Connecticut food scene in 2019 when she opened her Fairfield flagship, Gruel Britannia. Now a young 69-years-old, she’s opted for a second helping of Gruel, not too far away from the original, in Westport’s Coleytown neighborhood that debuted last July.

South End in New Canaan Returns as South End Bar

Features Ingredients Interview Restaurant New Canaan South End New Canaan New American Opening Interview

Andrew Dominick March 31, 2026

One of the spots that’s synonymous with New Canaan’s dining scene from 2012 well into 2023 was South End. “Was?” Hmm…How about “is?” And that’s because South End is back, in a smaller space, down the same alleyway as Uncorked, in what was the Mexican-inspired The Back End, as South End Bar. If you’re one of the many who remembers South End, and all it’s modern tavern fare fondly, you’re not alone. Chef-owner Nick Martschenko does, too.

Hotaru Opens in Southport Featuring an Affordable, Intimate Omakase Experience

Features Interview Ingredients Restaurant Omakase Sushi Japanese Opening Interview Southport Homepage

Andrew Dominick March 24, 2026

3363 Post Road in Southport is no longer the home of the $5 footlong, but that doesn’t mean there’s not a deal to be had. In the bones of a former Subway franchise, right next to Dunkin’, is Hotaru, a predominantly Japanese restaurant where the star of their show is a very affordable omakase experience. Hotaru opened very quietly to friends, family, and random curious customer walk-ins on March 16 with an abbreviated menu that’ll soon expand. The team behind Hotaru is Yingying Yan, who owns Gingko Sichuan Cuisine in Fairfield, her chef at Ginkgo, Jerry, and Ken Piao, the owner of Yuki Kitchen in Westport.

The Bedford by Martha Stewart Opens at Foxwoods Casino March 14

Restaurant Features Celebrity Chef Martha Stewart Foxwoods Opening

CTbites Team March 11, 2026

The Bedford by Martha Stewart at Foxwoods Casino will officially open to the public on Saturday, March 14, 2026. The Bedford is Martha Stewart’s second restaurant and her first restaurant on the East Coast, bringing her celebrated style and hospitality to Foxwoods.

Located within the Grand Pequot Tower, The Bedford is inspired by Martha’s historic 1925 farmhouse in Bedford, New York, offering a warm, residential-inspired setting that reflects her personal style and passion for entertaining, paired with a menu of her most beloved dishes and seasonal favorites.

Guests can expect signature menu items from the flagship Bedford at Paris Las Vegas, including the famed bread basket, Big Martha’s Pierogies, and Honey Mustard Salmon, alongside new dishes created exclusively for the Foxwoods location such as Martha’s Giant Turkey Meatball, Pasta Limone, and Crispy Chicken Milanese. The restaurant will also feature a robust breakfast offering, including highlights like Breakfast Biscuits, Eggs Benedict, Grand Marnier French Toast, Buttermilk Blueberry Pancakes, Donn’s Waffles with Pequot Maple Syrup, and Martha’s Fresh Pressed Green Juice. Signature cocktails—including the Martha-tini and frozen pomegranate Martha-rita—are crafted with freshly squeezed juices and premium spirits, reflecting Martha’s commitment to quality ingredients. The culinary program will emphasize locally sourced ingredients, celebrating Martha Stewart’s dedication to quality and sustainability while delivering a memorable dining experience for guests.

Coracora Peruvian Cuisine Opens Flagship Location in West Hartford’s Blue Back Square

Restaurant West Hartford Blue Back Square Hartford County Peruvian Opening Lunch Homepage

Leeanne Griffin February 22, 2026

Back in 2011, Hector Ludena and Luisa Jimenez took a chance and opened their first restaurant in West Hartford’s Shield Street Plaza, naming it for the Peruvian city they hailed from.

Coracora took over a former McDonald’s building, its kitchen turning out pollo a la brasa and lomo saltado instead of Chicken McNuggets and Quarter Pounders. It became another local international favorite in the plaza that’s also home to Pho Boston, Shu and the A Dong Asian supermarket. The staff even ended up using the former fast-food drive-through window during the pandemic to offer minimal contact takeout.

Then in 2022, things shifted in a way the Ludena family still says is surreal and hard to grasp. Coracora was named as a nominee for the James Beard Foundation’s Outstanding Restaurant award, and Macarena Ludena, Hector and Luisa’s daughter, was a semifinalist in the Best Chef: Northeast award category. Suddenly, the local spot was on a national stage.

Hidden Gem: Dama Rose Middle Eastern Cuisine Opens in West Haven

Restaurant West Haven New Haven Middle Eastern Opening Lunch Homepage

Jessica Ryan February 07, 2026

It’s often the “off the culinary grid” spots that are true hidden gems. We have found one for you.

Let me introduce you to Dama Rose, which opened just about a year and a half ago in a small strip of shops right on the Post Road in West Haven. It might not have the fanciest address but it doesn’t (and shouldn’t) matter, as most gourmands and critics will concur.

Chef Malaz Hayak opened Dama Rose in September 2024. The restaurant industry runs deep in veins – His father owned and ran a successful restaurant in Damascus which remains in the family today. Nearly 20 years ago Hayak left Syria for the States where he joined his brother who then owned Rabia’s, a popular restaurant in Boston’s historic North End. Chef is a formally trained Cordon Bleu Chef and received his training in Cambridge, Massachusetts. There he was exposed to many award-winning restaurants, and landed an externship at the notable Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel where he trained directly under Executive Chef David Daniel.

The Haven Opens in Norwalk Featuring a Speakeasy, Rooftop, Cafe, and Event Space

Features Interview Restaurant Speakeasy Cocktails Pizza Late Night Norwalk Interview Rooftop Opening

Andrew Dominick February 06, 2026

The restaurant space on the corner of Washington and N Main has seen its share of flips. Evarito’s had an over five-year run, then it was The Pompano for a blink. Drive or walk by it now and you’ll notice the dining room is empty-ish, but more like a clearing, and that the lights are on. And the lettering on the glass door reads, “The Haven.” Behind all of those previous concepts, and behind The Haven, is Christian Burns, who you’re familiar with as the brains behind The Ginger Man and The Cask Republic locations. With The Haven, Burns and his landlords, Joe and Aldo Criscuolo, are teaming up on all four aspects of what this is and what it’s going to be when it’s whole.

Cowboy Butter in New Milford: Hindsight BBQ's Sister Restaurant, a "Boujee" BBQ Joint + Steakhouse

Features Ingredients Interview Restaurant BBQ New Milford Opening Interview Steak Homepage

Andrew Dominick January 27, 2026

When CTbites last covered Hindsight BBQ in 2021, its founder, Jeff Schmidt was quoted as saying, “When you get obsessed with something, and when you get bit by the BBQ bug, once you go down that rabbit hole, you can only go further.” In 2025, his “further” ended up being Cowboy Butter, best described as “a New England live fire cookery and boujee BBQ bistro,” in New Milford’s quaint downtown area.