SOUTHINGTON — The owner of Craft Kitchen in Plantsville is looking to open a restaurant and bar in downtown Southington.
Zoning officials approved liquor sales earlier this month at the request of Mike Truss, the founder of Craft Kitchen. He’s looking to start another location at 25 Center St., the former Sherman’s Taphouse location.
Truss started Craft Kitchen at 1244 Meriden Ave., moving to 42 W. Main St. in Plantsville earlier this year.
He also had a Plainville location which closed earlier this month. According to a post on the restaurant’s Facebook page, a disagreement with the landlord led to the closure.
Bar, dining area, lounge Truss presented his plans to the Zoning Board of Appeals on Sept. 12. He also submitted a sketch of the proposed restaurant which was mostly similar to the Sherman’s Taphouse layout. The new restaurant will have a large common table across from the main bar and a lounge area as well.
The food menu will include small plates, tapas, some entrees and desserts Truss told town officials.
ZBA officials approved Truss’ plans that night.
Hopeful for the new venture Cheryl Moran, an owner of Anthony Jack’s Wood Fired Grill, said she was glad to have Truss moving into the space and expected him to do well there.
“Our motto is anything that brings people downtown is good for everybody. I hate to see empty storefronts on Center Street. That doesn’t help anybody,” she said. Truss “is well-respected and has a great reputation in town. We definitely look forward to having him as a neighbor across the street.”
Moran and her partner Barry DePaolo have run Anthony Jack’s for more than two decades in downtown Southington.
Moran said Truss has done well in other locations and knows how to succeed in the restaurant industry.
Lou Perillo, the town’s economic development coordinator, said Truss has a “wonderful product and great service,” at his other location.
“He’s a great operator,” Perillo said. “I think he’ll have no problem being successful” on Center Street.
Messages left for Truss at his restaurant weren’t returned Monday.
jbuchanan@record-journal.com203-317-2230Twitter: @JBuchananRJ