SOUTHINGTON — Owners of Tavern 42 plan to introduce catering while they look for a new restaurant location.
Cheryl Moran and Barry DePaolo left the restaurant’s 42 W. Main Street location in Plantsville earlier this year amid disagreement with their landlord, Dean Michanczyk. They’ve been looking for a new restaurant building.
The couple also own Anthony Jack’s on Center Street. Using that kitchen, Moran said they can offer Tavern 42 favorites despite not having a building.
“We haven't found another location, which seems to be question of the day from everybody,” she said. “Until we find something, we’re going to work a ghost kitchen out of Anthony Jack’s.”
Moran said she hopes to have catering up and running in the next few weeks. She’s working on the menu, getting a dedicated phone line for Tavern 42 catering orders and updating the restaurant’s website.
“People will be able to call that dedicated phone line to place orders,” she said.
Moran has been polling customers online to find their favorite dishes that will make a return on the catering menu. In responses this week, people mentioned the tots with dipping sauce, mac and cheese and Cap’n Crunch chicken tenders.
Finding a new locationMoran said there have been two challenges with reopening Tavern 42 to in-person guests. The first is finding the right location. The second is staffing. She described trying to hire workers as a “nightmare.”
“We haven’t really found the right location for us. Even if we did have that perfect location available, I don’t know if we’d be able to staff it properly.”
Moran and DePaolo recently renovated Anthony Jack’s, saying it was a necessary upgrade.
Fireside on Main opened in the former Tavern 42 location. It’s co-owned by Meriden restaurateur Mike Mingolello, a former owner of Wise Guys Pizza and Deli.
Michanczyk, who owns the 42 W. Main Street building, also owns Dean’s Stove and Spa along with other Plantsville real estate. He’s been renovating aging buildings in the area and bringing in new businesses.
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