Category: Business - Page 108

Sunday, October 18, 2026

Cold Outside But Hot IPO Inside

UPDATE It was bitter cold outside Westport’s Shake Shack, 1849 Post Road East, today but the company founded 14 years ago by restaurateur Danny Meyer was basking in the heat of Wall Street as its initial public offering (IPO) began trading on the New York Stock Exchange. The stock, which went public at $21, closed at $45.90, up almost 119 percent, after trading as high as $52.50. The New York-born cult modern day “roadside” burger stand opened in Westport in July 2011. Meyer was on hand for the debut of the chain’s first actual drive-in eatery and first suburban location. (See WestportNow July 20, 2011) (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Tuesday, January 27th, 2015

Open and Awaiting Customers

Tutti Ristorante, 599 Riverside Ave., was among Westport restaurants open today and awaiting customers. Maria Funicello, co-owner with her chef husband Pasquale, said, “We opened at 4 o’clock, but we don’t have a single reservation for tonight and the phone has not rung even once. I don’t think anyone knows we’re open, but we plan to stay until our usual closing time at 9 p.m.” Their phone is (203)221-0262. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Thursday, January 22nd, 2015

Chamber Guests Hear About Compo Penguin Plunge

Guests at tonight’s Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce monthly Business After Hours networking reception heard details of the annual Special Olympics Penguin Plunge at Compo Beach on Saturday, March 14 at 1 p.m. Registration begins at 11 a.m., according to Lisa Carole of the Special Olympics, who attended the event at the Symphony Space office complex, 55 Greens Farms Road. Register to plunge, or support a participant or team at http://www.soct.org. To join in the fun, participants must be at least 8 years old and need to raise a minimum of $100. In addition to awards for top fundraisers and best costume, participants receive incentive prizes for their fundraising efforts. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Tuesday, January 20th, 2015

Town to Secure New Restaurant to Replace Splash

Westporters beginning this spring will be able to dine overlooking Long Island Sound in space formerly occupied by Splash Restaurant at the Inn at Longshore Club Park.

Splash Restaurant & Bar had been a Westport waterside favorite since 1995 before it closed last October. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

First Selectman Jim Marpe and Rory Tagert, who has leased the Inn at Longshore, a the town-owned facility, for more than 30 years, announced today they have signed a letter of intent to identify and secure a new restaurant to replace Splash, which closed last October after 19 years. (See WestportNow Oct. 31, 2014)

“It is imperative that a first class restaurant for all Westporters is in operation for the spring and summer 2015 seasons,” Marpe said in a statement. “The restaurant must also include services for golfers.”

Marpe noted that a long-term sublease with a restaurant operator would be subject to the town’s terms, conditions, and approval.

Saturday, January 17th, 2015

Still Going Strong for the Moment

There is a “retirement sale” banner in the window of The Textile Stores, 415 Post Road East in the Compo Shopping Center, which has announced it is closing in February. But for the moment, it is still going strong after 75 years in business, 55 at its current location. Customers keep coming to buy and say “thank you” to owners Marty Yanell (above) and his daughter, Lori Yanell. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Lynn U. Miller for WestportNow.com

Tuesday, January 6th, 2015

Comings & Goings: The Textiles Stores Closing

After 75 years in business, 55 at its current Westport location, The Textile Stores, 415 Post Road East in the Compo Shopping Center, will close at the end of February, according to Lori Yanell (above), daughter of owner Marty Yanell. She is the granddaughter of founder Samuel Unofsky who, she said, started the business in South Norwalk in 1940. Yanell said, “We’re following in the path of Silver’s—the rents have gone just too high.” Describing how long she has been associated with the business she said, “I was practically born in the back of the store.” (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Saturday, January 3rd, 2015

Comings & Goings: Jewelry by Sara Kennedy Closing

After 45 years in business, Jewelry by Sara Kennedy Cellar Workshop at 44 Railroad Place will close Jan. 14. Kennedy, who began her business on Avery Place in 1969 and has been in Saugatuck since 2006, said she will retire to Tucson, Ariz, where she has purchased a home after going there for 47 years. She recalled she moved to Westport when was in seventh grade, two years after her father purchased Compo Acres Pharmacy. “I want to tour the country,” she said. “I want to explore, to paint, to sculpt, to enjoy a physical freedom.” As for leaving Westport, she said: “I value my many relationships in Westport. I even have customers from the same family for three generations.” (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Friday, January 2nd, 2015

Bargains Galore at Silver of Westport

Steve Silver, co-owner of Silver of Westport, gives a wave today as the store began a 50 percent off sale to reduce inventory prior to its shutting down. Silver announced in November that the 110-year-old family business at 390 Post Road East will close once the inventory is gone. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Wednesday, December 31st, 2014

Last Day

It’s the last day for Positano Ristorante at Westport’s Old Mill Beach. Closing after tonight’s New Year’s Eve celebration, the restaurant will reopen early in the year adjacent to the Westport Country Playhouse in space formerly occupied by the Dressing Room. Manager Gianni Rizzi said Positano, owned by Westchester County resident Giuseppe Scarpati, occupied its current space for 15 years and was on Post Road East, where Tengda is now, for two years. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Tuesday, December 30th, 2014

Comings & Goings: Cake Suite Closes

UPDATE After a five-year run, Cake Suite, 47 Saugatuck Ave., near Dunville’s Restaurant, has closed. Owner Michelle Klem of Fairfield said today it closed on Dec. 20 and “had nothing to do with the economy or anything like that. All was going well. But I needed to change my lifestyle.” She said she needed to devote more time to her 12-year-old son. But she said she will continue to work with wholesale customers and area caterers, teach baking classes, and is researching a book on operating a bake shop. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com