The CEO of Balducci’s Food Lover’s Market, 1365 Post Road East, told customers today that even with its parent company, KB US Holdings, pursing a sale process and commencing voluntary Chapter 11 proceedings its stores will continue to operate. Judy Spires said in an email: “This process will position our company for long term success,” adding “Our stores will continue to be fully operational, offering the quality product and selections you have come to expect.” (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WN file photo

Hudson Malone Kitchen and Bar, 323 Main St., will open by September, according to owner Doug Quinn.  A former bartender at New York’s iconic P.J.Clarke and owner of Hudson Malone, East 53rd Street, Quinn said the Westport location features “a full lunch and dinner menu that changes almost daily, a large bar and an outdoor all-seasons dining patio.” He added,  “Our place will have that New York City feel that blends seamlessly with Westport’s charm.” The site is the former home of the 323 Restaurant and before that Bogey’s Grill and Taproom, which closed its doors in August 2011 after a 17-year run. Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Outpost Pizza, a takeout and eat-in pizza shop, opens in the fall at 331-333 Main St. next to the Merritt Country Store, according to owner Joe Dedovic.  An Easton resident, Dedovic, said he also owns Outpost Pizza, 365 West Ave, Stamford for the past 15 years. He added, “We know the pizza business. I learned a lot from my father, Tom, who owned two pizza locations in Brooklyn from the 1970s till 1985. He’ll be helping me here—we’re a family-owned father and son operation.” He said the. Westport location will have a “New York feel” with a seven-foot display case featuring many pizza varieties including a hot-oil pizza.”  In addition to pizza the shop also offers sandwiches, salads and, in time, beer and wine. The space was previously occupied by Community Dry Cleaners, which closed one year ago after more than 30 years. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave. Matlow for WestportNow.com

Rio Bravo Tacos & Tequila, a Mexican restaurant at 1460 Post Road East, has closed after four and a half years. “It is with heavy hearts that we announce that our Westport location is now permanently closed,” said a Facebook posting. “We would like to say thank you to all of our customers for constant support over the years. However, we hope to see you all soon at our Fairfield location where we are celebrating Taco Tuesday.” (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Le Penguin, a French bistro at 15 Myrtle Ave. in Sconset Square, has closed after almost four years. A sign in a window thanked customers for their patronage and memories, adding: “We tried.” The owners urged customers to visit their other restaurants—Le Penguin in Greenwich and Le Fat Poodle in Old Greenwich. The space was formerly occupied by Blue Lemon, which closed in April 2016 after 13 years. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Kneads, a small family run bakery, café, and flour mill is the newest addition to Saugatuck Center at 580 Riverside Ave. In space formerly occupied by Garelick & Herbs. It features freshly milled local flour with its fresh artisan breads and pastries baked on site daily. Its cafe offers quick, sit down service, as well as to-go breakfast and lunch options. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

The Brooks Brothers women’s store at 125 Main St. has closed as the company considers a possible bankruptcy filing. The store has had a Main Street presence for more than 20 years. The men’s store across the street at 136 Main St. remains open. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com