The new Dunkin’ Donuts shop in Bridge Square in Westport’s Bridge Square today was ready for its grand opening on Thursday. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Downunder owner Kim Beaumont poses with Saugatuck Center developers Sam Gault (l) and Jim Donaher. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo
Saugatuck Center, the new Gault-owned mixed-use development overlooking the Saugatuck River in the heart of Westport’s Saugatuck area, has signed its first retail tenant – a kayaking and paddle boarding rental, instruction, and surf shop called Downunder.

The signing was announced today and a news release said the shop will open on Memorial Day weekend, just in time for the unofficial start of summer, in a 2,000 square foot street level space.

“Reclaiming this beautiful piece of waterfront property for the enjoyment of the entire community has always been a top priority for us,” said Sam Gault of Hamilton Development, the real estate arm of Gault Energy and Stone.

“Downunder is the ideal anchor tenant for transforming this area into a fun destination for outdoor and water sports enthusiasts, alike.”

Westport’s Pottery Barn at 27 Main St. has closed for renovations. Store officials asked town permission to place dumpsters in the rear of the store for seven weeks beginning Tuesday. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

The House of Clement, an interior design studio with an emphasis on European furniture, opens Sunday at 181 Main St., Westport, in the facility previously occupied by Waterworks. French-born owner Gilles Clement said he has lived in the United States for 14 years and earned a Masters in design at Fairfield University. Now a Stamford resident, he retains interior design offices at 101 Avenue des Champs-Elysees in Paris. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

A new casual dining restaurant, the Blue Chip, will open in the space formerly occupied for 14 years by Jasmine, 60 Charles St., in Westport’s Saugatuck area, until its closing last September. The site is just up the street from the 30 Charles St. building that soon will house celebrity chef and restaurateur Mario Batali’s Tarry Lodge Enoteca & Pizzeria. Partner Dean Marino said the Westport Blue Chip will be the second after the initial Blue Chip restaurant in Danbury which opened in May 2010. He said he is cautiously optimistic they can open by late June. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Kennedy’s All-American Barber Club, an upscale franchise barbershop, will open soon in Playhouse Square in the space above the Pierre Deux French country furnishings shop. According to its website, the company, has 152 franchised locations, including one in Ridgefield, and plans to open additional ones in numerous locations, including in Fairfield County. The website describes the businesses as a “gentleman’s membership club for unlimited haircuts and relaxing shaves.” It says the shops also offer a modern selection of grooming products, shoeshines, and complimentary drinks. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com