By Dave Matlow
The Luxe Wine Bar, 190 Main St., closes at the end of business on Sunday, according to owner Dave Morton, a Stratford resident.
Luxe Wine Bar owner Dave Morton: moving on for personal reasons. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Morton, who reopened the business in November 2013 after acquiring it from prior owner Robert Reilly, has sold it to Sammy Alanz, a Trumbull resident.
Alanz said he will open the space around the end of May as Bankside Social, which he described as a Mediterranean restaurant. He said it will have table service, a full tapas menu, a full bar, and be open seven days a week.
He said it will seat about 25 to 30 not counting the patio which will be open in season. The Bankside name comes from the early bankside farmers of Westport, he said.
Morton, a former aerospace supply chain manager, said he has not decided what he’s going to do next.
Reminiscing about Reilly, he said, “Rob developed this place. He created a great vibe and atmospheric feel. He laid the foundation.
“I’m moving on now for personal reasons and will miss the customers and Westport but, for sure, want to continue to spend lots of time here.”
