A new restaurant is coming to Main Street in Ansonia — Copper City Bar and Grill.
Named after the nearby Ansonia Copper and Brass factory, the new restaurant will have an antique look, including a copper ceiling, classic wooden floors and an open kitchen for guests to see the chef at work, according to owner and chef Thomas Carney.
Carney said he’s not sure when opening day for the business will be, but that he is targeting late April or early May.
The address will be 82 – 84 Main St., on the ground floor of a building being redeveloped by Jerry Nocerino, a local developer.
Click here to check out the business’ Facebook page.
Carney, a Shelton resident, said he wants a nice and relaxing place for people to come to.
“It’s going to be an upscale bar with everything from hamburgers to salads, salmon and desserts,” Carney said. “It will be an American eclectic restaurant.”
Carney said he will bring over to the new restaurant some of his big hits on the menu from the Spotted Horse Tavern in Westport, a restaurant where he is head chef.
“I’m definitely willing to accommodate with what the customers want,” Carney said. “I pretty much don’t turn people down.”
The Spotted Horse has 68 reviews on Yelp, averaging 4 out of 5 stars.
Obviously, Ansonia is not Fairfield or Southport.
Carney said that’s the point — he chose Ansonia because wanted a quiet place for people to come and enjoy a meal.
“I like Ansonia because it’s close to home for me,” Carney said. “It’s off the beaten track.”
The city also doesn’t have the craziest night life.
But the downtown area is gaining some momentum, said Sheila O’Malley, Ansonia’s director of economic development.
Example — Crave, a Latin fusion restaurant just a few doors down, draws rave reviews, and expanded last year.
More restaurants will help bring more people in from surrounding communities, O’Malley said.
“We have a nice cluster of restaurants in Ansonia and it’s great for local residents,” O’Malley said. “They might go into one restaurant and get something there, but then they’re going to want to try something else. I think this new place will be successful.”
Note: an earlier version of this story incorrectly stated Carney’s title at the Spotted Horse.
