SEYMOUR – A mother-daughter duo is opening up a new eatery downtown that reflects their love of cooking, coffee and community.
La Bonita, or “the pretty one,” located at 29 Bank St., has taken up shop in the space previously occupied for decades by Haroula’s Coffee Shop.
The owners said they hope to open Nov. 4.
Lillian Chavez, 30, and her mom, Marlene Correa, said they fell in love with Seymour’s small-town charm when they opened a nearby nail salon, Yazabelle Nail Studio on Main Street, with a business partner, last year.
“Seymour has such a nice, small-town community feel,” Chavez said. “We felt the kindness and small-town charm that you find with southern hospitality.”
Originally hailing from Mexico, Chavez and her mom said when they learned that Haroula’s closed a couple months ago, they jumped at the chance to open their first restaurant together in the heart of downtown.
Members of the family ran a restaurant in Torrington, Casa VALIJO, for several years but sold it last year in search of a smaller space.
“It was a blessing when this space popped up,” Chavez said.
Correa learned how to cook at an early age, and ran a taco cart, as well as her own small restaurant in her backyard in Mexico. On Thursdays, Correa had long lines of customers waiting to dive into her traditional Mexican soup, pozole.
“When you cook something you love, people can feel that, and it comes from the heart,” Correa said. “We want people to come in, have something to eat, have a coffee, and just feel that warmth.”
The family spent the last month painting and redecorating the Bank Street space, which features freshly painted pale-yellow walls, colorful coffee artwork and touches of the family’s love for their Mexican culture and faith.
The counter, stools and booths remain, but the restaurant will not feature traditional waiter/waitress service. Rather, Chavez said customers will order at the counter, then seat themselves to enjoy their treats.
La Bonita will offer breakfast and lunch, with a spotlight on coffee, espresso, lattes and other specialty coffees. An all-day breakfast menu will feature classic fare like eggs, pancakes and waffles, as well as dishes honoring the family’s heritage, with huevos rancheros (two eggs sunny side up on top of a crispy tortilla topped with salsa), breakfast burritos and tres leches French toast.
A nod to nearby Route 8, the “Route Ate,” consisting of two eggs, refried beans, lettuce, tomato, onions and jalapenos on a roll, and “The Bank Street” sandwich with ham, mayo, refried beans, shredded lettuce, tomato, onion and jalapenos, will pay homage to the area.
The lunch menu will include classic favorites like burgers, salads and club sandwiches, as well as enchiladas, nachos and quesadillas.
Chavez said La Bonita will offer much more than just great food.
“People need something to do and with technology, we’re so much farther away from each other, and my goal is to have this be a community space,” Chavez said. “At Christmas time, I want to hold a gingerbread decorating competition. I want to host poetry nights. I want to be open after hours for events. We want this to be a family-friendly community place. If you’re having a bad day, we want you to come in, sit and relax. This can be a little corner where you can feel happy and welcome and just breathe.”
The family are no strangers to helping others feel welcome and safe. Correa emigrated to the U.S. from Mexico with her two young daughters more than 20 years ago. As a single mom, she worked two jobs to provide for her family, and opened a bilingual beauty school, Gorgeous by Glam, in Bridgeport, 15 years ago.
More recently, Correa started the Marlene Correa Foundation which helps young girls, single moms, young parents and others through scholarships and a food pantry.
La Bonita will have three to four employees, in addition to Chavez and Correa. They plan to open seven days a week, starting out, and will likely be open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. or 4 p.m.
Chavez said people have been knocking on the restaurant’s door, curious to get a taste of downtown’s newest attraction.
Two of those curious residents, Harry and Cheri Crevier, were taking a walk downtown on Tuesday (Oct. 20) and said they’re excited to welcome La Bonita to Seymour.
Cheri Crevier said she’s been following La Bonita’s Facebook page, and can’t wait for them to open.
“I’d been hoping for a great little coffee shop, and this is going to be wonderful,” Cheri Crevier said. “We run a prayer group and being able to have a meeting space is the answer to our prayers. It will be a great spot.”
First Selectwoman Annmarie Drugonis said she’s looking forward to welcoming another new business to the downtown landscape.
“I am so excited to welcome La Bonita café to downtown Seymour,” Drugonis said. “For so many years, that location was home to Haroula’s and it is wonderful to see the tradition of a neighborhood diner continue. What makes this even more special is that it’s another mother-daughter business (Tickled Pink is also run by a mom/daughter duo) opening in our town. Seymour has always been about family, community and supporting one another.”