It was seven years ago, just as the economy was in free fall, when Libby Meissner opened the doors of Crave on Main Street in Ansonia.
Despite the dour economy, Crave flourished.
So much so that when another storefront opened a few doors down on Main Street, Meissner moved the boutique she also owned next to Crave to the empty spot in order to expand her popular restaurant.
And a few weeks ago, after 10 months of renovations, the new section of Crave opened with a piano lounge and expanded dining room.
The expansion adds 1,000 square feet, or about 70 more seats.
Meissner first joined the Ansonia business community in 2000, when she opened Only For Her, a gift shop and clothing boutique at 96 Main St.
Seven years later she opened Crave next door, to rave reviews.
“We hit the ground running and have been busy ever since,” she said. “We strive to create an unforgettable dining experience through the food and the ambience. Many say if you don’t look out the window, you would think you’re in Manhattan.”
The menu is described as “Latin Fusion,” but also features traditional favorites such as steak and short ribs, which “has been popular since day one.”
Fabian Delgado is the chef.
Expanding was a natural next step, she said.
“When the space became available [last year], I decided to move the boutique and expand the restaurant,” Meissner said. “I wasn’t looking for it, it just happened.”
But she wanted to go beyond just adding dining area, she said, which resulted in the new piano lounge.
So now, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights feature music in the lounge, she said, and so far have proven popular.
“We have been packed every night,” she said. And with the additional dining space, they’re now hosting private parties, she said, with several already booked.
“I love this place,” said customer Marco Salazar. “I’ve been coming here since day one.
“It’s a beautiful place that has been done over so romantically, and this is just what the Valley needs,” he said. “I don’t want to have to go to New Haven to get great atmosphere and great food, and I don’t have to.”
Her expansion is the latest in the renovation of the downtown area, Meissner said.
“In 2000 [when the boutique opened], there was nothing on Main Street,” she said. “It was a deserted town.”
But now with several other restaurants and businesses lining the road, it’s a different atmosphere, she said.
“We have our core long-timers and we have a resurgence of new places,” she said. And there’s been noticeable improvements since Mayor David Cassetti took office, she said, including beautification efforts on West Main Street, behind the restaurant.
The city used grant money secured and funds approved by voters under Mayor James Della Volpe’s to pave West Main Street, including the large municipal lot. The money also paid for the installation of sidewalks, plantings and new street lights.
“In the short time he has been in office, we have seen welcome changes,” she said. “I think in the next five to 10 years we are going to see some major changes, and it’s nice to know I was one of the pioneers.”
