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Custom Wine Shop Coming to Stratford [Updated]

A wine crafting company takes the place of Stationhouse Restaurant on Main Street.

You choose the grapes, they make the wine.

That's how a town official described the new wine crafting company that will soon be moving into the former Stationhouse Restaurant location at 2505 Main St.

Karen Kaiser, the town's special projects coordinator, said the custom wine shop hopes to open in September and will operate similar to a brewery.

Kaiser said the wine will be made on the premises after customers pick out ingredients.

A few weeks ago, Stratford Patch asked readers (original story posted below) what they'd like to see move in to the location across from the train station.

Amazingly, not one person said custom wine shop. So, what do you think of the new business? Will you check it out?

--

Published June 21

A popular spot in Stratford for many years, shuttered its doors a little over a year ago.

"Everybody knew it and it was successful for a long time," says Robert Colgan, the manager of the building at Stationhouse Square.

Colgan contacted Stratford Patch this week with the request that we ask our readers what they would like to see move in to the spot on Main Street, across the street from the train station.

There's 2,200-square-feet of space up for grabs, according to Colgan, as well as a caboose that sits next to the building which can serve a number of functions.

So what would you like to see in the former Stationhouse Restaurant location, which is within walking distance of and Stratford Center? Another restaurant or perhaps something retail? Share your ideas below.

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Janice Lewis June 21, 2012 at 01:33 pm
Liquid Lunch! This awesome soup/sandwich place succeeds in Shelton where parking is difficult, and in Milford. It's just that the soup is so great... Stratford would really benefit from that business... and citizens support quality food!
Know what's going on June 21, 2012 at 05:39 pm
Here is what's interesting. -- Mr. Colgan doesn't seem to have asked the Town. Or the supposed Economic project person Karen kaiser or mayor Harkins. Typical commercial support by the Mayor and his closed door office
Mark Hannon Art Direction & Design June 21, 2012 at 05:44 pm
The problem with that location is that it is stuck in the back of the plaza and not visible to pass-by from the street. These are considerations a successful restauranteur will consider. Whatever business goes in there will have to be creative in their strategy to get people in the door.
Jason Bagley (Editor) June 21, 2012 at 06:26 pm
Here are a few ideas left on the Stratford Patch Facebook page:
Matt DeBernardo: "Plan B Burger :O" Liz Dederer: "A place for kids to have birthday parties!" Grace Arpie: "a coffee shop! Stratford has no independent coffee shops so that would be awesome." Joe Gavrish Drumstick: "bbq" Like us: http://www.facebook.com/StratfordPatch
Bob E. Peel June 21, 2012 at 06:41 pm
I go along with the Liquid Lunch, I think it's a great idea.
libertarian June 21, 2012 at 07:29 pm
we want something that isnt going to go out of business.
not a lot of book stores left.
Jack brand June 21, 2012 at 08:03 pm
The way things are goimg if you have anyone from Shelton come in they will put a condo in the train car. Good luck I hope you have some people with insite come in and use it to promote community and town history. A railway history food place would go great there if some of the other business fallowed suiet.
Frank Stirna June 21, 2012 at 09:51 pm
It's a gotta have a niche world especially if the store is hidden, a New York Style Deli and market that offers and advertises some Kosher foods, all the stock New York deli style beef and turkey overstuffed sandwiches, hot dogs and salads, maybe worth someone looking into.
George E. Mulligan June 21, 2012 at 11:22 pm
The same people driving property values down,
cause businesses to move out of town. Do they take public treasury via embezzle while their concerted diversions cause bamboozle Department heads, supervisors, and rank management get pensions over thier base pay by negotiated ferment? Questionable BIDDING, CHANGE ORDERS, & CONTRACTS, within "fuzzy Budgets" isn't it hard to connect money FACTS? Monthy Attorneys report nothing happened to the Town Council, YET funnelling requests and billing barratry do their wallets they fill? The town decried a crude and loud Mayor, called a lying fool. Replace by an invisible Mayor who hide behind political hacks & tools? On blog and occasional letters a few take the time to gripe and moan, Often I write exposes and solutions, but I intentionally stand alone. There's no need to create ideas for isolated business ideas. By the time Stratford is redeveloped they'll reduce you to tears.
M. Amalbert June 22, 2012 at 12:47 am
Ideas for New Stratford Businesses: A Decent Book Store for Everyone, A Music Store, A SONIC, A Playhouse-Theatre, Another Speedway with a bigger course, A Sports Activity Center for Families, A Chic-Fillet, A Checkers, An "Off-Road Power Sports Center" for Families, An "All Matinee" Childrens Movie Theatre, A Bowling Alley, Another Roller Skating Rink, A 24-Hour Walk-In Clinic, A "Trade & Swap" Shop, A Fully Equipped Bicycle & Repair Shop, An Shoes/Bags/Zippers etc. Repair Shop , A White Castle, An Arcade, A Family Resource Center, A Dog Park, A Meat Outlet, A Learning Center for Sewing, Knitting, Crocheting, Arts, Crafts, Painting, Ceramics, Basic Use of a Kilm, Learn to Play Musical Instruments, Another Animals Pet Shop.
Bianconeri1897 June 22, 2012 at 12:18 pm
Soccer store.
Jim Ravis June 22, 2012 at 12:31 pm
How about a restaurant called "The Stratford Political Theater"?
It would be owned by various elected and appointed officials of Stratford, and their families. Its atmosphere is what Stratford will look and sound like "tomorrow". There is the outline on the floor where the Soda Bar used to be and the speakers that used to play music are silent. It would have a very nice menu. It has something that appeals to everyone. But don't be surprised if you get something you didn't order - after all the wait and cook staff are free to serve you what they want. And the bill - don't be surprised if it is a little bit more that you expected to pay. There might be some random fee added to it. It would be open 24 hours, 7 days a week. But don't be surprised if it is not open when you go there. The owners are free to lock you out whenever they want to. "The Statford Political Theater Restaurant" - I wonder how many people would go there?
George E. Mulligan June 22, 2012 at 03:40 pm
Jim, why not submit your proposal to CT POST & STRATFORD STAR?
Unfortunately you captured the realities of political & economic ambiance. I will move this to Jeze website, without permission. However, unlike what politicians do, you'll be credited!
Maria L Bruno June 22, 2012 at 04:36 pm
I like the idea of a soup place, salads, wonderfull bread...Delivery would be great, too!!
lee June 22, 2012 at 08:56 pm
Hal,
there's a reason Whistle Stop Book store closed. I would like to see a Chips style restaurant move in there
lee June 22, 2012 at 09:01 pm
Mark,
I guess you never ate in that place. There is a reason why restaurants close.
lee June 22, 2012 at 09:04 pm
too late,Orange already snagged SONIC. I Could easily have seen several locations in town
M. Amalbert June 22, 2012 at 09:52 pm
I agree with Ms. Bruno on a Soup Place more like The Liquid Lunch with Delivery would be Excellent!!! We could also get an "Dippin Dots" Ice Cream Shop too. How about an IHOP or or anther Panera or a Marie Callender's Restaurant . A Steak N' Shake. Maybe a Discovery Zone for children's parties. By the way A Sonic would really by great but unfortuanately the Orange site was outbid and a "no go". I myself would love to see an Stew Leonard's here..... I wish we had a Conway Store or even a Cookies for Kids (great clothes, etc., and prices too). An Indoor Baseball facility. A Toy Hospital (repairs)
Kevin Schneck June 22, 2012 at 11:49 pm
I am thinking an educational outreach facility and job training center for hobos, heck it already has a train car
roxanne amiot June 23, 2012 at 02:30 pm
Need a bookstore in Stratford- miss the old one that was in Stationhouse square. A bookstore with a cafe would be excellent.
Harry Mil June 23, 2012 at 09:56 pm
Chop’t is as Terrifying As You Would Think. I find salad places to be scary enough on their own- imagine how much scarier it becomes when you put giant machetes in the hands" Posted by Zach Brooks at 11:23 am, June 23rd, 2008 under Chop't, Salads.
DEN WATKINS June 25, 2012 at 04:18 pm
mr macs canteen 3
Diane Wirtemburg July 9, 2012 at 04:32 pm
This is a reply to "lee".....Whistle Stop closed because the owner retired, I agree that we need another bookstore in that area.....there is no Sonic in Orange, the closest one is in Wallingford...."lee", are you just trying to agitate folks?
Chris July 13, 2012 at 10:58 am
Diane, Sonic is opening a new location in the Raymour and Flanigan Plaza on the Boston Post Road in Orange.
OldManTeenager July 13, 2012 at 12:12 pm
A bookstore?! I see that suggestion being talked about often. The year is 2012 first off, and do you really think a bookstore would survive in a town that is already known to not support their own local businesses?
George E. Mulligan July 13, 2012 at 02:13 pm
Internet & Libraries compete with Book stores
Superstore book stores bury niche locals. Many food places hurt for business due to demographics of elderly resident who eat in, and under/un-employed who don't eat out. Pizza & other places seek the $ 15 sales. Fast foods jacked up value meals. Salads are healthier than soups, which are healthier than most fast food or restaurant items. I'm more guilty than many for eating wrong foods & drinking wrong non alcoholic beverages. But Subway holds the line on pricing & healthy food. Can Movie Theater, Bowling Alley, or indoor soccer compete in 2012? While CABLE TV / others are often junk - netflix or library supplement. Bowled lately. Almost cheaper to go to a Yankee game. Soccer Building on Honey spot roads ext, being sold. Jim Ravis politcal parody was brilliant and belongs on Shakespearean Theater stage. Who are more villianous, today's political actors ... or those ficticious?
Pandora Fulton July 13, 2012 at 04:17 pm
With the passing of House Bill no. 5389 ( http://www.cga.ct.gov/2012/FC/2012HB-05389-R000597-FC.htm ) I'm surprised that a marijuana dispensary isn't opening up at this location. Though I bet the prices at the high school will be cheaper. Imagine the taxable gain for the town, and the creation of jobs, and development of land for farming, and the increase in food sales in the center of town.
Patterson Crew August 23, 2012 at 08:22 pm
Too much booze in this town. Next open spot needs an AA.
Cathy August 23, 2012 at 10:15 pm
I would love to see Liquid Lunch come here.
Dolly October 15, 2012 at 03:52 pm
I like this idea!!!
Note Article
Just a short thought to get the word out quickly about anything in your neighborhood.
Share something with your neighbors. Write a new post... What's up? Make an announcement, speak your mind, or sell something
Ashley Riera June 17, 2013 at 03:02 pm
To clarify, for those who are wondering why we can't just take the two cats up with us, we alreadyRead More have four cats, and a dog. We could only take two of the four cats with us, plus the dog (who is 14yrs. old.) The limit for the rental is three pets... this was a hard decision for us all. We would have taken them all if we could.
Bunny The Dog
Alyson Cahill June 13, 2013 at 07:01 am
Edit: Bunny was stolen WITH the truck. Suspect is Caucasian male in his 50s. Truck is red Dodge RamRead More with dent in rear passenger side cab. Please help! Call 203-257-3001 or 203-645-1282 with any information. No questions asked.
bpiretti June 13, 2013 at 12:15 pm
Found!! https://www.facebook.com/BringBunnyHome
Shirley B. Backus June 13, 2013 at 11:05 pm
Another example of why to never leave your pet unattended in your vehicle!
A photo of Sam (Credit: Contributed Photo)
Amy Taylor June 13, 2013 at 12:25 am
Thank you so much! You have no idea how grateful we are! You are very special people!!
Kathie June 13, 2013 at 03:58 am
Now that Sam has been found, the reason he ran off was due to the sound of gunfire at RooseveltRead More Forest in the early afternoon as his master was getting ready to take him out of his car. All had been quiet, the park was open, so the loud bangs were a surprise - both to Sam and his "Dad". To the best of my knowledge, when the shooting range is used by the Stratford PD, the park is closed to the public. It was that way always and I believe still is. But now, with non-Stratford police personnel using the range, obviously the Park is NOT closed as was observed/heard yesterday at 2 separate time periods of the day. The range is used by at least one other police department. Of course, there could be unauthorized people using the range too. I just don't know. But what I do know that yesterday (Wed), there was shooting early afternoon, and then again around 6PM. I observed at around 5:00PM, a little boy running up the dirt road that leads to the shooting range. The park remained opened all day! The shooting was NOT being done by the Stratford Police. People do not always stick to the trails, and as we all know, children can be quite curious. Who is to say a child and/or adult gets near the berm or behind it and someone shoots over the berm? What goes up, has to come down. I also was told that neighbors say there is shooting going on quite frequently, even on Sundays. I doubt that this is from Stratford PD, because outdoor shooting usually occurs for a week or so, twice a year. Tighter controls must be done! Surely, the parking area can be checked for vehicles... but I observed yesterday people entering the parking area (adjacent to the driveway leading up to the range) on foot, on bicycles, and motorcycles. So people could be in the park even when no vehicles are observed in the lot. Safety is key here! Procedures need to be put in place and perhaps limitations on when other police department(s) can use the range. It is not fair to the surrounding residents to have to hear the bang bang bang on Saturdays and Sundays. It scares some of them, and I know that one person who lives nearby says her dog gets scared right inside their house! What will it take? A child or an adult wandering near the range, thinking it is OK because the Forest is open... and then, all of a sudden, there is shooting and one gets shot, especially a child? This may sound extreme, but children can move quick and suddenly. I think of that little boy running up toward the range. He could have very well traveled through the woods. I can picture bullets being shot over the berm, not on purpose, but it can happen. Or shots go to the left or to the right; and people could be in the same general area - out of sight of the shooters. Bottom Line: The "public" can not be in the park while the range is "live", or in other words, when there is shooting taking place. As how to ensure that the public is not in the park, is not for me to determine. But the Town has to step up to the plate and address this very important issue.
bpiretti June 13, 2013 at 11:17 am
So happy to hear that your dog has been found! :)
ShirleyJ June 11, 2013 at 09:00 pm
Great shot! We were looking for the rainbow!!!
samgranata June 12, 2013 at 08:12 am
Great shot! One of my favorite places to take pictures of weather
Jaimie Cura (Editor) June 12, 2013 at 02:03 pm
That's beautiful Carol! I'm surrounded by land so this is so great to see!
re26 June 14, 2013 at 04:19 am
Reagan's quote is from the 1988 GOP convention that 'facts are stupid things'...John Adams made theRead More original quote.
Steve Raguskus June 15, 2013 at 10:20 am
I hope people note how these comments go. Anonymous right-wingers try to change the discussion,Read More prove a point that no one is arguing, and then declare victory. Both "Goodie Bassett" and "Reagan Night" say Ms. Daponte is lying because Tony Smith won't be removed from office. I just re-read Beth's piece to see where she made this claim, but she never said anything of the sort. What she did say was "Both Tony and Linda serve until January 1, 2016." So, where's the "half-truth"? The point of the post is that the new land use District II, comprised of the 3rd & 4th council districts, has no representation on any of these boards. Tony Smith will be the District II Zoning Commissioner, even though he doesn't live in that district. The extreme right can't defend this, so they try to change the subject.
richard brown June 15, 2013 at 12:29 pm
Isn't it odd that the half truths are written by people that won't sigh their real name but theRead More Democrats sign theirs. Huh, guess they don't want to be held accountable for their inuendo's and false acusations.
Robert Chambers June 10, 2013 at 04:15 pm
If the worst thing against Mayor Harkins is the lack of allowance of golf carts on the streets ofRead More Lordship then he's doing pretty well.
Mike Reynolds June 10, 2013 at 10:25 pm
Robert Chambers...a voice of reason in Lordship.
Truckie June 11, 2013 at 09:54 am
What a wonderful town we live in that the only problem we have worthwhile to discuss is golf cartsRead More driving down the street! WHO CARES? I have kids riding their go carts and mini bikes around our neighborhood. They learn how to fix them and have some fun which doen't include stealing or damaging my property. Actually I enjoy helping them and occasionally lend them a tool or two. The parents make them be considerate by not allowing them to ride around early morning or late evenings. SO WHO CARES! I guess you will want to stop all the people at Oronoque condos from driving across the road up there too? Hey..on the road is on the road. Again, WHO CARES? Get informed and worry about a real problem facing us here in town!