Business

Local Bar and Restaurant Seeks to Amend P&Z Permit

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The Planning & Zoning Commission is set to weigh an application from a popular bar and restaurant downtown to amend its special permit. The White Buffalo, a cozy pub located down an alley on Elm Street next to Barvida, is seeking permission to use a courtyard outside its doors for dining and entertainment, according to a written request submitted on behalf of the eatery by one of its co-owners. “We have strived to provide a casual dining atmosphere in line with new Canaanites’ expectations and preferences,” Dave Tonkovich said in his request, received July 13 by P&Z. 

“The use of the courtyard outside of the White Buffalo has allowed us to provide a family-friendly environment for New Canaanites to dine alfresco,” he said. “The tables in the courtyard have been put up and taken down every day and there has not been any new structures added to the courtyard that are permanent. The courtyard is private property (owned by Fiona Sigg).

Business

‘Van Leeuwen Ice Cream’ Coming to Elm Street

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A new ice cream shop is planned for downtown New Canaan. Van Leeuwen Ice Cream is “Coming Soon” to 88 Elm St., according to a sign on the vacant storefront, former longtime home of Dunkin Donuts. 

Interior work to prepare the new ice cream shop is expected to start in September, according to construction documents published online. 

According to the company’s website, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream launched in New York City in 2008 and now has locations in eight states plus Washington, D.C. In Connecticut there are already locations in Greenwich and Darien. Van Leeuwen’s ice cream “is made from scratch at our factory in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, NY.,” the website says. The company’s mission is “to make good ice cream, from good ingredients, that makes you feel good.”

The business “was founded in NYC by brothers Ben and Pete Van Leeuwen (American with a Dutch Dad) and Laura O’Neill (an Australian living in America),” the website says. Its products include ice cream in flavors such as Malted Cookie Dough Shake, Peanut Butter Brownie Honeycomb and Buttermilk Berry Cornbread, and vegan ice cream in Oat Milk Brown Sugar Chunk, Churros & Fudge and Strawberry Shortcake.

Business

PHOTOS: Sidewalk Sale Draws Crowds to Downtown New Canaan

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Scores of bargain-hunters headed to downtown New Canaan on Saturday for the annual Village Fair & Sidewalk Sale. Crowds of shoppers milled about on Elm, Main and Forest Streets on a warm but mercifully unsticky summer day, flipping through racks and rummaging through tables set out on sidewalks and streets by New Canaan and seasonal merchants. 

“We are thrilled,” said Laura Budd, executive director of the New Canaan Chamber of Commerce, which organizes the annual Sidewalk Sale. “We have a terrific mix of vendors and organizations here, and Mother Nature has cooperated 100% with some beautiful breezes. We’re really pleased. It’s just a classic New Canaan event.”

One local family, the Falsettas, counted themselves among those sharing information about nonprofit organizations—in their case, the  Gracie Fund for Pediatric Cancer, which will be the beneficiary of this year’s Oct.

Business

‘Maddie’s’ Burger and Fried Chicken Sandwich Joint Opens on Pine Street

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Despite a quiet launch, locals are already crowding into New Canaan’s newest eatery—the burger and fried chicken joint Maddie’s on Pine Street. Offering a build-your-own-burger model similar to Press Burger on South Avenue, as well as four types of chicken sandwiches, grilled cheese, salads, wraps and ice cream, Maddie’s opened in May in the former CT Sandwich Co. space at 78 Pine St. (opposite Zumbach’s). “All of our burgers are made to order with our custom 100% Certified Angus Beef Blend consisting of brisket, rib, and chuck to ensure a true classic taste,” according to the restaurant’s website.

Business

‘One Medical’ Coming to Downtown New Canaan in July

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A new healthcare provider is setting up doctors’ offices in downtown New Canaan. One Medical, partnering with Hartford HealthCare for speciality care, is on track to open at 22 Pine St. (the former Oxygen Fitness building) in July, company officials say. Asked why New Canaan is a good fit for One Medical, company officials said in an email, “Many elements are considered when identifying potential One Medical office locations. One Medical targets real estate that is easily accessible to areas where people work, shop and live so New Canaan was a great fit for the second One Medical office in Connecticut.”

One Medical helps with “everything from common illnesses and chronic diseases to mental health concerns,” according to its website.