Pesca Peruvian Bistro, a well-liked restaurant that opened on Main Street nearly eight years ago, is closing this week.
Inside Pesca Peruvian Bistro at 70 Main St. in New Canaan. Credit: Michael Dinan
Co-owner Wilson Rodriguez said that he is seeking to retire and sees little benefit in remaining open during a general slowdown of the business.
“It sounds crazy, I’m not even 60, but that [retirement] is what I want,” he told NewCanaanite.com.
Rodriguez added: “We really appreciate all of our loyal customers. I don’t want to disappoint them and I hope they will understand. And they will.”
Paella from Pesca on Main Street in New Canaan. Photo courtesy of Pesca
Launched by Rodriguez and fellow co-owner and chef Jose Draganac in December 2018 in the large restaurant space formerly occupied by the Plum Tree, Pesca emerged as a popular option for those seeking Peruvian cuisine, and also regularly hosted parties, business gatherings and fundraisers for local nonprofit organizations, and supported many community causes. The restaurant features one of the larger outdoor dining areas in the downtown.
Rodriguez said his retirement plans have been top of mind for some time.
“I am from Ecuador so I have been planning to go there and enjoy the countryside,” he said. “That’s what I like.”
Pesca is “such a big place and for me it didn’t make sense to spend a couple more years here if the results are not taking me anywhere, so I’d rather make the decision now when I can hike, I can move, I can run—rather than wait until I’m 65, 70,” Rodriguez said.
Inside Pesca Peruvian Bistro at 70 Main St. in New Canaan. Credit: Michael Dinan
His dad, siblings and “a lot of friends” are in his native country, he said.
“I will come back [to the United States] here and there, of course, but not to work—hopefully not,” he said.
Rodriguez said his partner was hesitant to try and run Pesca solo.
“We made such a nice bond that he is afraid he will not find anyone else to be on the same page,” he said.
The restaurant will close after this upcoming weekend.
Here’s a post on Instagram from Pesca:
View this post on Instagram
You’ll be missed, Pesca! Best to you both as you travel onward.
We’ve enjoyed many good meals and good times at Pesca. Sorry to see you go…
Thank you, Wilson, for such a wonderful restaurant. I will miss Pesca. Enjoy retirement. I hope you have many happy years ahead to hike and and run with friends and family in Ecuador.
Congrats on your retirement and thank you for the many flavorful meals you served!
Thank you, Wilson, for always receiving guests with a smile, for serving tasty food and drinks, and for supporting the community and its causes. The end of an era. You worked hard. Enjoy your retirement. We will miss Pesca, for sure. Felicidades y mucha suerte!
Wilson, bar none, your restaurant is my absolute favorite place to eat in all of New Canaan. I want you to know how much I appreciate your sumptuous cuisine and peaceful venue. You will be sorely missed. Congratulations on your retirement and blessings as you more toward this next stage of your life.
Jan and I want to thank you for all the good food and service we received from you and your staff when we ate there. LOVED your Pisco Saurs. One od the best drinks we have ever had.
Good luck in your future endeavors.
We are the couple who have been to Peru and other South American countries over the years.
Thank you so much for all the wonderful meals over these past years. Best of luck to all of you! Godspeed!
I retired at 46 and it’s been wonderful. Enjoy life!
Wilson, Pesca will be sorely missed. We loved the food so much. So different from all the other restaurants in town. Best wishes!
We will miss you, Wilson, and the delicious food and drink you served at Pesca over the years. Thanks for hosting so many fun events.
Wishing you a happy retirement!