Sweetgreen went before the Architectural Review Board last night.
The salad-and-bowl fast casual restaurant — with over 150 outlets in more than a dozen states — will replace Organic Krush. The “lifestyle eatery” replaced Chipotle less than 2 years ago. Board members were pleased with the new look. (There were no comments on the menu.)
Representatives from Bridge Square faced more questions, about the new look of that venerable plaza. Questions centered around architectural additions, the back (river) side, and color.
Ultimately, the ARB voted to let the project continue, with the recommendation that the owners come back with a new color scheme.
The ARB took the most time on a pre-application review of a text amendment for The Hamlet at Saugatuck, the proposed redevelopment of the area bordered by Riverside Avenue, Railroad Place and Charles Street.
No decisions were made. Members asked questions about height and architecture. ROAN Ventures, the project developer, continues the process with the ARB and Planning & Zoning Commission in September.
Part of the proposed Saugatuck Hamlet project.
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One of Westport’s oldest best known liquor stores is for sale.
A commercial real estate listing for Greens Farms Spirit Shop says: “Prime location on well-traveled road. Fantastic selection of all types of Spirits, with experienced Staff. Full delivery service, and help with all Events, Weddings, as well as corporate outings. Truly a must see to get the full affect [sic] of the operation.”
It’s listed for $2,250,000. Click here for details. (Hat tip: Amy Swanson)
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Hook’d — the Compo Beach concessionaire — remains controversial.
A few “06800” readers accused me of being too harsh, with my recent report that my request for a rare cheeseburger was denied.
That’s the Health Department looking out for beef eaters, apparently. (Don’t forget: The girl at the counter said that all their burgers are cooked the same: medium. I couldn’t have gotten mine well done, either).
So take this next item with a grain of salt. Alert reader Martin Iselin writes:
“Joey’s (the previous concessionaire) was known for one of the best hot dogs around. After a bike ride I always rewarded myself with one.
“After finishing a recent ride, I thought I’d try the new place. I ordered a hot dog, and asked if they had sauerkraut. No!
“I asked about relish. No!
“Disappointed, a put a little mustard on it. I don’t what brand they use, but it was so salty I could not eat it.
“What kind of beach summer place has no condiments, and such bad food?”
I’m guessing that’s a rhetorical question.
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Marine Layer — the small clothing store next to the much bigger Gap — is closing August 1.
But they’ll reopen in late August, at a new location: 59 Main Street. They’re taking over Intermix.
I searched the “06880” archives for a mention of Marine Layer. Up popped a story from 2017.
It described a new group — Earth Guardians — that encouraged businesses to keep their doors shut when air conditioning (or heat) was on.
Of all the stores they visited, only one had its door closed: Marine Layer.
Marine Layer, with its door firmly closed.
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Sarah Jane Cion snagged first place in the 17th annual Great American Jazz Piano Competition.
Tomorrow, she plays the magnificent Steinway — direct from the legendary Village Gate club — at Westport’s VFW (465 Riverside Avenue). It’s the next, and one of the most anticipated, “Jazz @ the Post” shows of the summer.
Cion has performed with legends like Clark Terry, Etta Jones, Anita O’Day, Bucky Pizzarelli and Don Braden, and is a regular at Birdland. Judges for her award-winning competition were Horace Silver, Kenny Barron, Ellis Marsalis, Benny Green and Bill Charlap.
Music begins at 7 p.m. The cover charge of $10 goes directly to the musicians.
For more information and schedules, click here or here. For table reservations, call 203-227-6796 or emailjazzatthepost@gmail.com.
Sarah Jane Cion
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Tag sales wax and wane with the weather. We don’t see too many in winter — or summer.
But on Saturday, August 6 (8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; early bird special $10 for 8 a.m. entry), the Unitarian Church in Westport sponsors its always popular (and massive) sale.
Thousands of items are donated by dozens of families. Among them: outdoor tools, kitchenware, china, artwork, home décor, rugs, clothing, books, blankets, sheets, arm chairs, lamps — even a unicycle.
COVID knocked out the past couple of tag sales. So there’s plenty of merch — and demand
Proceeds fund operating costs of the congregation, and the social justice causes they support.
A pre-COVID Unitarian Church tag sale.
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The eagle has landed. And it stayed at Schlaet’s Point for at least half an hour.
Alert “06880” reader Mary Gai captured this magnificent bird — at least with her camera — for “Westport … Naturally.”
(Photo?Mary Gai)
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And finally … speaking of bad hot dogs …
(“06880” relies on contributions from readers like you. Please click here to support us.)
This constant bashing of Hook’d is getting tiresome.
If you don’t like the food/experience, then don’t go there. They can’t possibly carry every food item to appeal to everyone.
It’s a beach; pack a picnic and move on with your life.
No offense to Mr. Iselin, but Gee Wiz…Perhaps a bit of an overreaction to such a small matter? NO RELISH! ALERT THE MEDIA!!
So much energy dedicated to kvetching about a change in the beach concession. Spend your money elsewhere. That’ll solve the issue right quick. I know people hate change, but there were some interesting rumors about the old vendor too…
BTW, Shake Shack – you know, that terrible restaurant everyone hates? – only does its burgers one temp too.
Nobody panic on the Greens Farms Spirit Shop listing. I spoke with Jim and Nick and they are very happy in our community and this was posted in error. They are not leaving and our favorite store in Westport – with the finest bourbon selection in the state – will remain.
Here is a link to the listing: https://smartmls.mlsmatrix.com/Matrix/Public/Portal.aspx?ID=DE-113731379686&eml=ZGFud29vZ0BnbWFpbC5jb20=
Maybe I’m naïve about liquor store valuations but $2.25M seems incredibly expensive for inventory and good will? That’s not even factoring in the incredible deluge of competition in the area.
Dan- Any idea what that white building ? bridge? that’s on the right said of the picture of the proposed Saugatuck Hamlet?
That’s the I-95 bridge.
Is Intermix closing? I think the bird in the photo is a cormorant. But maybe I’m wrong. I took a photo of an engaging couple of cormorants on the same rock this weekend.
So why do people complain about Hookd? Because 1. The town is their landlord. I can’t complain to anyone about bad restaurants in a shopping center. I can complain to elected officials who chose this tenant. 2. As opposed to most places, it’s actually a public service where there isn’t any competition. It’s not like I have any other places to get a hot dog from in my bathing suit at the beach (except now the new OMG) or between the 9th and 10th holes at the golf course. They’re the only choice and there can’t be any competition unless the town reopens their contract.
Dan, are you sure Sweetgreen is replacing Organic Crush? Why would architecture review board have jurisdiction over a privately owned strip shopping center? I thought they were taking a space downtown.
Well, that’s what the representative told the Architectural Review Board, so I have to believe him.
As for jurisdiction over signage (much like the ARB’s recent review of the Amazon Fresh sign), this is from the town website:
“The Board was established in order to advise town officials as to the adequacy and appropriateness of architectural plans for all new commercial structures or for exterior alterations to commercial structures.
“The Architectural Review Board reviews projects for aesthetic considerations and other matters relating to planning and design. Projects requiring ARB review include new commercial construction, exterior alterations to commercial buildings, fixed awnings and free-standing signs.
“The ARB’s recommendations are forwarded to the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Planning & Zoning Commission to be considered in the course of application reviews. ARB’s recommendations are advisory only and do not imply approval or denial of the project by the Zoning Board of Appeals or the Planning & Zoning Commission.”
To add to Clark Theimann:
The beach concession is given an exclusive contract by the Town to service the beach goers- mostly Westport taxpayers but ALL who use Compo Beach- with the expectation that it will provide both menu and service Westport’s resident’s desire. In fact these were part of the discussion. Unlike a “private” restaurant that can do as it pleases within the law, the beach concession must meet the needs of Westport’s taxpayers – or it should be gone. Town residents want – and have wanted – a BEACH concession. The desired (expected) basic menu for such is NOT rocket science. A foundation that includes burgers dogs, fries, fixings and ice cream, and perhaps clam strips, Lobster rolls chowder, etc is a staple for the Southern New England beach environment. Taxpayers and their kids are hostage to the Parks & Recreation’s concession choice… It’s OUR Town beach, so THAT’S why residents care.
Jazz at the Post is the best thing Westport has to offer. It’s a lovely respite from the useless blather in this town.
Seems silly that the ARB is getting involved in the color of a building, especially when the town permits junky yard signs all over the place.