Jr’s: New Look For Old Favorite

Opened in 1976 as Jr’s Hot Dog Stand, the small Riverside Avenue restaurant changed little over the decades.

Sure, the menu expanded a bit from hot dogs. It was rebranded as Jr’s Deli & Grill.

But there was little need to do much different. A steady stream of customers — landscapers and contractors; workers from nearby office and medical buildings, and a body shop; Assumption Church priests; Staples High School students; firefighters and cops; moms with strollers; commuters headed to the train — all made it part of their routine.

Jr’s Deli & Grill, on Riverside Avenue.

The food and camaraderie kept them coming back.

Not the décor.

But now — 48 years later — Jr’s has a new look.

Owner Vincent Promuto has added some healthy items. He’s spruced up the interior.

And he’s taking advantage of the patio in back, which offers a spectacular view of the Saugatuck River.

The other day Vincent — who established the Sunset Grille in Norwalk, and now owns Valentino’s restaurant there — chatted about the changes.

Vincent Promuto takes care of 2 loyal Staples High customers.

It was almost 3 p.m. — closing time, for the breakfast-and-lunch-only spot.

As a pair of Staples students chowed down, Vincent showed off the renovations.

New floors and tables, and a bright paint job takes Jr’s “out of the ’70s vibe,” he says.

Additional menu options — a Riverside Wrap. avocado toast, a chopped Italian combo — have been enthusiastically welcomed.

Popular items like The Rose, Super Mario and OG Chopped of course remain.

Patty, in the new interior.

New customers are finding Jr’s, he notes. Some are new arrivals in Westport.

Others happen upon it on a stroll along on the river. The newly renovated Riverside Park, not far away near the split at Saugatuck Avenue, has added foot traffic as people discover the walkway on the water.

Jr’s also does a robust catering business. A food truck is available for private events (and can be seen at places like the Dog Festival and Slice of Saugatuck).

It’s easy to miss Jr’s Deli & Grille. The exterior is nondescript; there is no big sign or cute logo.

But for nearly half a century, those in the know have kept coming back.

Now it’s time for everyone else to discover the secret.

(Jr’s Deli & Grille is open weekdays from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Click here for Jr’s Instagram.)

Frankie, at the grill. (All photos/Dan Woog)

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