Since opening nearly a year and a half ago, Zucca Gastrobar has made a mark in Westport.
Its bar draws regulars from the Saugatuck neighborhood. Its tables are filled with families, businesspeople, and couples on dates.
The menu is exciting. The interior is inviting.
But creating — and sustaining — a new restaurant doesn’t just happen. It takes hard work, behind the scenes.
And no one works harder than Kirsten Comfort.
Kirsten Comfort, outside Zucca.
Her title is “working partner.” That hardly describes her role.
Kirsten does more than order provisions, oversee the kitchen and staff, and handle money.
She makes pizzas. She arranges flower pots. She washes dishes.
Her car is the only one in the Charles Street parking lot long before Zucca opens. It’s the only one there long after it closes.
Kirsten loves it all.
She lives and breathes Zucca. And she eats there too — every day.
Zucca, where Kirsten Comfort spends most hours every day.
The West Haven native has worked in restaurants since she was 14. She spent 10 years at Biagetti’s, an Italian spot that became her “second family.”
She studied criminal justice at the University of New Haven, but friendships with customers and staff kept drawing her back to hospitality.
She worked for five years at Little Pub in Wilton, then opened its sister restaurant in Stratford.
Kirsten met Gino Racanelli and Dan Camporeale, whose restaurant group owned restaurants like Molto in Darien and Fairfield, and Spiga in New Canaan. They were kindred spirits.
After 4 months managing their Ecco tapas and wine bar in Trumbull, they asked her to be part of their Zucca venture.
Construction began in October 2022. It opened in the former Tarry Lodge (and before that, many other things, including Abbondanza, Bonda, and way long ago, Esposito’s gas station), in June of 2023.
Since then, Kirsten’s mission has been to make Zucca a friendly, welcoming place for Westporters (and anyone coming off nearby I-95 Exit 17).
Last year, current and former Representative Town Meeting members celebrated Restaurant Week at Zucca.
Her energy inspires her staff. “We have a great group on the floor, and in the kitchen,” she says. “They really want us to succeed. They really care about this place.
“You can teach someone to make pasta, or wash dishes. But you can’t teach them to care.”
She always says yes to groups that ask for help. Zucca donates to school and non-profit fundraisers. They’re at the Taste of Westport, Start-Up Westport and Chamber of Commerce events, among many others.
Last year, they provided a Christmas Eve dinner for Homes with Hope.
Zucca chefs, helping Homes with Hope at Christmas.
Kristen says that Westporters are “very, very kind.” Regulars like Dave Briggs and Pete Romano (who sent flowers on Zucca’s first anniversary) are “lovely, loyal, generous people. You don’t get that in a lot of places.
“They love the food, the atmosphere and the vibe. They don’t want anything in return.”
Kirsten always looks for new ways to draw customers. She’s sponsored a bourbon and cigar night, and burrata-making classes. Up soon: a wine dinner.
“Whatever we do, we have fun,” Kirsten says.
It shows. You might find the managing partner outside cleaning the parking lot. Or inside, cleaning a table or oven.
The restaurant business can be brutal. But Kirsten Comfort has been in it since she was 14. At Zucca, she’s found her new “second family.
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So happy to read this article. I have been asking about Zucca and need to get in, but now I can’t wait to meet this dynamic force behind one of our towns newest restaurants in town!
The RTM sure looks to be well fed and happy (two out of three ain’t bad). Maybe hold a few meetings out at the YMCA Planet Fitness until the BMI’s normalize.
How much would it cost for you to shut up and never comment again? Would you take a check?
Tom, How much would I need to spend so you can develop a sense of humor? Relax….seriously.. chill bro…
Mocking people’s weight? That’s a real knee-slapper. You and your friend have a finely calibrated sense of chuckle-yuk.
Tom Prince, May I remind you of the DISGUSTING statements by Trump. There are too many to list here, but he is a TRiLLION times worse than any person who comments here! He’s a disgusting person and remember, General Milley will be executed when he wins!! (That carries a lot of “weight” in the MAGA world.
Tom,
I’m retired. Reality TV shows are too depressing. Westport watching is where I get my laughs. But send Dan a check and maybe I’ll slack off a bit. I’m very grateful to Westport. I got a first class education and saving a fortune on Prozac.
This thread should be 100% focused on Ms Comfort & Zucca.
We were just commenting on how well fed the RTM is. Obviously due to the excellent cuisine at Zucca. It’s all good.
I’ll be in town next Monday for the afternoon and I will try stop in to grab a bite to eat . Also, If you notice, I spelled my own name wrong on my last post! Please don’t tease me about it, or make jokes about it ,because I’m very, very sensitive!
Jack, you have a lot to be sensitive about. How’s YOUR BMI? Mine’s a little high I had my Medicare annual wellness discussion with my PCP this AM. I’m going to lose 20 lbs. That’s why I commented on the RTM. Because I care.
Enough. Please keep the thread focused on Zucca. No more tangents, please.
Kristen is great. Always a smile and always an offer to participate in whatever Zucca can be involved in. They have fit totally into the community and it’s because of her.
I actually passed along this post to a woman in Maryland who has worked in restaurants since she was 15. One restaurant she worked in was 17,000 square feet and no this is NOT a mistake! I’d like for them to connect!
Zucca is fantastic and Kirsten should be proud of what she’s accomplished,! I know I am! Love you lots 💗 ~Mom~
My family eats there often.. Kirsten and her team are the best.. not to mention the great food.. Great addition to our town!
My family often dines at Zucca and we can’t agree more that Kirsten is like no other! She is super friendly and makes you want to return which is exactly what we do! Love Kirsten and love Zucca! Both great assets to Westport’s dining scene!