Westport Group Gets Compo & Longshore Concession Nod

The contract has not yet been finalized.

Three town boards have yet to vote.

But the Parks & Recreation Department has chosen a new concessionaire for the Compo Beach pavilion, as well as the Longshore pavilion and golf course halfway house.

NG Entertainment/Nikki Glekas Collective of Westport must still be approved by the Board of Finance, Planning & Zoning Commission and Board of Selectpersons.

Nikki Glekas

The Westport-based group got the nod over Braxtons Hospitality Group of Bridgeport. A third vendor went to the walk-through, but did not bid.

Glekas was the choice of a special committee created by Parks & Rec director Erik Barbieri. It included members of the Parks & Rec Commission, Board of Finance and Representative Town Meeting.

The town bought out the contract of previous concessionaire Hook’d earlier this year.

Glekas’ website describes her as “a restauranteur, caterer, and entertaining expert with over 2 decades of professional experience in the tri-state area.”

She began her career as the owner of EOS, an award-winning Greek restaurant in Stamford. She expanded into events and catering when she opened Bank Street Events, in Stamford. Partnerships with Chelsea Piers Connecticut and Noroton Yacht Club followed..

Glekas also hosts Nikki’s Modern Mediterranean, a YouTube show featuring her family’s Greek recipes, and entertaining tips.

The contract between the town and NG — not yet finalized — is on the Board of Finance agenda for next Wednesday (7:30 p.m., Zoom).

It then goes to the Planning & Zoning Commission — because the lease involves public property — on May 13 (6 p.m., livestream). The Board of Selectpersons has the final say.

Before Hook’d, the Compo Beach concession was run by Joey Romeo, and called Joey’s by the Shore. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

“Everyone feels good about putting her forward,” Barbieri tells “06880.”

If the 3 boards approve the recommendation, the director hopes Glekas can be operating by Memorial Day.

“It’s tight,” he admits. “But we’ll work with her as best we can. We’re optimistic, and she’s excited. She wants to hit the ground running.”

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12 responses to “Westport Group Gets Compo & Longshore Concession Nod

  1. India van Voorhees

    Why do I keep getting the feeling no one understands that we just want burgers, dogs, lobster rolls, fried clams and ice cream? It’s the beach.

  2. India & Jack –Speak for yourself! I don’t think “We” just “want burgers, dogs, lobster rolls, fried clams and ice cream”. Maybe YOU do. Some folks are vegetarian, many Westporters want healthy food, and many of us love the idea of Greek salads and Mediterranean food there.
    Thank you, Parks & Rec, for bringing us healthier, tastier food and a more diverse menu at the beach!

    • India van Voorhees

      Actually – I don’t eat meat, and I’m a holistic nutritionist – so I love healthy food. I was just generalizing the concept of beach food. I miss Joey’s, that’s all. 🙂

    • Jack Backiel

      Kris, This is the beach!! There can be veggie burgers just like at Whole Foods! Burgers don’t necessarily have to be meat. I’ll move back to Westport. I’ll get Eric to move back!

  3. can we just be nice here ? please ?

  4. Without projecting my own biases, it’s safe to say Joey’s was popular and Hook’d was unpopular. What do other commentors think made the difference? It might be helpful to the new guys.

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