Planning and Zoning Commission approves reservation-only supper club at 36 Wallingford Road

The Town of Cheshire Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved a site plan for a reservation-only supper club to be operated by Danielle Hartog, owner of Newbrook Kitchen, at 36 Wallingford Road. The motion was moved by Commissioner Bicato and seconded by Commissioner Dawson; commissioners voted in favor without discussion.

Danielle Hartog told the commission she is a chef and owner of Newbrook Kitchen, currently located at the Watch Factory, and described the proposed operation as a reservation-only supper club that would host about 30 to 40 diners once or twice a week for a six-course chef’s tasting dinner; she also offers cooking classes. Hartog said the proposed space is in a former law office (previously a daycare), that the restaurant will occupy the first floor while storage will be on the second floor, and that no exterior expansions are planned.

Staff reported the use is allowed in the zoning district (Zone C-1) and recommended approval. The applicant’s materials describe nine on-site parking spaces behind the building plus access to the town lot and the Grange parking, and the applicant said she will accept at least two ADA-accessible spaces from the Grange. Hartog said the new space will increase bar seating from eight to 16 at a chef’s tasting counter and raise overall capacity from about 37 to 40. She said the business is BYOB. Hartog estimated that after closing on the office space, buildout would take about four to six months.

The commission’s approval language in the motion cited Assessor’s Map 60 (Lots 4 and 6) in Zone C-1 and noted the applicant demonstrated compliance with Cheshire zoning regulations. No additional conditions were recorded in the motion.