New West African restaurant Ade holds soft opening in East Haven; town recorded sign approval

A new West African restaurant called Ade has started service in East Haven, town economic development officials reported at a Jan. 14, 2026 special meeting.

Rich Coppola, East Haven's economic development director, told the commission that a sign approval was recorded in December for a restaurant named Ade and that the business has held a soft opening. Coppola said the eatery offers authentic Nigerian cuisine and cited jollof as a popular menu item. He said Ade is operating takeout service Tuesday through Thursday and dining Friday through Sunday, with the restaurant closed on Monday; Coppola said the proprietors expect to offer dine-in service Tuesday through Sunday beginning in March.

The transcript contains two location references: it records a zoning permit entry listing 208 Main Street for a sign approval and elsewhere describes the restaurant as located at the former Palermo's site at 212 Main Street. Coppola provided the operational details during his director's report; the commission did not vote on any licensing or permitting at the Jan. 14 meeting.

The commission noted the addition as a contribution to local dining diversity and as another option for residents. Coppola said he and town leadership will continue outreach to restaurant industry stakeholders as part of business retention and attraction efforts.

The commission did not receive public comment on the restaurant at the meeting. The Economic Development Commission will continue to report on business openings and related permit actions at future meetings.