RIP Dunn's Loft
Jesus Holy Christ! The owner of Dunn’s Loft and Ocean’s 211 is closing in the next month and selling the business. From Chowhound.com:
Now for some bad news....our waiter told us that both 211 & Dunn's Loft are going to be sold in the next few months. They already have a couple of prospective buyers. The owner wants to do something closer to home (Redding) and move onto the next project....which is odd, because I thought Dunn's Loft WAS the next project. I was so bummed to hear that. So get your fix now folks....who knows what's going to be there in a few mos time.Sad day, this was a unique space with great food. Hopefully the new owner can keep the same vibe or even improve on it.
Dunn/ Ocean joins Zinc as the second restaurant to set to close on lower Summer St recently. FD Rich, the developer largely responsible for Stamford's original urban redevelopment in the 70's & 80's recently bought several buildings, including La Hacienda & Il Falco's respective abodes with the intention to replace them in a few years with something high density/ mixed used. For better or worse, restaurant alley will probably look very different in the years ahead.
11 comments :
Yeah... I'm curious and hopeful about what Dunn's Loft will turn into. At least we have some time left to enjoy it. Do you know when the actual closing date is? If not, no worries, I'll go eat there and find out! Any excuse to go to Dunn's. In fact, don't tell me the date, so I feel like I have no choice but to go.
Actually the fact that he's closing makes me wonder if the business wasn't good enough to justify keeping it... but it has only been open 6 months, and word was spreading, so that doesn't make sense. Maybe Ocean 211 business was flagging.
I hope that the new chain restaurants in the mall didn't kill Ocean 211 and Dunn's Loft. I also hope I get to dine at one of them before they're gone.
I'll give Stamford credit, though, for resisting Milford-itis: the urge to fill your town with chain restaurants.
NO!!!!!!!!!!! If the owner of Dunn's Loft & Ocean 211 is reading this...please reconsider.
LOL...couldn't you at least quote your source? :)
If I get my info correct Dunn's loft and Oceans 211 have a common kitchen and kinda snuck the issue in with out informing powers that be (I.E. Health Department). Since Sabatello's wanted to do the same thing and were rejected - my thought is that Dunn's Loft and Oceans 211 will be a single entity when they open under a new owner. Just knowledgeable speculation here.
Sorry Amanda! I did link to your post on Chowhound though.
Hello everyone. Guess who? It's me Robert himself. It looks as if the sale will not be going through. Therefore i will continue to operate both restaurant's. For how long I am not sure. One thing is for sure....I plan on running them with the same energy I always have. This means same quality food, same quality service, and same beatiful atmosphere. I would love to stay. My question to all you is...Where have you gone? Have you all headed over for the scene and valet parking at those new corporate places? Say it isn't so! The pie is about twelve blocks big and there are now about 75-80 slices to it. You need to keep in mind those restaurant's that were your favorites and support them. If there is something that us small guy's need to do to keep you coming in, let us know.
Ps. I have the only true loft in Stamford and maybe ffld cty for that matter. Live entertainment every fri and sat. I am a beautifull spot for civilized adults to come and have a good time and eat great food. Not to mention you can actually go to the restroom and not worry about your significant other being bothered while your gone.
Hey Robert Dunn,
How about you give Blog Stamford some comps to the Loft so they can do a better job getting the word out.
P.S. I love the place, the filet gives Mortons a run for their money
Yes, the restaurant scene in Stamford is getting overpopulated ... but Stamfordians and foodies have an obligation to patronize the best... and Robert Duff does run two of the best restaurants in Fairfield County.
I'm making reservations today for next week.
Adam! That sounds like payola! But count me in.
I went last to Dunn's last Saturday and we had a great time listening to the guitarist and playing pool.
anonymous, let us know what you think of Dunn's after you go!
Robert Dunn is a drug addict who pays for his addiction instead of paying his employees. That is why you will never be waited on the same person twice. Basically, he has run both of the restaurants into the ground. I, and many other people have worked with/for him without any compensation and now have the Connecticut Wage Enforcement Agency after him. He's not tired of the commute, he's just not that good, and the food isn't very good either, there is no real style. Try Jean-Louis in Greenwich, Crew (Greenwich), or Antipasti on White Plains for a good meal.
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