Chute Gates Steakhouse & Saloon Celebrating 25 Years

By Brian M. Johnson, The Bristol Press

PLYMOUTH, CT — Chute Gates Steakhouse and Saloon encourages the community to join them in celebrating 25 years in business this weekend and next while enjoying live music from prominent Nashville artists.

Kevin Wotjzak opened the restaurant at 372 Main St. on Election Day in 1997. Since then, he said, it has been a "community staple" that hosts fundraisers, class reunions, family gatherings, and musicians from Texas, Nashville and all over the country.

"I don't know how, but we made it," said Wotjzak. "It has been a tough road to get here, but I'm just too hard-headed to give up."

Chute Gates is full of Western-themed memorabilia and those who stop in can expect to see a rodeo or old time Western movie on one of the televisions. The restaurant got its name from a suggestion from one of Wotjzak's longtime friends, Ron Saindon, when the two took a trip to the National Finales Rodeo in Los Vegas. He suggested naming it after the area that the bull and bronco riders come out of - the chute gate.

"It’s the go to place in Terryville for good food, drinks, and conversation," said resident Keith Golnik, who is friends with Wotjzak. "It has brought people together for 25 years and is truly a place “where everybody knows your name.”

Wotjzak added that people love the restaurant's "country cuisine."

This Friday and Saturday, Nov. 4 and 5, Chute Gates will host Southington-born Matt Rossi and his "Mammoth Jack Band" from Nashville, TN. The show will begin at 8 p.m. each night, with a $5 cover charge. The Mammoth Jack Band will also play a 1 p.m. matinee show this Sunday, Nov. 6, with no cover charge.

"The band recently opened for Garth Brooks in Houston on his worldwide Stadium Tour," said Golnik. "Matt has written and co-written several songs that have been recorded by both Garth Brooks and Willie Nelson."

Wotjzak said that there will be additional singer-songwriters coming next weekend. There will be shows on Friday Nov. 11 from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 12 from 3 to 6 p.m. and 7:30 to 11:30 p.m.

Next Sunday, Nov. 13, Chute Gates will hold a fundraiser for Wotjzak's friend, Rich Iovine, to help offset medical expenses for a recent hospital stay. For $25, visitors will be able to enjoy dinner and music from a Nashville songwriter. There will also be raffles to help raise money for Iovine.

Wotjzak thanked all those who have supported his restaurant over the years.

"We hope you enjoy this restaurant we put together with western and rodeo theme," said Wotjzak. "Come in and enjoy a great meal and country music atmosphere. I want to sincerely thank you for helping to support my dream."

Those who wish to attend these concerts are encouraged to make a reservation by calling Chute gates at 860-585-0704. For more information, visit chutegates.com.