New Report Lists CT's 'Most Popular' Local Businesses

CONNECTICUT — A new analysis by a business financing company uncovered the "most devotion-worthy small businesses across the U.S.," and the top three in Connecticut.

Advance Funds Network's survey of 3,014 people described these businesses as "the kind of places that customers go out of their way for." Many of the top-ranking businesses involve food ("especially the comforting kind") and the top-ranking go-to spot in Connecticut is a good example.

Louis' Lunch in New Haven, recognized by the Library of Congress as the birthplace of the Hamburger Sandwich, is the No. 1 Most Popular Small Business in the Nutmeg State, according to the Advance Funds Network analysts. Arethusa Farm Dairy in Bantam and RJ Julia Booksellers in Madison came in at No. 2 and 3, respectively. All are among the 150 "hidden gem businesses" that inspire the most devotion from their customers, and all offer products or services so beloved that those surveyed would drive more than an hour to reach them.

But don't go to Louis' joint looking for a burger with the works — you might be disappointed. As the restaurant is "committed to serving a classic hamburger," the chef will only serve it on white toast with just cheese, onion, and tomato as garnishes. The burger meisters at Louis' Lunch have been dishing it out since 1895, and along the way have been featured on The Travel Channel and The Food Network.

The survey described the Arethusa Farm Dairy experience as "luxury ice cream meets small-town charm." Its Bantam location is next-door to its fine dining restaurant Arethusa al tavolo and across the street from the owners' bakery, Arethusa a mano. The scoop shop was also popular among Connecticut Patch readers in a recent survey, who praised the "very generous portions" and the dessert's high butter fat content, which made it "creamy," "thick" and "deeeevine."

Bookstores ("quietly powerful") figured prominently across the list nationwide, and such was the case with RJ Julia Booksellers. Analysts praised the "fiercely independent" Madison bookshop's expert staff and their thoughtful recommendations, along with its "killer author event calendar."

Chains and franchises are decidedly absent from the Advance Funds Network list, whose membership is linked not by size or scale, but by "soul."

"Each one feels specific, character-rich, and rooted in its community. They’re places with stories, and customers who want to be part of that story – even if it means driving 60 minutes to do so."