“The Stand” Is Back in Restaurant Business In Branford

BRANFORD, CT - One of Branford’s newest restaurants has a familiar sounding ring to it.

That’s because while “The Stand Branford” has only been open for a few months across from world famous Lenny’s, the restaurant is actually living its second generation - as the first “Stand” opened in 2015 in the same location.

But Greg Nobile and Eamon Roche sold the restaurant to Ted Cwiertniewicz, Rob Kauffman, Chris Candido, Kevin O’Neil.

The four reopened “The Stand” this past summer after buying the location from Nobile and Roche who shut it down at the end of 2018.

Candido, previously a partner in New Haven’s well known Temple Grill and Kauffman, talked to Patch on Monday about how the first few months have gone - and what’s in the future.

“Things have been going really well,” said Candido.

Candido and Kauffman said the restaurant has added outside games, such as Cornhole, Connect4, and others.

“And soon if all goes well we are hoping to open the outside coffee stand,” added Candido. “We are planning on more activation of the farm area,” said Candido.

Kauffman said some of the popular meals have been the bourbon-laced meatballs, buffalo tots, hamburgers and seared tuna.

On the restaurant’s website, Www.thestandbranford.com or 203-433-4728, the owners describe the set-up as follows:

“The Indian Neck community is the perfect location to bring all of Branford, and surrounding areas together. On this wonderful corner a gas station was a thriving business in its prime. Terrific stories about the garage are abundant as we construct. Then owner Bob Beatty envisioned a farming component and brought it to fruition. People came from everywhere to support this dual functioning business.

“It was a perfect parcel to continue the farming dream. A couple of local visionaries, Greg and Eamon, then set the stage for a wonderful transition to a roadside BBQ. Many factors made customers smile for the past several years…there was great food, outdoor comradery, musical celebrations, local produce and scrumptious brunches.

“The Stand Branford will continue to develop what the clients want. New owners are swinging hammers, trying recipes, and pulling weeds in the farm. We are in the process of continuing the commitment to make people smile. The customers are the ingredients to a successful recipe, and we would love to hear from all of you.

“Stop by anytime and have a chat. Our plan is to honor the past and continue the legacy.

The restaurant also features live music on weekends, a full bar and TVs for sports.”

The owners said they are also planning a full catering menu in addition to an already in place weekly Sunday brunch.

“When the opportunity presented itself (to buy the location) we decided let’s do it,” Kauffman said. “We plan to make the most of it.”