Linda McMahon visits Danbury's JK's (and almost orders a steak sandwich, jk)

Linda McMahon visited Danbury Friday on what she calls a listening visit with a goal of hearing what people are talking about.

"I feel honored to have all these politicians coming in here," said JK's Owner Peter Koukos. Peter's family founded the restaurant in 1924, and it has moved from its original location on White Street to West Street and now South Street. Peter Koukos' father, John Koukos, once responded to the statement, "You've come a long way," by saying, "About three blocks."

Something about JK's works for politicians. People sit in large booths and when a senatorial candidate shows up with a camera man, a sound man, a PR representative and another person or two, they fit in at JK's. The aisles are large and the booths are open.

McMahon visited Danbury Square Box and Rizzo Electric in September in one of four business tours that introduced her to 150 state businesses. She said not much has changed for Connecticut businesses since September 2011.

"I'm still hearing business all over the state is slow," McMahon said. People complain about government regulations and high costs. "They have fears about health care costs."

Another problem she hears about is some companies would hire workers if they could find trained workers. She said she would like to focus some of her efforts on coordinating the needs of business owners with the training people receive in high schools, in technical schools in community colleges and in colleges.

"It's important for me to listen," McMahon said.

One couple with their child were eating chili dogs and fries when McMahon walked by and said hello.

"It's pretty exciting," said Angelo Paxinos, who grew up in Danbury.

Vanessa Paxinos said she decided Linda was very approachable.

"I remember seeing her a lot on TV, and I'm definitely in favor of her. She seems pretty down to earth," Vanessa Paxinos said.