Beloved Grinder Shop To Expand In Farmington

FARMINGTON, CT — A popular grinder shop is moving into a larger facility and when it does, it will be able to sell beer and wine.

The Farmington Plan & Zoning Commission earlier this month unanimously approved a waiver that will allow Claudia's Grinder Shop to sell local beer and wine at its soon-to-be-new location.

Claudia's is currently located at 1035 Farmington Ave., but it will move later this year to 1024 Farmington Ave. at the site of a former golf driving range.

Claudia's owner Michael Cirinna went before the PZC Jan. 9 to seek the alcohol sales waiver, which is necessary before he can apply for a liquor permit from the state.

He told the PZC Claudia's would be open until 6 or 7 p.m. and customers would only be allowed to have beer and wine inside the building or on the patio area.

The PZC had a public hearing that night on the application, with no one opposing the waiver and one resident, Albert Tomasso, who represented the property owner, expressing support.

Claudia's is known for every type of sandwich possible, along with salads and soups.

But it is best known for its chicken parm, chicken cutlet and Italian-style grinders.

It's social media posts feature quirky announcements that also include humorous pop culture references.

For the minutes of the Jan. 9 Farmington Plan & Zoning Commission meeting, click on this link.

For the Claudia's Grinder Shop Facebook page, click on this link.

Claudia's Facebook pages, below, are historically full of popular culture references that add humor to their offerings.