Ridgefield Small Business Spotlight: Tiger's Den

RIDGEFIELD, CT — Our Small Business Spotlight shines a light on local businesses that we may not know that well. This week Patch features Tiger's Den, a family-friendly sports bar and grill that offers something for everyone!

Business: Tiger's Den
Owners: Joe Attontino
Website: www.tigersdenbarandgrill.com
Address: 23 Catoonah St. Ridgefield

How did you come up with the name?

• It's the town's mascot and we're a sports restaurant so it fit perfectly.

Why start a business in this town?

• I grew up in a huge city, but I worked in a small town in a restaurant a little north of Westchester.When I visited Ridgefield I thought I thought it was a great spot to open a restaurant. I love the sense of community here and the town has a lot going on all the time for families.

Briefly, what business are you in?

• We're one of the few affordable, family-friendly restaurants in town. We have chalk at the tables for kids, a special children's menu Monday through Thursday for dinner and Saturday lunch for only $5 kids get a full meal, a fountain drink and a scoop of ice cream.

What’s the most difficult moment or challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?

• The location— we're right off the main road but we're tucked away in the back here. We really want this to be the go-to spot for families.

What’s been your favorite moment or proudest achievement since opening?

• Last week we donated food to some guys who were repairing a Vietnam vet's roof. Also, watching how the community has embraced me over the past couple of years has been awesome.

How does your business give back or get involved in the community?

• We donate gift cards and raffle prizes all the time. Recently we helped with a fundraiser for one of our customers, Justin Cowen, who passed away from Osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer. Justin used to come here with his family and his favorite meal was barbecue wings so we donated in his memory for the fundraiser. We try to do whatever we can to help out this great community we live in.

Would you like to see your business featured? Email wendy.mitchell@patch.com.