New Garden Catering Location Opening In Shelton

SHELTON, CT — Garden Catering, a local chicken brand famous for its hand-cut nuggets, plans to open a new location in Shelton later this year.

Co-Owner Tina Carpenteri confirmed to Patch this week the Shelton location is set to open at 702 Bridgeport Avenue, a former GameStop space in the Split Rock Development.

The larger space will span 2,000 square feet and seat up to 20 guests, according to additional press materials provided by Garden Catering.

The Shelton location, along with a new restaurant set to open in Darien, will expand Garden Catering's presence to 11 locations across Connecticut and New York.

"Shelton is a natural next step for Garden Catering," Carpenteri said to Patch. "With a strong presence in communities like Greenwich, Stamford, Fairfield and Norwalk, we've seen firsthand how well our hand-cut nuggets, crispy potato cones and the rest of our family-friendly menu resonates with busy suburban neighborhoods."

While a firm opening date has not been set yet, Carpenteri said they are planning to open the Shelton location later this summer.

"Like many of the towns we operate in, Shelton has great community spirit, a growing economy," Carpenteri said, "and since we have locations nearby, we have existing brand awareness."

According to Carpenteri, the Shelton menu will "consist of the items that our customers have come to know and love."

In addition to their beloved nuggets, cut daily in house, Garden Catering also famously serves up crispy potato cones, milkshakes and an all-day breakfast menu that includes "The Hotsy," a bacon, egg and cheese sandwich made with Hotsy's famous chili and potato cones.

"While Shelton has many wonderful restaurants, our hand-cut nuggets are unique to their dining scene," Carpenteri said, "and we can't wait to introduce them."

Garden Catering first operated out of a converted train car in Old Greenwich in the late 1970's, serving up fried chicken and sides to hungry locals.

Frank Carpenteri Sr. re-launched the brand at the same location in 1991 with an emphasis on quality and friendly service.

Garden Catering remains family-owned and operated by siblings Frank Jr. and Tina Carpenteri, with additional locations in Stamford, Norwalk, Fairfield, Bridgeport and New Haven, as well as Port Chester and Mamaroneck, N.Y.