Restaurateur With Stamford Ties Earns Award From CT Restaurant Association

STAMFORD, CT — Esaul Rodriguez, who owns eight Mexican restaurants across Connecticut, including in Stamford, was honored at the Connecticut Restaurant Association's annual CRAZIES awards held at Foxwoods Resort Casino last week.

Rodriguez was named Restaurateur of the Year for 2025. He owns Puerto Vallarta, which has locations in Newington, Middletown, Southington, Avon, Orange, Fairfield, and Danbury. The Stamford location opened at the Stamford Town Center in April 2023.

"With eight locations across the state, Esaul has one of the largest full service Mexican restaurant concepts in Connecticut. He and his team are dedicated to elevating the public’s mindset of Mexican cuisine, especially with his special Vida dinner series at his Stamford location," a news release from the Connecticut Restaurant Association said.

Community Table in New Preston, the Litchfield County Restaurant of the Year, won Connecticut Restaurant of the Year, and Ashley Flagg of The Laurel in West Hartford was named Chef of the Year.

Additional finalists for Restaurant of the Year in CT included Restaurant L'Ostal, Hartford County Restaurant of the Year, Le Mazet in West Hartford; Middlesex County Restaurant of the Year, Grano Arso in Chester; New Haven County Restaurant of the Year, Gioia Cafe & Bar in New Haven; New London County Restaurant of the Year, Whitecrest Eatery in Stonington; Tolland County Restaurant of the Year, Camille’s Wood Fired Pizza in Tolland; and Windham County Restaurant of the Year, Anya in Thompson.

"The 7th Anniversary of the CRAZIES Awards Gala stands as another milestone moment for our association, for our industry, and for the tens of thousands of Connecticut residents whose livelihoods are supported by hospitality," said Connecticut Restaurant Association President & CEO Scott Dolch, in a news release.

"The excitement and energy of bringing together 1,500 industry professionals once again highlighted the strength and resilience of Connecticut’s restaurant and hospitality community—an economic force that represents nearly 10 percent of all jobs in our state," Dolch added. "The CRAZIES continues to shine a spotlight on the remarkable talent, passion, and dedication that drive our industry forward, and we look forward to elevating this celebration year after year as we encourage everyone in hospitality to be part of this annual tradition."

View all the winners and categories here.

— This post contains previous reporting from Patch editor, Rich Kirby.