48°
REDDING, Conn. Imagine rubbing shoulders with Mark Twain at a neighborhood bar.
It could have happened at the Redding Roadhouse, the renowned restaurant on Redding Road, which used to be called the Mark Twain Inn and apparently was patronized by the famous author himself.
On July 5, four new owners took over the Redding Roadhouse, envisioning a more upscale, family-friendly restaurant, while retaining some of the traditions, including the Mackenzies Redding Roadhouse mural that welcomes patrons in the bar.
Ted and Colleen Stonbely, of Weston, and Wirt and Karen Cook, of Redding, are the new owners, with Wirt Cook the head chef. Cook recently worked in New York restaurants and oversees a menu that features casual American cuisine, from steaks, pastas and seafood entrees to soups, salads and a kids' menu.
The restaurant buys produce from local farms to keep the local economy strong and get fresh food, Ted Stonbely said.
The restaurant produces its own seasonal ingredients and serves craft beers.
The Redding Roadhouse remains open as renovation work continues. The restaurant opened in the mid-1980s and hasnt been renovated since, Stonbely said.
Its getting a face lift and an update, he said, from new carpeting to remodeling of the upstairs and main floor dining rooms and the patio bar.
The renovation will be completed in August, just in time for a busy fall season that includes an Octoberfest for which the Redding Roadhouse is known.
The Redding Road House is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner with Sunday brunch and live music Thursdays through Saturdays.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Westport and receive free news updates.
