Post 154, Dolce Stamford, and Barcelona Norwalk Close; What’s Next for These Restaurants?

Three restaurants in Fairfield County have closed their doors for good or are just about to . . .  but for some, there’s more in store. Starting off, Post 154 in Westport that we reviewed back in September of 2013 suddenly closed for good on Monday. Although not announced on social media, Post 154 left a note on the door announcing the news. We did confirm with a phone call that they are “closed forever,” as we were told. At this time, we don’t know of any plans of relocating or opening a new restaurant.

A little bit down on I-95 is Barcelona in South Norwalk. This classic and iconic spot signed an agreement with Waypointe that we wrote about back in May of 2015. The agreement was for them to move their restaurant into the surging Waypointe district with other new restaurants to the area such as Colony Grill. It always did seem so far away from happening, but it’s finally about to happen. Next Saturday (1/30) actually marks its final day in business at that particular location. What will go in its place? Some interesting rumors that people have put out there is a Dave & Busters or even a seafood place. Their new location in Waypointe doesn’t have a set opening date yet, but when they are up and running there just might be a celebration to welcome everyone in the neighborhood to their new spot.

Then, even further down 95 and right by the water is Dolce Italiano which started as Dolce Cubano. We feel especially connected to this restaurant because co-owner Nick Racanelli Jr. took us through a tour of the restaurant when it was in shambles due to the previous tenant, we did a preview of the restaurant before opening, and we reviewed it after opening. But, Dolce is now closed, sold to a company who will be opening another Prime: An American Kitchen & Bar. So, one could theoretically eat lunch at Prime in Huntington on Long Island, get into the boat, travel across the sound, then hit up the other Prime in Stamford. In addition, Lugano in Greenwich has been sold and we’ve been told by a reader that Lugano is open under new ownership with the Racanelli shares being sold to former partners. We can say that this certainly isn’t the end of the Racanelli’s spots like Zaza and Molto . . . could we see more hot spots from the Racanelli’s on the way, too? 

Yes, we can: they are already in the midst of opening up Spiga in New Canaan with another partner.