Colony Grill's Homecoming: Shelton Opening Ends Decade-Long Hiatus

SHELTON, CT – January 14, 2026 – After nearly a decade of expanding its footprint across the East Coast, Colony Grill, the venerable Connecticut institution famed for its signature thin-crust “bar pie,” is making a significant return to its home state. The company will officially open its newest restaurant in Shelton on January 15, marking its first new location in Connecticut since 2015. The opening at 902 Bridgeport Avenue is more than a business expansion; it is a deeply personal homecoming for the brand's leadership and a strategic re-investment in the community that shaped them.

For residents of Fairfield and New Haven counties, the arrival of the iconic grill is a long-awaited event, bringing its unique Hot Oil pizza to a new neighborhood. For the company, it represents a new chapter in its 90-year history, balancing out-of-state growth with a renewed focus on the market where its legacy was born.

A Strategic Return to Connecticut Roots

The Shelton opening marks a pivotal moment for Colony Grill. Following the launch of its Norwalk location in 2015, the company embarked on a period of ambitious growth, planting its flag in New York, Virginia, Florida, and Maryland. This successful expansion introduced the cult-classic bar pie to new audiences, but it also created a nearly ten-year gap in development within its home state. The decision to break that hiatus in Shelton is rooted in personal history.

Company leadership, including CEO Paul Coniglio and COO Ken Martin, grew up near Shelton, participating in local youth sports and building formative relationships in the community. Their connection to the area adds a layer of sentiment to the business strategy. "Opening in Shelton is very special for us," said Paul Coniglio in a press release. "The Shelton community provided lifelong experiences and memories for me and our leadership team, and we are excited to serve the guests and families who have been fans of Colony Grill for so long, now in their own backyard."

This move signals a deliberate strategy to reinforce the brand's foundation. While out-of-state growth continues, the return to Connecticut—with another location already planned for Glastonbury—suggests a dual approach. The company is leveraging its deep-seated brand recognition and the leadership's personal connections to fuel growth in familiar territory. This homecoming isn't just about nostalgia; it's a calculated decision to build on a loyal, existing customer base while tapping into the powerful narrative of a local brand returning to its roots.

The Cult of the 'Bar Pie' in a Crowded Market

At the heart of Colony Grill's nine-decade endurance is a deceptively simple and fiercely defended product: the thin-crust bar pie. Unlike a foldable New York slice or a deep-dish Chicago pie, the Colony Grill pizza is a category of its own—a cracker-thin, crisp crust that's smaller than a typical pizza, designed for easy handling at a bar. The menu is famously minimalist, focusing almost exclusively on these pies, with a list of toppings that can be added. The most celebrated of these is the signature “Hot Oil,” a serrano pepper-infused oil that provides a distinct, zesty heat.

This unique product is the brand’s primary differentiator as it enters Shelton’s bustling and competitive culinary landscape. The city is home to a wide array of pizzerias, from traditional Italian-American restaurants like Gaetano's Pizza & Restaurant to other local favorites and national chains. Colony Grill will also compete with a variety of family-friendly dining options, including established steakhouse chains and beloved local diners.

However, the brand isn't aiming to compete on the same terms. Its success relies on the cult-like following its unique pizza has cultivated over generations. For many, Colony Grill isn't just another pizza place; it's a destination for a specific culinary experience. By staying true to its simple, focused menu, the restaurant offers an alternative to the sprawling menus of its competitors, banking on the powerful appeal of doing one thing exceptionally well.

More Than Pizza: A Deep-Seated Commitment to Community

From its earliest days in Stamford, Colony Grill has woven community service and local identity into its business model. The Shelton location continues this tradition with prominent features designed to honor and engage the local populace. The most visible of these is the “Wall of Heroes,” a fixture in every Colony Grill restaurant. This dedicated display is adorned with photos of first responders, veterans, and active-duty service members from the Shelton community, serving as a permanent tribute to their service.

This commitment extends beyond a single display. The company has a long history of partnering with local organizations, sponsoring youth sports teams, and participating in neighborhood events. This philosophy of active community partnership is central to the vision for the Shelton location. "We grew up nearby—playing youth sports and building lifelong friendships," noted COO Ken Martin. "Opening a Colony Grill in Shelton allows us to create a place where today's families can come together, enjoy a simple meal and make lasting memories."

This ethos transforms the restaurant from a simple eatery into a community gathering place. By embedding itself in the fabric of Shelton through tangible acts of support and recognition, Colony Grill aims to build a foundation of loyalty that transcends the transactional nature of the restaurant business. It’s a strategy that fosters a sense of shared ownership and local pride, turning patrons into advocates.

Designing a Modern Gathering Place

The physical space at 902 Bridgeport Avenue, a former Burger King, has been completely transformed to embody this community-centric philosophy. The venue features a family-friendly dining room designed for comfortable meals, an expansive bar area that pays homage to its “bar pie” roots, and a large 70-person patio for seasonal outdoor dining. The layout is intentionally versatile, designed to accommodate everything from a quick lunch to large party gatherings.

In a nod to modern convenience, the Shelton location will also offer third-party delivery through major platforms like Uber Eats, Grubhub, and DoorDash, ensuring its famous pies are accessible to customers at home. This blend of a traditional, welcoming atmosphere with contemporary service options reflects the brand's ability to adapt while preserving its core identity.

The success of the Norwalk location, which has operated continuously since 2015, provides a strong precedent for this model in a modern Connecticut market. As the doors prepare to open in Shelton, Colony Grill is not just serving its famous pizza, but also reinforcing its deep-seated legacy within the state that started it all.