The Journey Began With Food Truck, Now Popular Eatery Little Riggs, Says a 'Fond Adieu'

BRANFORD, CT — In February of 2020, Patch first met John Kronfeld when he opened his food truck in Indian Neck. A frigid day did not stop folks (and a reporter) from turning out to check out The Chef Truck's Rise and Shine inaugural breakfast.

The truck, parked on the edge of an Indian Neck salt marsh in the Friki Tiki parking lot next to Lenny's Indian Head Inn, the immaculate white food truck emblazoned with its likely soon-very-recognizable logo, had a queue of hungry and later happy folks. The Tex-Mex Torpedo, this reporter can attest to, was scrumpous.

Kronfeld, a Culinary Institute of America graduate, has over 20 years in the restaurant business. He's worked in New York and Connecticut, "helping to shape the culinary industry from high-end dining to artisanal burgers."

And that's how it all began in Branford. First a truck which would evolve into a popular eatery called Little Riggs, which opened in 2023.

In a message called "Fond Adieu from Little Riggs," Kronfeld said Little Riggs is "permanently closing its doors."

"This is a difficult announcement to make, but I want to share it with deep gratitude for everyone who helped make this restaurant possible and gave it meaning," he wrote on the Little Riggs website.

He shared that the journey began with a "food truck built around my belief in simple, straightforward food—food that, I think we can all agree, was never quite as simple or straightforward as it sounded. Every plate reflected that journey, and every guest who spent their time and hard-earned money with us gave it purpose."

In his goodbye message, Kronfeld addressed the "regulars."

"... who became familiar faces and, in many cases, friends; to those who discovered us by chance and returned by choice; and to everyone who shared a kind word, recommended us, or simply allowed me the privilege of cooking for them—thank you."

He sahred that owning a "small restaurant is a labor of love," and one hat also "brings challenges, sacrifices, and difficult decisions."

"Ultimately, those realities led me to this closure," he said. "I won’t pretend otherwise."

Most of all, I want to thank every member of our staff, past and present, who shouldered that work with me. I am deeply grateful for your hard work, patience, care, and the countless ways you gave of yourselves to Little Riggs. I wish I could have created a longer-lasting ending for the restaurant and a more satisfying conclusion to this chapter for everyone who helped build it. Whatever Little Riggs meant to anyone, it was made possible by you, and I will never forget that.

I have always believed that restaurants sit at the intersection of nourishment, pleasure, and connection. At their best, they offer generosity, hospitality, and the simple joy of making someone feel welcome.

If Little Riggs gave you even a little of that, then I consider our time together a success.

I leave this chapter with sadness, humility, and deep gratitude. The memories, friendships, and kindness shown to me will remain long after the last plate has been cleared and the lights have been turned off.

So, rather than goodbye, I’ll offer a fond adieu.

Thank you for giving me a place at your table and for allowing me to welcome you to mine.

With heartfelt gratitude,

— Chef

Little Riggs