BROOKFIELD, CT — Down The Hatch has new owners, and the longtime Candlewood Lake dining destination could be welcoming customers back next spring.
Restaurateurs Peter Mennona, Yanni Taxiltaridis and John Lunghi are the new owners of the popular waterfront restaurant, which recently sold for $4.6 million. The property had previously been listed for $6.75 million.
The new owners are targeting Mother's Day 2027 for the restaurant's reopening, The News-Times reported. Plans under consideration include improvements to the waterfront deck, additional boat slips and an upstairs dining area that could operate year-round.
The trio brings experience operating several Fairfield County restaurants, including Boca Oyster Bar in Bridgeport, Boca Grille and Raw Bar in Fairfield, Spotted Horse Tavern in Westport and Shelton, and Grey Goose Cafe in Southport.
Down The Hatch, located at 292 Candlewood Lake Road, closed for the season on Sept. 14, 2025, and did not reopen this year.
The Parente family, which operated the restaurant for 49 years,announced plans to sell the business before retiring. Finding a buyer who would continue the restaurant's longtime tradition was a priority for the family, according to Tower Realty Corp., which handled the sale.
The property was marketed for $6.75 million and includes the waterfront restaurant, four rental cottages, workshop space and parking areas on roughly 2.5 acres, according to the original listing.
The site features more th an 8,000 square feet of building space, boat docks and indoor and outdoor dining areas. The restaurant has long been a popular summer destination for boaters and diners seeking views of Candlewood Lake.
The reopening date and renovation plans remain preliminary.
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