Mystic Soup Company To Open A Location on Thames Street In Groton

Over a year ago, Mystic Soup Company owner Andrew Madsen purchased the property on 359 Thames Street with the ambitious intention of turning it into three separate dining venues, including a second location for Mystic Soup Company.

“Conceivably someone will be able to come to 359 Thames and eat three times a week and get a difference experience every time,” Madsen says of the project.

The road to completion on the 14,000-square-foot building hasn’t been easy. The original structure, built in 1906, was basically torn down to its struts, according to Madsen. The project included exposing original brick walls, refinishing 100-year-old hardwood floors, and obtaining licenses and permits.

Now, with only a few permits and a little more construction left, Madsen hopes to complete phase one of the project, the opening of a the second location of Mystic Soup Company, sometime in April.

The soup company on Thames Street will serve a familiar menu of hearty soups and Panini, along with a new dinner menu. The Groton location will feature what Madsen describes as an “eclectic” décor, including walls the color of pea soup and merlot, along with Madsen’s version of a copper top bar – pennies from each year of the past century, laid out on top of the bar and covered with epoxy.

“It’s going to look great from the street,” says Madsen.

Phase two of the project, which Madsen believes will be completed sometime in May, includes the opening of a 130-seat banquet room, which will accommodate events from retirement parties to wedding receptions.

He hopes to keep the banquet room catering menu flexible to accommodate different needs.

“I’d like the menu there to be as customized as it can be – that way I can cater to each individual," Misdone says. "It’s a good challenge for me, so I can learn something new and customers can really enjoy the food.”

The banquet room will feature picture windows that frame views of the waterfront, as well as a hardwood dance floor.

Madsen hopes to complete the final phase of the project in June.

“Just in time for fireworks season,” he says.

The third and final phase of the project will include an English-style tavern with all the familiar trimmings – Wainscoting, rich, dark woods and comfortable seating. The new tavern will offer views of the waterfront, as well as an outdoor patio.

Madsen wants to offer an extensive wine list and communal appetizers, as well as bar steaks, fresh fish, and salads.

He hopes the opening of the three new restaurants will help to revitalize the area. Additionally, the three new locations may create up to 20 new jobs, and Madsen is seeking applicants to fill those positions.

“I can see potential in the area, and I hope that by executing some of my ideas, people can really appreciate Thames Street again,” he says.