Eastern Connecticut Restaurant Once Considered Dead In Its (Moose) Tracks Now Up For Major Industry Award

COLUMBIA, CT — A. rustic roadside restaurant that was essentially dead in its tracks is up for a major state culinary award from a major trade group.

That's right, just two-and-a-half months after re-emerging from the business ashes, the Main Moose has been named a finalist for a CRAZIES award, the oscars of the Connecticut Restaurant & Hospitality Association.

Though the Moose technically sits at 94 Route 6 in. Columbia and Tolland County, its market spills into Windham County and it has thus come up for the Windham County Restaurant of the Year.

The public can now vote by CLICKING HERE.

After a whirlwind turn of events, the Main Moose was back in business on July 17. It was a complete turn of events after a see-saw saga that began the previous.

For seven years, it was considered a popular stop with travelers headed to Eastern Connecticut State University and for residents of the eastern part of the state (hence the Windham County connection) and those driving through that part of the state along the Route 6 corridor.

On Oct. 28 of 2025, the owners said they were closing the business.

Attempts to sell the business had fallen short into the warmer months and its owners said on March 27 that the Moose would remain closed for the 2026 season.

Suddenly, a month later, came a social media post that said, "Things are happening ... Stay tuned."

That was followed by a June 11 post that the Moose was hiring seasonal staff.

Then, the opening announcement was posted in July.

In addition to the ice cream and shakes, featured items include lobster rolls, clam strips, burgers, fish and chips, and pastrami Reubens.