Popular New Haven Eatery Plans Expansion, Reopening

NEW HAVEN, CT — Downtown eatery Claire's Corner Copia is renovating and expanding its space. The restaurant, which specializes in healthy, vegetarian fare, has been open for 45 years.

A post on Claire's Facebook page reads: "We’re making progress, but it’s making us very sad to be apart for so long. We promise that when we reopen, hopefully by late July, we’ll have done every single thing possible to make us all as safe as possible."

Plans include expanding to include the original corner space and remodeling the kitchen, including renovating the floors, walls, and counter.

Another post reads: "And, as long as we had been given the same lemons as everyone, thanks to Covid-19, we thought we’d do what we love- make Lemonade! When we reopen, we’ll have air purifiers, HEPA filters, and safety protocols in place that will make our team and our community be as safe as possible- not surprising, because we’ve always loved you! And, it will take more than a pandemic to stop us."

Claire Criscuolo said the project is taking longer than expected, as the building dates back to 1900, according to The New Haven Register.

Initially Criscuolo was planning on having the restaurant remain open for takeout during renovations. However, she had concerns regarding her staff's safety and opted to stay closed.