Shipping Containers At Vernon Plaza Not For Denny's: Officials

VERNON, CT — So ... it turns out that all those shipping containers surrounding the former Denny's restaurant in Vernon's are just a big tease.

They're not for a new restaurant, town officials said.

The western corner of the Tri-City Plaza at 35 Talcottville Road has resembled a shipping port for several weeks now. Their presence has created a buzz around town over another new restaurant potentially moving into the busy shopping center.

Now it's a buzz kill after a call to town officials Tuesday morning.

"They are not for Denny's," Vernon Economic Development Director Shaun Gately said. "There are no immediate plans for the space."

Alas, signs soliciting restaurant space for lease are still present on several windows at the former Denny's.

The containers were plopped there "for other tenants in the plaza," Gately said. Alas, the stores owned by TJX Companies are in the process of changing out shelving and other interior equipment, town officials said.

Shipping containers are also not allowed in the plaza, per town regulations and Gately said he was reaching out to the landlord to discuss the matter.

Denny's in mid-October closed abruptly, leaving surprised employees without jobs and a slew of customers without the famous logo's traditional comfort food.

A sign on the door said:

"To our valued customers:

"It brings us great sadness to inform you that this location is permanently closed."

The message then referred customers to the Hartford Denny's at 539 Flatbush Ave. and the Southington Denny's at 621 Queen St.

The Vernon location was Part of the Denny's network, but was operated and owned independently.

Eateries in Tri-City Plaza include Wing Stop, Jefferson Fry Co and Mo's Southwest Grill and the ShopRite supermarket offers a wide array of freshly made food.