Maggie McFly's Expanding Across State Lines

Maggie McFly’s Unique Eatery, having originated in Middlebury, Connecticut, in 1993, now has five restaurants under its belt, with other locations in Southbury, Brookfield, Glastonbury and Manchester, and is now poised for expansion across state lines, the next operation to open in Rockaway, New Jersey, in the spring of 2016.

Founder Ray Harper describes Maggie’s unique quality as a big restaurant – one that boasts offering something for everybody -- that operates like a small one, based on its commitment to sourcing its ingredients and products locally, as well as its involvement with the community, such as its work with the Middlebury School District, sponsoring various fundraising events to take place throughout 2016, according to a prepared statement.

Maggie’s American menu features over 180 items prepared from scratch using only the freshest and highest quality ingredients available.

All chicken is all-natural, raised humanely and without the use of hormones or antibiotics. Beef is Certified Choice Angus and all fresh fish is long line or hook and line caught whenever possible. A variety of items are offered for individuals with gluten sensitivities and other dietary restrictions, according to company officials.

Local vendors and producers with whom Maggie’s has established close relationships include such suppliers as Freshpoint (produce), Red’s Best (fresh fish), SoCo Creamery (ice cream), NoRA Cupcake Company, Nodine’s Smokehouse (bacon and sausage), Hannan Honey, Mama’s Cheese Bread (gluten free), RIPE (drink mixers), and Wild Moon (liquor). As expansion continues to other states, new suppliers will be sourced in each new locale.

Most entrees range from $10 to $20, with the most expensive item on the menu a 20-ounce porterhouse steak for $30.99.

A collaboration with New Milford Hospital promotes community health and wellness by offering menu selections that adhere to the principles of the Plow to Plate Program which include the selection of healthier choices without compromising taste and using locally sourced ingredients when possible.

Harper says that the most enjoyable aspect of his job is to offer his employees the opportunity to develop and grow within the company. That opportunity will be enhanced by the company’s expansion plans. While preparing for the New Jersey opening, Harper is already looking for other locations along the East Coast as far south as Florida.

The design of Maggie’s restaurants has also evolved through the years from one of memorabilia (a biplane reproduction is featured prominently, hanging from the ceiling in both its Middlebury and Southbury restaurants) to a sleek design by Stephen Sousa, Boston architect who created the interior in The Shoppes at Buckland Hills in Manchester, the largest restaurant at 9,000 sq. ft., in the group.

There, burnt orange tufted stools at the bar form the centerpiece of the restaurant with booths on either side illuminated by Edison light bulbs and, reflecting the aviator theme, a ceiling featuring riveted aluminum airplane wing sections. “This is the template of how Maggie’s will grow,” says Harper.

In Middlebury, Maggie McFly’s is located at 6 Woodside Avenue.