Branford's Stony Creek Brewery Wants to Add Pizza Oven

BRANFORD, CT - The hottest spot in Branford - Stony Creek Brewery - wants to add a pizza oven for its loyal customers to enjoy.

At the most recent Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, the commission held a public hearing on a zoning amendment to add "food preparation for on-site consumption as an accessory use" at the brewery.

Brewery owner Ed Crowley and his fellow applicants said that the brewery first started with no on-site food and then eventually the town gave the popular tourist spot approval to allow food trucks to serve food on site.

However, Crowley said, the food trucks "have become an unreliable source of food."

Crowley told the commission he "wants to offer customers an alternative; a pizza oven on site."

Crowley was asked whether he envisioned changing operating hours. He answered no.

One person in the audience wondered if a pizza oven might hurt nearby popular Branford restaurants.

The commission discussed the concept briefly but did not take any action on the request at the meeting. Officials noted that more research and study would needed to be done to make sure the request complied with all zoning regulations.