New Outdoor Waterfront Restaurant Proposed In Old Saybrook

OLD SAYBROOK, CT — The owners of the former popular Dock & Dine restaurant have filed plans with the town hoping to construct a 300-seat outdoor restaurant called Smoke on the Water.

The former Dock & Dine restaurant was twice destroyed during Irene and Superstorm Sandy and now the owners want to set up seven trailers, which would hold two bars, and an area to allow for food preparation, WTNH News 8 reported. The cooking would take place on outdoor grills.

The application remains pending before the Zoning Commission and has generated significant opposition from residents who are concerned about the potential noise and qualify of life concerns.

The owners are seeking approval to allow the restaurant to operate for a maximum of 180 days per year, according to zoning meeting minutes. The project includes Chef Colt Taylor of The Essex Public Market.

The application needs zoning approval because the flood ordinance doesn’t allow for temporary structures. Therefore, new legislation needs to be proposed and approved.

"The restaurant, Smoke on the Water, will consist of several trailers for cold prep, refrigeration, office, an ADA-compliant restroom with handicap ramp and dry storage," according to meeting minutes. "There will be a food pavilion erected that will cover two long charcoal barrel smokers that will be closed to contain the smoke within. They plan to have outdoor music but it will be directed away from nearby homes toward the river."

The plans include creating a pedestrian walkway between the mini golf and the park. The trailers, which have quick disconnect systems, will be removed during a weather emergency and at season end.

The zoning commission has received 10 letters concerning the proposal and nine are in opposition.

Wayne and Barbara Harms, who spoke during the hearing, expressed concern that the restaurant wanted to have all the benefits of an indoor restaurant but the lights, sounds, smells and litter would not be contained as in an indoor premises, meeting minutes state.

Susan Malton asked about noise reduction, hours of operation and how they would provide restrooms for 300 people. She questioned whether they would be hosting large catered parties but that is not in their plans, meeting minutes state. Anne Czepiel said she was concerned about the noise.

Kathy Connolly said she is afraid that on peak days free public access to the park and river will be impinged on.

The letters in opposition were concerned with any impact there may be on surrounding residential property values due to noise, odors, glare, litter and pollution as well as the ability to have a peaceful enjoyment of their property, meeting minutes state.

Of the comments in favor were Ray Allen, Susie Beckman, Elizabeth Swenson and Nannette Navarro. They said they are happy about the idea of some form of Dock n’ Dine coming back.

Beckman felt that the trend for retail and restaurants is to provide experiences and this would be a unique and fun experience that will be available to a large amount of people. They all felt it would have a positive impact on the town.

The project will be discussed at the next Zoning Commission meeting on March 15.