Popular Stamford Diner Suddenly Closes

STAMFORD—The Bull's Head Diner, an iconic eatery in Stamford for over 20 years at 43 High Ridge Rd., suddenly closed earlier this week.

According to News 12 Connecticut, patrons hoping to stop in for a bite to eat on Monday were greeted with a sign on the front door that announced the closing.

"It has been our pleasure to serve you over the [years]. Unfortunately today is the last day we are able to do that as we have lost our lease after much negotiation," the sign read. "We appreciate your patronage and sincerely thank you for your support. The memories we all have at the Bull's Head Diner will live on. We thank our loyal employees, sales people and distributors. You have made Bull's Head Diner possible."

The Stamford Advocate said that the diner was opened in the early 1990's by Dimitrios Kitsios. Kitsios died in January, and according to the Advocate, a statement from the Kitsios family suggested that it was due to COVID-19. The family told the Advocate that the diner could not withstand the strain that the pandemic put on the business.

The diner will forever be a part of the fabric of the City of Stamford, as a late night spot for some food after a night out, or a spot to catch up with friends and gather with family over classic diner fare.

For Stamford resident Deborah Dube, going to the diner was a family affair.

"Every week, my granddaughters wanted to go to the diner to eat. They loved it there, and the waitstaff would be so kind and attentive to us. I also have memories of meeting some famous celebrities while eating at Bull's Head Diner," she told Patch.

According to an article from The New York Times printed in July of 1994, some of Bull's Head's regulars at the time included actor and director Ron Howard, along with professional wrestler Randy "Macho Man" Savage.

Anastasios Thomas told Patch that Bull's Head was the go-to brunch spot for her family on Sundays after they'd attend church nearby.

"In later years, after both my father and brother passed away, my mom and I would have brunch and dinner there once a month, and even after my mom was diagnosed with dementia, the staff treated my mom like royalty despite her obvious challenges," she said. "I hope that whoever moves into that building will maintain that neighborhood feel that Bull's Head Diner provided."

Ginny Peluso recalled a memory in which the diner was there for her during a difficult time.

"It was Christmas 2009. Our mom was in a coma in [the] hospital and not expected to survive. My brother and I were so preoccupied running back and forth to the hospital we weren't thinking much about the holiday. Since we were living on fast food and take out for convenience sake, there was little food in the house," she said. "Restaurants and grocery stores were closed. Bull's Head Diner was all that was open. It was surprisingly busy. Its cheerful atmosphere, friendly service and good food was like a balm to our souls. For a little while we forgot our sadness and our worries and just soaked in all the good feelings."

It's still unclear what will happen to the building. Several people on Facebook commented on a post from the diner, asking if there was a way to reopen.

Others asked if they could find a new location in Stamford, and some expressed shock, saddened by the fact that they couldn't say goodbye.

"We were just there for breakfast yesterday," one commenter said.