Stratford Diner Builds Deck, Adds Outdoor Seats During Pandemic

STRATFORD, CT — A longtime Stratford restaurant has been able to accommodate more customers during the coronavirus pandemic after building a deck.

Blue Sky Diner hosted town officials for a ribbon cutting last month to celebrate the eatery's new addition, which opened in early September.

The deck offers 44 outdoor seats — a must-have when the restaurant's dining room was often reaching the state-mandated 50-percent occupancy maximum, owner Nikos Avramopamoulos said last month.

“It kind of compensates for the seating that you lose inside,” he said.

As of Thursday, indoor restaurant capacity limits in Connecticut have increased to 75 percent.

Avramopamoulos had been planning to install a deck for years, but encountered financial roadblocks that prevented it. He was able to finally complete the project with federal pandemic assistance loans.

“People are being very ingenious and finding out how to advance their business,” said Mayor Laura Hoydick, who cut the ribbon at the event Sept. 18.

Located at 273 Ferry Blvd., Blue Sky Diner opened in 1972. Customer Joe Bonitatebus, who was seated on the deck the day of the ribbon cutting, has been patronizing the restaurant for decades.

“I wish them a lot of luck,” he said.