Readers Remember Long-Lost Tolland And Area Eateries

TOLLAND, CT — The Somers Inn ... Kathy John's … Valley Fish Market … Tasty Chick … those are just some of the responses to a callout on the Patch Facebook pages from Tolland County towns asking readers to "name a restaurant from your childhood that isn't around anymore."

The comments are still coming in From the Jan. 4 posts.

Kent Pizza was prominently mentioned.

Kathy John's in Mansfield — located down the hill from the University of Connecticut campus — was a popular choice. It was known for its sandwiches.

Vernon's Tasty Chick was also among the most missed, based on the testimony from readers. Tasty Chick, located at the Regan Road-Route 83 intersection, was known for delicious fried food that could be smelled seemingly from miles away. Though it has been closed for years, some old timers swear and one can still sense the aroma. In 2011, the sign was salvaged by a local resident.

Valley Fish and the Country Squire in Ellington received several mentions, as did the Arizona and Village Pizza in Stafford. The Somers Inn was also mentioned.

Other popular mentions from Vernon are George's, a hotel restaurant next to the Colony banquet hall off Route 83 known for its Friday prime rib deal. Other culinary legends mentioned are Ducky's Drive-In, which really wasn't a drive-in but was known for its enormous breakfast portions; the Pie Plate and Route 30 neighbor Bickford's; New England Whalers sponsor and Vernon Circle anchor Shakey's Pizza; and Steve and Tom's.

Want to add a memory? Click on the link below and find the comment boxes:

Photo Credit: Chris Dehnel

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