Trumbull's Nichio Family Opens CrownCafe on Madison Avenue

The Nichio Family of Trumbull, who for decades operated a chain of Crown Budget Stores, recently opened CrownCafe at 2200 Madison Avenue in Bridgeport. For people familiar with Harborview Market in Black Rock or Woods End Deli in the Brooklawn neighborhoods, CrownCafe is an added welcome addition to the city's selection of eateries. What makes CrownCafe unique, is that is is also a butcher shop with meat market.

Brothers Richard Jr. and Craig Nichio have opened CrownCafe in the storefront that housed their parent's neighborhood supermarket. The store closed two decades ago not long after Super Stop & Shop opened a few blocks north at the former Dewhirst Dairy. Today, that Stop & Shop is closed and CrownCafe has emerged as a neighborhood eatery and meeting spot.

On a recent visit, customers ranged from college students to senior citizens. Former Bridgeport City Council President Tom McCarthy lives in the neighborhood and stopped in for a Tuna Salad Sandwich. Proud parents Jeanette and Richard Sr. Nichio help out making it truly a family business.

In full disclosure, my early childhood was in this neighborhood and my mother shopped in Crown Budget Market every Friday afternoon so being there was nostalgic. The food was delicious and the atmosphere was welcoming. I tried the special... Jalapeno Cheese Burger with Fries for only $4.99. It was amazing, the roll was fresh and soft and the fries were hot giant steak fries. I took home a hearty Chicken Salad sandwich for $6.99 that was made with finely chopped chicken. Be sure to try a bag of tasty Bagel Chips for only 99 cents. As you may have noticed, the prices are very reasonable.

Visit CrownCafé for breakfast, lunch, deli meats or fine meats. It is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays.