Bank Street Tavern is coming to town

A new eatery should soon be making its debut on Bank Street in New Milford.

Business partners Chad Yonker and Thomas Pietroski, from Litchfield, are revamping the interior of the former Forsythia restaurant and, by late May, anticipate opening the doors for its incarnation as the Bank Street Tavern.

"What's happening in New Milford is exciting," said Mr. Yonker. "There are a few people who are making significant investments in creating a downtown that offers dining, entertainment and an all-around venue of business vitality."

Mr. Yonker's company, Litchfield Acquisition 1 LLC, purchased the Forsythia in mid-2008 when then owner Thomas Moran went into bankruptcy.

The site had previously been home for years to the successful 31 Bank Street and The Bistro Cafe restaurants.

"I never thought I'd be opening a restaurant there myself," Mr. Yonker said. "My intention was to find the right tenant. A lot of people approached me but no one had a concept that seemed like it would work or the financial backing necessary to make a long-term commitment."

Enter Thomas Pietroski, with his training in the hospitality industry and experience as a manager at The Mayflower Inn in Washington and The Castle at Tarrytown in Tarrytown, N.Y.

The men formed a partnership aimed at making the Bank Street Tavern a cornerstone of entertainment and dining experience in the village center.

"It will be an American-style restaurant," Mr. Pietroski said. "Our goal is to have a casual, comfortable atmosphere that emphasizes the history of the building, Bank Street and the town."

To feature an upscale dining room on the ground floor and bar and pub menu on the second floor, the Bank Street Tavern should offer something for everyone, Mr. Yonker said.

A commercial elevator is being installed to take customers to the second-floor tavern bar and seating area, replete with fireplace ambiance, and to the second-floor private functions room.

A "wine education" component will be offered still being kept somewhat under wraps.

"People know what they like in wine but don't always know what wine goes well with what dishes," Mr. Pietroski said.

Live entertainment offered in the pub area on the second floor will offer an array of venues, including jazz.

"There's a synergy in New Milford now with business owners working together to make the downtown vibrant," Mr. Yonker said. "We look forward to working with other businesses to keep that energy happening."