It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Mary and Eliza Freeman Houses gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Bridgeport, CT is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“The staff at ABC has been wonderful! It's easy to reach them, they are responsive,”
“We would like to express our appreciation and thanks for the in-home care that Always”
“I just wanted express our thoughts about Mary, who was the caregiver for the weekend.”
“Excellent company, very experienced management and staffs. Highly recommend”
“Thank you so much for your kind , personalized service. My mother was always resistant”
“We would like to express our appreciation and thanks for the in-home care that Always”
“Always Best Care Services is a good place to get good care. The employees would”
“My mother was in need of help after she broke her hip at 101 years”
“The staff at ABC has been wonderful! It's easy to reach them, they are responsive, respectful, and cheerful. This was the first step in getting outside assistance for our Mom and we were so impressed with how thorough the care was - the first helper checked to see that her home was safe and that she knew how to use her cell phone. We'd highly recommend using their in home care.”
“We would like to express our appreciation and thanks for the in-home care that Always Best Care is providing our parents. You have guided us through this very difficult time and have helped us deal with my mother’s illness and her inability to care for my dad. Your caregivers are very capable and caring, and your staff is competent and thorough. We believe this makes your company invaluable to families with loved ones in need of assistance. We would recommend Always Best Care to anybody in search of quality care for their loved one. Thank you for all you and your staff do.”
“I just wanted express our thoughts about Mary, who was the caregiver for the weekend. We all thought she was wonderful!! I think her biggest strength is that she sees the work, needs little/to no direction, offers to take things out of our hands, and is a true-go-getter. For Billie, this type of help is great since she feels like she can take some time to rest and trust all is okay. Mary works hard and is also very patient. I really think Mary is a natural dealing with elderly. She is patient and kind! Anyway, what I wanted to ask is if Mary can be the consistent caregiver for the weekends. The other 4 caregivers that I have met are also very nice. We would like Mary as much as possible as she is punctual, and as I mentioned before, sees what needs doing. She is focused on what she can do to help. She doesnt just sit there next to Bill, she has eyes in the back of her head and goes the extra mile. Anything that needs to get done, she says no wait, let me do it if she hasnt already initiated it herself. She seems to have endless energy and never complained. I just felt compelled to drop you a this note to let you know how impressed we were with her. Thanks”
“Excellent company, very experienced management and staffs. Highly recommend”
“Thank you so much for your kind , personalized service. My mother was always resistant to have someone come into her home to help care for her, but she is very, very pleased with Betsy. Not only does she have someone to keep her company and meet her physical needs—her kitchen is looking cleaner than I have seen it in a while. Thank you again. Your kind manner was reassuring to my mother and to me, and you have made the process of caring for my mother at home easy, and provided me with much needed relief so that I can actually return to work with a calm mind.”
“We would like to express our appreciation and thanks for the in-home care that Always Best Care is providing our parents. You have guided us through this very difficult time and have helped us deal with my mother’s illness and her inability to care for my dad. Your caregivers are very capable and caring, and your staff is competent and thorough. We believe this makes your company invaluable to families with loved ones in need of assistance. We would recommend Always Best Care to anybody in search of quality care for their loved one. Thank you for all you and your staff do.”
“Always Best Care Services is a good place to get good care. The employees would do their very best to take care of you in your time of need. I will recommended this facility to family and friends. I want to thank you so much for the exceptional care you took of my dad. I hold your agency in the highest regard and you have my deepest appreciation.”
“My mother was in need of help after she broke her hip at 101 years old. She refused to leave her home. Susan Oderwald took wonderful care of her. She found caregivers for her who treated her with kid gloves and she herself went above and beyond by getting papers signed, visiting her in the hospital and fetching things for her. I don't know what I would have done without her, since I live 3,000 miles away. I highly recommend her, her services and her staff of caregivers.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Seaside Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Joseph's Steakhouse or visit Marina Park Historic District, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Bridgeport, CT, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Bridgeport, CT understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Bridgeport, CT 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
The Connecticut State Board of Education voted unanimously Wednesday to intervene in Bridgeport's school district operations. A state appointed official will help lead the school system.The vote comes after Superintendent Royce Avery announced in November the school district faced a budget deficit over $30 million.The move also comes more than a decade after the state previously tried to take over the school district. State Department of Education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker framed it as a partnership.“By ...
The Connecticut State Board of Education voted unanimously Wednesday to intervene in Bridgeport's school district operations. A state appointed official will help lead the school system.
The vote comes after Superintendent Royce Avery announced in November the school district faced a budget deficit over $30 million.
The move also comes more than a decade after the state previously tried to take over the school district. State Department of Education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker framed it as a partnership.
“By collaborating with the local Board of Education, district leaders, educators, school staff and students, and the broader community, we maximize our ability to ensure that every child has the support they need to reach their full potential,” Russell-Tucker said.
Avery replaced former school superintendent Carmela Levy-David, who resigned from her post amid controversy and a no confidence vote from teachers.
Avery and Bridgeport Board of Education Chair Jennifer Perez met with the State Board of Education’s Accountability and Support Committee earlier this month, to discuss steps the district was taking to address the budget deficit, including staff cuts and potentially closing down school facilities.
State officials emphasized calling it a collaboration, after a more far-reaching state effort was stopped by a state Supreme Court decision.
Avery praised the vote results.
"I am pleased with the outcomes of today’s Connecticut State Board of Education meeting and grateful for the confidence the Commissioner for the Connecticut State Department of Education, Connecticut State Board of Education, and Bridgeport Board of Education have placed in me and our plan to lead the district’s turnaround efforts as Interim Superintendent,” Avery said.
Democratic State Sen. Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox, who represents parts of the city and is also on the state education committee, echoed Russell-Tucker’s comments, while cautioning that any changes need community input.
“We welcome the opportunity for additional state resources, which I think are very much needed in Bridgeport,” Gadkar-Wilcox said. “It's critical that the elected members of the board of education do retain control over the Bridgeport school system,” she said.
The vote also means the state education commissioner will have authority over selecting a permanent superintendent.
The district has long faced challenges with education standards and funding, according to a state research report from March 2012. In 2011, the Bridgeport Board of Education voted 6-3 in favor of asking the state to intervene saying the school board was not able to properly function.
The State Department of Education accepted the request and began replacing the school board with state-appointed members.
In 2012, a state Supreme Court decision found the state takeover to be illegal. The court agreed with several former school board members, who sued, claiming the state failed to offer mandatory training programs, per a state statute.
The current action noticeably stops short of that, and instead mandates training for current board members to improve operational efficiency.
Despite this, one former board of education member and now city councilmember, Maria Pereira, expressed skepticism towards the state commission, in a public comment made before the vote.
Pereira said the last time the state tried to intervene, it led to the appointment of Paul Vallas as superintendent. Vallas ended up leaving the position shortly after, due to controversies over his qualifications to lead the district, and his own political ambitions in his native Illinois, according to CT Mirror.
Pereira was the lead plaintiff in the 2011 lawsuit.
“You've constantly been in the national news around Bridgeport, not for positive things, but for negative things,” Pereira said. "So understand, we are mobilizing, we are preparing, and we will not accept it.”
The board is not being replaced, but the state would have still been given a lot of power over the district’s day-to-day decisions, including appointing its own superintendent, or a district improvement officer, who would have similar authority to a superintendent.
But while the state wants to partially take over the schools, some education experts claim state takeovers actually harm academic achievement and largely fail to improve local district’s finances.
Connecticut, according to a Harvard University study from 2021, instituted some of the most state takeovers of local districts, nationally.
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BRIDGEPORT — The developer of a controversial self-storage facility at a shuttered North End Stop & Shop supermarket wants a one-year extension of his zoning permit as the property faces foreclosure for unpaid taxes.Hugh Scott, through his Simcove limited liability corporation, is scheduled to ask zoning commission members at their Jan. 27 meeting to keep a special pe...
BRIDGEPORT — The developer of a controversial self-storage facility at a shuttered North End Stop & Shop supermarket wants a one-year extension of his zoning permit as the property faces foreclosure for unpaid taxes.
Hugh Scott, through his Simcove limited liability corporation, is scheduled to ask zoning commission members at their Jan. 27 meeting to keep a special permit they granted his project last May in place until spring of 2026. That commission's agenda was published Thursday.
But court records show Simcove could actually lose the former grocery store on Madison Avenue over unpaid taxes totaling $378,093. That amount includes $72,710 left unpaid by the prior owner when Scott purchased the location in 2021, plus subsequent tax bills of $145,420 and $159,962.
According to Bridgeport's tax office, Simcove has yet to pay its most recent bill of $168,360.
The city imposed liens on the property for those uncollected taxes. The liens have since been sold to an entity called Tower DB XII Trust, which initiated the foreclosure procedure in state superior court last May. It is standard procedure for Bridgeport to regularly sell off liens for unpaid taxes to private entities like Tower DB.
Scott did not return requests for comment and his land use attorney, Patricia Sullivan, could not be reached for this article. But in court documents responding to the foreclosure attempt, Simcove "denies that the tax has not been paid, admits that some amounts may remain unpaid and has insufficient information."
Tower DB's filing also state's Simcove owes the city a $1,500 blight fine and $24,770 worth of costs for cleaning up those aesthetic violations.
The Stop & Shop was built in the late 1990s at the former Dewhirst Dairy despite intense neighborhood opposition. The store closed in 2012 and Simcove purchased it in August 2021 for $4 million from LT Bridgeport LLC of Maryland, which two years earlier paid U.S. Bank $1.1 million for the property.
Scott initially applied with the zoning department to renovate the building for a self-storage operation in late 2022. He argued that it was the least-disruptive use for the otherwise mostly residential area and that he would make the long-dormant property more secure and attractive.
Still, some residents, activists and elected officials, including Mayor Joe Ganim during his 2023 re-election campaign, publicly opposed the project and the appointed zoning commission rejected Simcove's application in June 2023 in a 4-2 vote.
Scott sued in state Superior Court and won last March. The presiding judge, Dale Radcliffe, ruled that zoning commission members violated municipal regulations in refusing to grant Scott his special permit and ordered that body approve the self-storage facility subject to reasonable conditions. That was done last May.
In an interview at the time Scott said he hoped to begin construction in late summer or early fall of last year.
"I'm happy that we reached a resolution of this with the commission and we're ready to move forward," he had said. "And I think the neighborhood will be very happy with what we provide."
Thomas Gaudett, Ganim's chief administrative officer, said Thursday that the office had been unaware of Scott's tax issues.
"Honestly this is news to us that this developer is (financially) underwater, potentially," Gaudett said. "It's a private matter between him and the lien company (Tower DB) at this point."
Gaudett continued, "This is a remarkable development. It seems like he (Scott) wanted to move on the storage facility so urgently, against the will of a lot of people and concerns expressed by the administration and City Council members. Now to see this is pretty troubling."
From apizza to lobster rolls, Connecticut is home to various types of restaurants and, yet again, Connecticut Magazine's contributing food experts have shared their favorite eateries in the Nutmeg State for the Connecticut Magazine's Top Restaurants for 2025 list.Experts have named restaurants in dozens of categories, from top cuisine (American, Mexican, Chinese, Italian, Middle Eastern, v...
From apizza to lobster rolls, Connecticut is home to various types of restaurants and, yet again, Connecticut Magazine's contributing food experts have shared their favorite eateries in the Nutmeg State for the Connecticut Magazine's Top Restaurants for 2025 list.
Experts have named restaurants in dozens of categories, from top cuisine (American, Mexican, Chinese, Italian, Middle Eastern, vegetarian, etc.) to outstanding appetizers and desserts, romantic ambiance, beer and wine selections and the best places to grab a burger.
Here, explore the top restaurants in the Bridgeport area. For those looking for something new to try, Connecticut Magazine experts also shared their picks for the 34 Top New Restaurants in Connecticut.
Scroll below to see which Bridgeport-area spots were named as the top restaurants by Connecticut Magazine experts.
Beer selection, Chicken wings
3425 Fairfield Ave., Bridgeport, 203-362-5001
Hidden gems, Vegetarian/vegan
85 Ferris St., Bridgeport, 203-576-9168
Hidden gems, Raw bar
3074 Fairfield Ave., Bridgeport, 203-522-477
Latin/Caribbean
3170 Fairfield Ave., Bridgeport, 203-296-2880
Pizza
225 South Frontage Road, Bridgeport, 203-612-4438
New restaurants
1217 North Ave., Bridgeport, 203-333-3833
Southern/soul
29 Markle Court, Bridgeport, 203-296-4761
Steak
360 Fairfield Ave., Bridgeport, 203-337-9944
Tacos
1154 State St., Bridgeport, 203-534-8917
Thai
648 Beechwood Ave., Bridgeport, 475-282-4600
Vietnamese
48 Wood Ave., Bridgeport, 203-690-1533
Vietnamese
80 Wood Ave., Bridgeport, 203-334-8812
Beer selection
40 Bridgeport Ave., Milford, 203-693-3900
Mediterranean/Middle Eastern and Greek
1015 Bridgeport Ave., Milford, 203-783-1379
Overall Value
2004 Bridgeport Ave., Milford, 203-874-1515
Burgers
1 Schooner Lane, Milford, 203-283-7282
Breakfast
105 River St., Milford, 203-882-1150
Hot dogs
664 New Haven Ave., Milford, 203-767-2895
Italian
9 River St., Milford, 203-283-1849
Lobster rolls
16 New Haven Ave., Milford, 203-877-7327
Spanish/Portuguese
13 River St., Milford, 203-283-1748
Latin/Caribbean
702 Bridgeport Ave., Shelton, 203-513-8775
Appetizers
785 Bridgeport Ave., Shelton, 203-587-4072
Deli/Sandwich shops
110 Commerce Drive, Shelton, 203-712-7350
Burgers
10 Washington Parkway, Stratford, 203-612-7523
Deli/Sandwich shops
1478 Barnum Ave., Stratford, 203-377-8860
Deli/sandwich shops
2505 Main St., Stratford, 475-282-9268
Latin/Caribbean
730 Barnum Ave., Stratford, 203-540-5825
Breakfast
873 Post Road, Fairfield, 203-254-1750
Brunch, Overall excellence and Mediterranean/Middle Eastern and Greek
1401 Kings Highway, Fairfield, 203-883-9222
Chinese
1795 Post Road, Fairfield, 203-255-6888
Deli/sandwich shops
1838 Black Rock Tpke., Fairfield, 203-333-9217
Hot dogs
306 Blackrock Turnpike, Fairfield, 203-334-3647
Hot dogs
1886 Post Road, Fairfield, 203-259-9023
Latin/Caribbean, Mexican
2070 Post Road, Fairfield, 203-955-1643
Appetizers
52 Sanford St., Fairfield, 203-286-6076
Mediterranean/Middle Eastern and Greek
2088 Black Rock Tpke., Fairfield, 203-384-0100
Mexican
246 Post Road, Fairfield, 203-210-7000
Pizza
238 Commerce Drive, Fairfield, 203-333-7373
Pizza
665 Commerce Drive, Fairfield
Spanish/Portuguese
4180 Black Rock Tpke., Fairfield, 203-255-0800
Thai
222C Post Road, Fairfield, 203-955-1650
Vietnamese
201 Crown St., Fairfield, 203-292-8222
Vietnamese
80 Post Road, Fairfield, 475-999-8433
Burgers
1125 Post Road, Fairfield, 203-292-8233
Burgers
2133 Black Rock Tpke., Fairfield, 203-612-4567
Overall Value
838 Main St., Monroe, 203-459-9595
Bridgeport, which is facing a $39 million education shortfall, was joined by Connecticut's other large cities in requesting more state aid.Alfred Branch, Patch StaffNews release from Bridgeport Public Schools:BRIDGEPORT, CT —Bridgeport Public Schools joined forces with mayors and superintendents from Connecticut's five largest cities – ...
Alfred Branch, Patch Staff
News release from Bridgeport Public Schools:
BRIDGEPORT, CT —Bridgeport Public Schools joined forces with mayors and superintendents from Connecticut's five largest cities – Bridgeport, Hartford, New Haven, Stamford, and Waterbury – to urgently call on Governor Lamont and state lawmakers to increase state education funding for all students and to adequately and equitably support Connecticut's educational system during the 2025 legislative session. Facing significant financial challenges, the district remains steadfast in its commitment to providing high-quality education and ensuring that every student has the resources needed to succeed.
Facing a $39 million budget deficit, the Bridgeport Public Schools district remains deeply committed to safeguarding students from any negative effects. The district continues to prioritize student success and well-being, working diligently to uphold the quality of educational services and support programs.
Interim Superintendent Dr. Avery emphasized the urgency of increased state support, stating, "Our students deserve equitable access to resources that support their academic and personal growth. We are calling on Governor Lamont and state lawmakers to recognize the critical need for increased and equitable funding for all students. We must invest in our high-need students who require additional support to thrive. I am ready to work with our lawmakers, parents and community partners to address this systemic inequity. Our students, teachers, and all educational personnel cannot continue to be left behind.”
Mayor Joseph Ganim also voiced strong support for increased funding, stating, "Bridgeport's students deserve the same opportunities as every other child in Connecticut. Our city cannot bear this financial burden alone. We need the state to step up and provide the equitable funding our schools and students desperately need. Investing in education is investing in our future."
Currently, Connecticut's per-student foundation amount stands at $11,525 and has not been adjusted since 2013, despite an average inflation rate of 2.77%. This stagnation has placed significant strain on municipalities, which have been increasing their local contributions to sustain public schools. High-need students—including low-income students, students with disabilities, and multilingual learners—who are disproportionately represented in Connecticut's largest cities, continue to suffer from inadequate funding.
This has led to staffing shortages and insufficient services that are vital for student success.
Echoing the recommendations from the 119K Commission's Young People First report, the coalition of city leaders urged state lawmakers to:
Dr. Avery and his counterparts stressed that investing in education is investing in the future of Connecticut. Equitable funding is essential to providing all students with the opportunities and resources they need to succeed.
BRIDGEPORT — A handful of subcontractors on a high-profile, partially publicly subsidized upper-scale apartment project along the city's harbor have been fined a total of $160,500 and given stop-work orders for breaking state labor laws.Juliet Manalan, spokesperson for Connecticut's labor department, which includes the wage and workplace standards office, said the stop work orders were recently lifted on four of the subcontractors after they provided information they were in compliance or came into compliance, and after being fi...
BRIDGEPORT — A handful of subcontractors on a high-profile, partially publicly subsidized upper-scale apartment project along the city's harbor have been fined a total of $160,500 and given stop-work orders for breaking state labor laws.
Juliet Manalan, spokesperson for Connecticut's labor department, which includes the wage and workplace standards office, said the stop work orders were recently lifted on four of the subcontractors after they provided information they were in compliance or came into compliance, and after being fined.
Construction is underway on The August, a 420-unit luxury housing complex at the Steelpointe redevelopment in the lower East End between Interstate 95 and the waterfront.
The long-awaited development is the first phase of a proposed 1,500 units funded in part with a 12-year municipal tax break.
State government also provided a $20 million low interest loan in exchange for 160 of the initial 420-units being designated as lower-cost "workforce housing" as well as nearly $1 million for the complicated environmental cleanup of the property.
In late November, Connecticut's Wage and Workplace Standards Division ordered five of the companies on-site — all but one from New York or New Jersey — to halt construction for misclassifying laborers and failing to provide workers' compensation insurance.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor's website, "Misclassification occurs when an employer treats a worker who is an employee under the Fair Labor Standards Act as an independent contractor. Misclassifying employees as independent contractors is a serious problem because misclassified employees may not receive the minimum wage and overtime pay to which they are entitled ... or other benefits and protections to which they are entitled under the law."
The amount of the fine is based on the number of employees affected by the classification and compensation issues
Structura Group of New Jersey's financial penalty was the highest at $155,700, followed by the $3,900 levied against New York City-based Hartland Mechanical and the $900 fined Remy Fence and Masonry of Wallingford. LBR Mechanical of Brewster, N. Y., did not receive a monetary penalty. ADM Concrete Pumping of New York City was not released from the stop work order but is not returning to the construction site.
Of the five businesses, only ADM responded to requests for comment. A spokesperson said that firm was hired by another subcontractor to provide some equipment to build The August, rarely works in Connecticut and, after learning of the violations here, and said it would have been too costly to come into compliance. The spokesperson said it is still waiting to be paid by the subcontractor that brought ADM aboard.
Miguel Fuentes, a representative with the carpenters' union, said that organization has serious concerns about what is happening at The August. He blamed the main contractor on the job, KBE, which has offices in Norwalk and Farmington in Connecticut, plus New York City, Arizona and Maryland. KBE is highlighting the Bridgeport Steelpointe apartments on its website.
Fuentes said the job site issues that state labor officials caught "are not harmless paperwork errors" on the part of the five firms involved and in fact "a business model" subcontrators sometimes use to cut costs.
Fuentes also questioned whether KBE does enough to enforce labor laws.
"KBE is in control of their site," he said. "If they made it clear that their subs need to meet certain standards and follow the laws, their subs would. Why? Because they (KBE) don't only have job-site control, they have the power of the purse."
Robert Dunn, KBE's vice president and general counsel, in a statement responding to Fuentes wrote that KBE "hires the most qualified and competitively priced subcontractors, regardless of union or non-union affiliation. This position is not popular with the carpenters' union."
Dunn further explained, "Those subcontractors may hire sub-subcontractors and so on. KBE operates in accordance with all applicable labor laws and regulations, and it requires the same compliance from the subcontractors hired. KBE requires those subcontractors to hold their sub-subcontractors to the same requirements, and so on.
"KBE does not condone or encourage any illegal or unfair work practices of our subcontractors on KBE projects" and its subcontract agreements "clearly and thoroughly" require compliance with workers' compensation, employment eligibility and wage laws, Dunn said.
Dunn continued that KBE "was not in violation" of any state requirements, "not involved" in the labor department's inquiry and added "we understand the state department of labor is satisfied with the responses and the various sub-contractors were back to work within a few days."
"If KBE becomes aware of chronic and intentional violations on its projects, which is not the case here, those subcontractors are not welcome on future KBE projects," Dunn wrote.
Meanwhile Robert Christoph Jr., who with his father, Robert, Sr., has spent years slowly transforming Steelpointe into a mix of housing, retail and recreational uses, in response to the carpenters' organization's concerns insisted that unionized labor has and will continue to benefit from the redevelopment.
"Past construction at Steelpointe has included union labor and local minority contractors and workers form the Greater Bridgeport community," Christoph said in a statement. "For this phase of construction, we have worked with KBE to engage the local community, hosting local hiring fairs and conducting direct outreach to local contractors."
While the stop work orders involved mostly out-of-town firms, Christoph insisted "several local residents and contractors" are involved in the current phase of The August along with "a number of union contractors and members of the re-entry community."
Christoph concluded, "As Steelpointe progresses to future phases, we will continue to encourage local, minority hiring practices, hosting local hiring events and conducting outreach ... to ensure that the community benefits from this economic development."
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