Nothing says ‘taco’ like a 200-year-old barn with modern touches and “retro chic” vibe.
That’s what West Hartford restaurateurs David Boyajian and Chef Adam Greenberg are close to opening in the Sandy Hook section of Newtown. The pair own the popular Sparrow Pizza Bar in West Hartford.
Their new restaurant, Tacobarn, is scheduled to open at the end of October and promises, “if it tastes good in a tortilla,” they’ll make it.
What customers get on that taco won’t necessarily be typical Mexican fare, but great tastes inspired globally. They will also carry traditional varieties.
Boyajian, who lives in Newtown only minutes from the new place, said, “I’m excited and nervous because my neighbors are going to be my guests,” he said. “I’m going to create something I enjoy and am super proud of.”
He describes the vibe in the new place as “retro chic.”
There are modern touches like a marble bar, wallpaper imported from Mexico, terracotta floors, three “dramatic” rope chandeliers and lots of wood and reclaimed wood in the 200-year-old barn at 6 Glen Road.
Guests won’t see any sombreros or maracas hanging on the wall.
“The idea was not to redo it, but enhance it, ” he said of the rustic barn that was built for storage all those years ago.
Tacos are the focus of the scratch kitchen, and they’ll come creative and globally-inspired, so not all like you’re grandmother’s tacos.
They will also carry small plate selections and “distinctive” entrees such as crispy fish, and chicken.
The cocktails will be juiced and fresh-squeezed in front of customers ” so you get the freshest version,” he said.
Boyajian, a seasoned restaurant industry executive who worked in management for Bartaco, has set up the restaurant on two floors, the main dining area and bar on the first floor, and on the second-floor, a loft for additional dining space and private events.
There is also an outdoor patio with seating and a fire pit.
“Tacobarn embraces simplicity and offers people a chance to step away from life’s complexities,” Boyajian said.
The menu at Tacobarn draws inspiration from flavors around the world, he said. Chef Greenberg, acclaimed in the industry, has appeared on the Food Network several times as a 4-0 competitor on Chopped — he was a grand champion tournament winner — as well as appearing on Beat Bobby Flay, and judging on his show.
Greenberg was most recently on Guy’s Grocery Games, where he finished runner-up on the show. He grew up in West Hartford.
Chris Hottois of Flint Ridge Development, the owner of the barn, said through a spokesperson the restaurant is a “perfect addition” to Sandy Hook.
“Having a successful restaurateur who lives right here in town invest in our community speaks volumes about his commitment to creating something special,” Hottois said.