JK’s to turn into Grandpa’s Restaurant after 98 years in Danbury
Based on Connecticut information, JK’s homeowners — the Koukos household — bought the enterprise this summer time to Banana Brazil proprietor Nilton Coelho for $900,000.
Information present Grandpa’s was registered as a enterprise on Sept. 29 itemizing Juan Contreras because the restaurant’s principal. Contreras owns one other Grandpa’s in Naugatuck. Along with the 2 Grandpa’s, information present Contreras owns quite a few different companies together with an Ecuadorian restaurant, La Kabanita, in Danbury; a home-building firm referred to as American Dwelling of New England in Danbury; and a California-based non secular group registered in Connecticut referred to as Pioneer Well being and Missions.
JK’s Authentic Texas Sizzling Weiner’s a family-run restaurant for 4 generations. Tuesday, July 5, 2022, Danbury, Conn.
H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media
“We’re excited to see that change fingers to a motivated and engaged enterprise proprietor,” mentioned PJ Prunty, president and CEO of the Higher Danbury Chamber of Commerce. “I’ve at all times mentioned Danbury is among the most numerous landscapes because it pertains to the culinary palette. This furthers that status of being a various vacation spot for delicacies.”
Normal Supervisor Yolanda Perez mentioned the brand new location happened after prospects on the Naugatuck location mentioned they traveled from the Danbury space. The brand new Grandpa’s will characteristic the identical diner-staple menu with one addition — these unique Texas Sizzling Wieners that put JK’s on the map.
“He (Contreras) goes to proceed with the recent canine due to the custom,” Perez mentioned. “That approach the previous prospects come again.”
The unique Texas sizzling weiner at JK’s Authentic Texas Sizzling Weiner’s a family-run restaurant for 4 generations. Tuesday, July 5, 2022, Danbury, Conn.
H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut MediaThe tall signal standing over South Road has been modified to mirror the brand new period in reds and blues. Contreras, who mentioned he’s an immigrant who got here to the nation with a dream, mentioned the colours are a tribute to his son who serves within the Nationwide Guard.
Perez mentioned the Danbury Grandpa’s is anticipated to open in two weeks.
In August, Peter Koukos mentioned the household was promoting the enterprise to “take pleasure in life a bit” and that the enterprise was going sturdy. It was the Koukos household’s hope that the brand new homeowners would stick with it the JK’s legacy. It was even a part of the actual property itemizing.
“For nearly 100 years, this location has been a model and a staple on the town, and you might be the one to capitalize off of its legacy and make it your individual,” the itemizing learn. “The household who owns this might love nothing greater than (to have) succesful and keen folks to cross off the years of dedication … with the identical dream.”
Peter Koukos Co-Proprietor of JK’s Authentic Texas Sizzling Weiner’s a family-run restaurant for 4 generations. Tuesday, July 5, 2022, Danbury, Conn.
H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut MediaKoukos mentioned prospects who heard the restaurant was on the market expressed concern, however he advised them he would promote to homeowners who shared his household’s values.
“They are saying, ‘Oh no, you’ll be able to’t try this,’ and I say ‘JK’s would be the identical,’” Koukos mentioned. “That’s our intention. The brand new homeowners will try this in the event that they’re good. There’s no cause to reinvent the wheel.”
Rob Ryser contributed to this report.
