Two new restaurants to open in New Milford







Pictured: The BBQ Burger at Square One Bar & Grill featuring lettuce, tomato, fried onions, homemade barbecue sauce, cheddar cheese and bacon on a brioche roll served with hand-cut french fries and cole slaw.

less Michael Elhayek, owner of Square One Bar and Grill in Danbury, plans on opening a new restaurant in New Milford. The American Kitchen will offer more entree-style meals as well as the burgers and steaks his Danbury restaurant are known for.Pictured: The BBQ Burger at Square One Bar & Grill featuring lettuce, tomato, fried onions, homemade barbecue sauce, cheddar cheese and bacon on a brioche roll served with hand-cut french fries and cole slaw. Michael Elhayek, owner of Square One Bar and Grill in Danbury, plans on opening a new restaurant in New Milford. The American Kitchen will offer more entree-style meals as well as the burgers and steaks his ... more Photo: Jason Rearick Photo: Jason Rearick Image 1 of / 3 Caption Close Two new restaurants to open in New Milford 1 / 3 Back to Gallery

NEW MILFORD -- As a building is razed on Danbury Road for a new Dunkin' Donuts, two more restaurants are being planned for that area.

The owner of the former auto parts store, Joseph Naples III, has an application before the Zoning Commission to demolish part of the building at 161 Danbury Road and retain 2,000 square feet for a Class I restaurant.

The Zoning Commission approved last week plans for a modification of 4,200 square feet in the building at 132 Danbury Road for a 150-seat restaurant with separate bar and patio. It will be called The American Kitchen.

The building now holds the Royal Buffet in its northern end. It sits behind Arby's and across Danbury Road from Lore's Plaza.

"New Milford is a dynamic, rapidly growing city known for its family oriented lifestyle," said Michael Elhayek, who will own The American Kitchen. "New Milford has all of the amenities necessary to ensure a great location for a successful business."

Elhayek opened Square One Bar and Grill in July 2012 on Mill Plain Road in Danbury. His restaurant in New Milford will offer more entree-style meals as well as the burgers and steaks his Danbury restaurant are known for, he said.

Remodeling is expected to start in 10 days with a January opening targeted. The patio will open in April offering a full service of meals and alcoholic beverages.

"I'm very excited," Elhayek said. "I plan to use fresh produce from area farmers when possible."

stuz@newstimes.com; 203-731-3352