New London’s Bayou BBQ seeks expansion onto new patio
New London — What does eminent domain have to do with Brian Brother's request to the city to build a patio at Bayou BBQ + Grill, his restaurant at 221 Shaw St.?
Brother argues that in 1999, when the city implemented its Municipal Development Plan for the area, it resulted in a realignment of a portion of Shaw Street, creation of the roundabout and reduction of the width of the street and loss of land for some property owners. In Brother's case, while no land was taken from the Bayou site, adjacent on-street parking was eliminated.
“In order to implement the MDP, a number of properties were acquired through eminent domain by the New London Development Corporation,” Brother wrote recently in his application to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Brother's application for a variance on setback requirements that would allow for his expansion remains pending. He says it's a matter of survival in the age of COVID-19 when his small restaurant can safely accommodate only a fraction of the number of people it used to.
"Due to COVID-19 restrictions I am severely limited in my seating capacity," he wrote in his application. "The outdoor patio will allow my business to pay its bills and employ people."
Like other restaurant owners across the region, Brother was hit hard when the pandemic struck in March. He was closed for more than six months until the reopening with half his normal staff at the beginning of October.
His plan is to add a covered patio to the front of the building, the only available space on the sliver of land he occupies.
Restaurants, such as the ones along New London’s busy Bank Street, have been able to take advantage of the state’s streamlined process for obtaining permits for outside dining, in some cases moving dining tables to sidewalks or streets. Others have large decks to space out patrons.
Brother simply doesn’t have the room to do that — outside or inside. His proposed expansion, which would add roughly 20 seats, would take him within 4½ feet of a sidewalk. City zoning regulations insist on a 10-foot buffer.
Whether the argument sways the board remains unknown. His case was recently continued to a later date.
There are a few recent examples of organizations and restaurants finding creative ways to draw in business.
In July, the Planning and Zoning Commission approved use of a patio for food and alcohol service for the New London Lodge of Elks at 81 Washington St.
“Like numerous food and beverage establishments during this interesting time, we are struggling,” applicant Keith Robbins told the commission at the time.
On the Waterfront Restaurant at 244 Pequot Ave. last month was approved for construction of a 1,600- squarefoot outdoor deck to the rear of the restaurant. The addition will allow the restaurant to expand seating and add a bar and entertainment venue.
Brother said his business has become more reliant on takeout business these days. His mix of Cajun, barbecue and Tex- Mex foods continues to garner rave reviews. He is also involved in a new partnership with the proprietors of RD86 restaurant for an upcoming pig roast dinner.