West Haven, CT – March 26, 2025
West Haven's shoreline is set for a major transformation. In a unanimous vote, the West Haven Planning & Zoning Commission approved the proposal for The Kelsey @ Savin Rock, an upscale restaurant and banquet room on the Long Island Sound. The news, proudly announced by Mayor Dorinda Borer via LinkedIn, marks a bold step forward in revitalizing the city’s coastal area and supporting local business growth.
“It takes a large team to make things happen,” Borer said in her post, celebrating the collaborative effort that pushed the project over the finish line. For those following West Haven Planning and Zoning meeting updates in March 2025, this restaurant proposal was one of the most anticipated items on the agenda.
A New Culinary Destination: The Kelsey @ Savin Rock
Developed by RTR Hospitality Group—the team behind popular Connecticut venues like Boca, Spotted Horse, and Gray Goose Café—The Kelsey will offer a premier waterfront dining experience in West Haven. Patrons can expect American coastal cuisine, fresh seafood, a sushi and raw bar, and curated beverage selections. The design includes a rooftop deck and two outdoor patios with sweeping views of the shoreline, perfect for sunset dinners and weekend brunches.
The Kelsey will also function as a banquet venue on the West Haven shoreline, hosting weddings, corporate gatherings, and local celebrations. It’s expected to create up to 160 new jobs in West Haven, making it a major driver of both tourism and economic development.
A Big Win for Economic Development and Tourism
The approval of The Kelsey reflects West Haven’s commitment to restoring its shoreline as a vibrant hub for food, events, and community connection. With this project, the city sends a strong message to both residents and investors: West Haven is open for business and built for the future.
Searches like "new restaurant coming to Savin Rock shoreline West Haven" and "banquet venues near Long Island Sound" are about to have a definitive answer. And with Mayor Dorinda Borer’s leadership and the Commission’s vision, West Haven is positioned to become one of Connecticut’s most desirable shoreline destinations.
BISTRO BUDDY Supports the Story
At BISTRO BUDDY, our mission is to connect communities with the very best in food, drink, and local experiences. As the go-to food and drink event platform in Connecticut, we’re excited to support the momentum behind The Kelsey @ Savin Rock. We want to help amplify this win for West Haven through promotional coverage, grand opening campaigns, vendor integration, and event support.
We also encourage local food truck operators and event vendors searching for “how to promote my food truck in West Haven” or “platforms to promote local events in CT” to connect with us. We believe this project opens the door to more shoreline events, seasonal markets, and culinary collaborations—and we want to make sure the community stays engaged every step of the way.
Looking Ahead: A Shoreline Built for Celebration
Whether you're a local looking for the best restaurants with ocean views in Connecticut, a couple planning a banquet by the beach in West Haven, or a business owner searching for restaurant development opportunities in Connecticut 2025, The Kelsey offers something for everyone.
With a stunning location, expert developers, and full community support, The Kelsey @ Savin Rock is more than just a building—it’s a destination that will shape the economic and cultural identity of West Haven for years to come.
Congratulations to Mayor Dorinda Borer, the West Haven Planning & Zoning Commission, and the team at RTR Hospitality. West Haven’s next great chapter is officially underway—and BISTRO BUDDY is proud to help tell the story.
