Vernon could see a new addition to its retail landscape as national coffee chain 7 Brew eyes a location in the Tri-City Plaza, potentially replacing the shuttered Denny’s that closed in 2022.
Pending approval from the Planning and Zoning Commission, this would mark 7 Brew’s second venture into New England, following another upcoming opening in Wallingford scheduled for this fall.
The proposal outlines plans to demolish the former Denny’s building and construct a 510-square-foot structure without indoor seating, complemented by a 230-square-foot cooler. Shaun Gately, Director of Economic and Community Development, indicated that the timeline for opening hinges on PZC approval, with aspirations to launch by November.
“We’re committed to facilitating their approval process swiftly, with hopes of an operational debut later this year,” Gately stated. “This underscores continued investment interest in our retail corridor, which we eagerly support.”
Despite the closure of Denny’s, property taxes have been dutifully paid since its cessation, Gately noted. In 2022, Denny’s ceased operations across several Connecticut locations within a short span, including Enfield, West Haven, Wethersfield, and Vernon.
Notably, closures occurred abruptly without prior notice to local officials or landlords, impacting communities accustomed to the chain’s 24-hour accessibility.
The proposal reflects ongoing economic development efforts in Vernon, aiming to rejuvenate commercial spaces and bolster community engagement through new retail ventures.