NEWTOWN – A historic-barn is a new addition to the vibrant restaurant scene in Sandy Hook.
Experienced restaurateur David Boyajian is the owner of tacobarn, a 125-seat restaurant located at 6 Glen Road. “tacobarn embraces simplicity and offers people a chance to step away from life’s complexities,” said Boyajian, a Newtown resident who owns and operates the restaurant. “We’re excited to open our doors and allow the community to experience this unique space alongside our flavorful, carefully crafted menu.”
The 200-year-old historic barn was renovated with attention to detail to carefully preserve the building’s original character and charm to honor Connecticut’s agricultural heritage. The result is a unique 4,165-square-foot space with an interior that unites rustic charm with modern sophistication. A retro-chic contemporary vibe blends minimalistic décor with natural woods with large, open spaces that are reminiscent of a traditional barn.
“David’s deep roots in our community, combined with his proven track record in the restaurant industry, make tacobarn a perfect addition to Sandy Hook,” said Chris Hottois of Flint Ridge Development, the owner of the Barn where tacobarn will be operated. “Having a successful restaurateur who lives right here in town invest in our community speaks volumes about his commitment to creating something special.”
tacobarn features two floors of dining space serving lunch (on the weekends and weekdays once the outdoor seating opens) and dinner, with a second level reserved for private events, and a seasonal outdoor patio with seating and a fire pit that extends the dining experience into the scenic New England countryside. The first floor comprises a main dining area and bar and a second-floor loft that provides additional dining space.
“It was particularly interesting to see the whole space during my first visit, because the antique barn that used to be located partially in tacobarn’s footprint was formerly a bicycle service shop where I got my own bike serviced,” said John Voket, economic & community development director for Newtown. “So, I had spent some time in the prior building including up in the loft.
“The space is now bright and airy, with lots of windows bringing in natural light – and the layout is comfortable without seeming cramped. I can’t wait to spend some time on the outdoor patio area which offers additional three-season casual seating and a nice fire pit to accentuate the space.”
The menu, designed to complement the restaurant’s philosophy of simplicity and quality, features a wide variety of tacos, rice bowls, small bites, salads and soups, distinctive entrees, and desserts along with craft cocktails.
The menu is curated by Chef Adam Greenberg, a Connecticut native, who emphasizes fresh, high-quality ingredients in creative combinations that exceed traditional boundaries. Greenberg has appeared on numerous Food Network shows, where he was named Grand Champion tournament winner on “Chopped,” bested renowned chef Bobby Flay and also served as a judge in “Beat Bobby Flay,” and also competed in “Guy’s Grocery Games” and “Alex vs. America.” Most recently, Greenberg was owner of Coconut Club in Washington, D.C., which closed in 2020 due to Covid. He returned to his home state to partner on the beloved Sparrow Pizza Bar in West Hartford, the town where he grew up.
Boyajian, who most recently launched Sparrow in 2022, also played an integral role in the expansion of the bartaco chain during his tenure at Barteca Restaurant Group. His culinary vision is to create dining experiences featuring high-quality ingredients within a warm, welcoming, and energetic environment.
According to Voket, tacobarn fills a niche in Sandy Hook that the area didn’t have.
“A casual dining place focusing on globally inspired dishes and interesting takes on cocktails, along with a great selection of wines, red and white sangrias, cider and malt beverages including offerings from Newtown’s two micro-breweries,” Voket said. “Newtown has such a diverse range of eateries and food service businesses that we’ve become quite a destination for residents hosting family, friends, business associates, and small casual gatherings. I have no doubt that tacobarn will further boost Sandy Hook’s and Newtown’s reputation as the place to go to explore cool places serving tasty food.”
He said he believes the restaurant will boost the community’s economy while attracting diners who will then explore and discover other great food and hospitality options either within the village center.
