Why Small Businesses Matter in New Canaan: Gates Restaurant

Why Small Businesses Matter

Shop small, do big things for your community

Why Small Businesses Matter puts a spotlight on the local merchants who donate their time, talent, goods, and services for the betterment of our community. The shop local movement spreads virally as local businesses who are “tagged” have the opportunity to share their story!

You're IT Gates Restaurant!

Three questions with Jay Luther, owner of Gates Restaurant.

Why did you start your business?

Gates has been a local downtown institution since 1979.  I have lived in New Canaan since 2003.  New Canaan is a great town to raise your kids (I have three, Jake, Rhyan & Kyleigh) and has a walkable downtown full of independent restaurants and shops.  I am a partner with several restaurants around the country and always thought it would be nice to own a restaurant in my hometown to keep me closer to my kids. 

 What is your best-selling product/service?

Our best selling products are our burgers, wings, Bellagio Sandwich and the newly installed salad bar. We have Chef Luis heading up the kitchen so the Crispy Calamari, poke bowls, Quesadillas and Tacos are hugely popular. Our daily Happy Hour is a big hit and so is our live music Saturdays. On Wednesday, August 28^th we will continue with our Trivia which is also popular.

 How many local businesses do you use to support your business (products and services) and can you name them?

We are all about the community and are members of the Chamber of Commerce. Our coffee is from Zumbach’s. We work with Walter Stewart’s Market for meat and produce. We work with Leo Karl (Chevrolet) who is going to do something creative on our Tavern Wall. Our patio furniture is from Against The Grain. Our neighbors are New Canaan Music, who built a stage backdrop and also play here – we have live music every Saturday. Also, The Carriage Barn Arts provides local artwork for our dining room on a rotating basis. We value our local heroes and take 20% off all regularly priced food purchases (including take-out) all day every day. This includes Fire Fighters, Police Officers, EMS, Veterans, Military Personnel, Board of Education and Town Employees. Additionally, every Sunday Gates Gives back 10% of your total purchase (excluding sales tax and tip) to a list of local charity or non-profits. These include: Filling in the Blanks, New Canaan Nature Center, New Canaan Cares and several religious organizations in town.   

Gates Restaurant tags New Canaan Music!

Gates Restaurant is located at 10 Forest Street in New Canaan. Visit them online here.

HamletHub thanks Fairfield County Bank for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!