Restaurateurs bring a taste of Connecticut to region

ST. PETERSBURG — Transplants from Connecticut, rejoice: The Colony Grill, an 85-year-old restaurant brand founded in Stamford, Connecticut, has expanded to St. Petersburg, opening a location at 670 Central Ave., in the heart of the city’s booming downtown.

The Colony Grill, according to a news release, is known for Connecticut-style pizza, which it describes as a thin-crust pie that is best served with signature “hot oil” topping — a spicy, pepper-infused creation that can be ordered with any other combination of toppings. Also known as “Bar Pie,” the pizza is smaller in diameter than a traditional pizza and features a thin layer of cheese and sauce so slices can be easily managed with one hand.

“We are extremely excited to be up and running,” Colony Grill Development LLC Chief Operating Officer Ken Martin states in the release. “St. Pete has both big city attributes and gracious small-town appeal. The arts, sports, retail, beautiful beaches. The list goes on and on. We look forward to introducing our unique pizza to the neighborhood and becoming a part of that community fabric for years to come.”

Colony Grill Development, the release states, owns and operates all Colony Grill locations. Its principals are Martin, Paul Coniglio, Chris Drury and Cody Lee. The four business partners grew up together and were members of the 1989 Little League World Series championship team from Trumbull, Connecticut, which defeated Taiwan. 

In addition to Connecticut, the group operates Colony Grill locations in New York and Virginia, and, according to the release, it's planning to open a restaurant in Tampa in 2022.