During the past six decades, Chick’s Seafood Drive-In in West Haven became a famous destination for hot dogs, lobster rolls, and fried seafood on Connecticut’s shoreline.
Next month, per the request of the late longtime owner and namesake, Joseph “Chick” Celentano, the iconic restaurant is closing.
“65 years of business,” Chick’s son Michael Celentano said, “there are a lot of memories.”
Michael and his brother Joseph Celentano grew up next door to Chick’s.
“Our house was right where these picnic tables are,” Michael said, pointing out the restaurant’s window.
The Celentano brothers are as sad as any of the loyal customers to see their dad’s business close.
“My brother and I wanted to take over and run it,” Joseph Celentano said, “that’s what we really wanted, but it was according to what he wanted. It was his baby, his legacy, he did want it closed.”
Customers have until Nov. 15 to enjoy the items on Chick’s menu. The restaurant will shut down just shy of four months to the day when “Chick” Celentano passed away. He was 82.
“It was actually National Hot Dog day when he passed, so if that doesn’t tell you something I don’t know what does,” Joseph Celentano said.
The famous foot-long split hot dog is just one meal longtime customer Vincent Rosarbo will miss.
“The lobster roll, soft shell crab,” he said, listing some of his favorites, "I thought this place would be here forever to be honest with you.”
The Celentano brothers say it is too early to tell what will become of the prime shoreline property.
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“The summertime is when it’s going to be missed the most,” Joseph said.
“It’s going to be really hard driving down Beach Street after November 15,” Michael said, "it's going to be tough."
