Colony Grill Focuses on Pizza and Community

Simplicity, community and consistency make the formula for success at the Colony Grill.

With locations already in Stamford and Fairfield, Avon will be the site of the newest in the line of pizza restaurants. Taking over the location of the old 99 Restaurant, a lease is expected to be signed within a week, with construction beginning shortly thereafter.

Gary James, owner of Colony Grill said he wants to capture as much as possible the atmosphere of the original restaurant, a Stamford institution since 1935. Originally a neighborhood bar, pizza was added to the menu in 1941 and the recipe has remained the same ever since.

In the current environment of choices, where restaurants feature dozens of menu items, James said the Colony just serves pizza, “and only one size, a 12-inch pizza!”

In addition to pizza, the restaurants feature a bar with a full liquor license.

Perhaps a slap at conventional wisdom, James insists the pizza is worth the visit, and it's difficult to argue with the success of the Colony brand.

“It's different from any pie you ever had,” said James, “there is a slow process of cooking, this is not a seven- or eight-minute pizza.”

The dough and other ingredients are prepared fresh every morning, and the focus on the pizza means they do it best.

Stamford resident Maria Tournas agrees. “It's really good,” she said. “When I feel like having some, I definitely go for the hot oil pizza.” One of their more unique toppings, the hot oil pizza features a jalapeno pepper infused olive oil. Even the topping selection is not extensive. 

Part of the success of the grill, according to James, is the atmosphere. The locations feature framed 8"x10" photographs of local people in the service. Policemen, firemen, and military personnel in black and white photos adorn the walls.

“People come in and look for their grandfather,” said James.

He explained the tradition began when his parents took over the restaurant in the 1960s. It gave the community a feeling of ownership. He plans to duplicate the atmosphere at the Avon locations, intending to solicit pictures from the community as construction proceeds.

“We are not known in Avon,” said James. “We know it's a little bit risky.” To help introduce themselves to the community, James said, they are planning a grand opening celebration open to families, with face painting and other activities.

In addition to Avon, Colony Grill is also working on a location in Danbury, and is in preliminary talks for a possible Boston area restaurant. James owns the Stamford restaurant and will also be running the Avon location. The Fairfield Colony Grill is a franchise co-owned by several partners, including New York Rangers hockey star Chris Drury.

The current schedule has the restaurant opening around the Thanksgiving holiday.

Between corporate and franchise restaurants, James hopes to open a new establishment every 18 months.