New Crown and Hammer Owners to Retain Community Ties, Offer Upscale Comfort Food

One of the new owner/managers of the says the restaurant will retain its strong local ties, offer reasonably priced upscale comfort food, and could reopen in about a month.

“It’s think it’s an icon,” Jonathan White said about the restaurant. “It’s a big part of town and I’m looking forward to serving the locals and carrying on the legacy.”

White and his sister Susan Tancredi, both Farmington High School graduates, have purchased the business and are leasing the building from local businessman John Rainey.

The closing took place Friday and financial terms were not disclosed. Rainey did not immediately return a call from Patch but White said the transition was an amicable one.  

Tancredi, now an Avon resident, will now serve as manager and take care of finances.

The Crown & Hammer Restaurant and Pub opened in January 2005 and White said he is looking forward to continuing its legacy. Located in an old train depot, the restaurant contains many icons of the former Collins Company factory that the depot served, including old tools and posters.  

“We’re going to retain as much of the old stuff as possible,” White said.

In fact, most of the items remained, and White said he will make a few changes in furnishings but is keeping the basic layout to the restaurant. The owners are, however, re-finishing the floors, adding a fresh coat of paint and completely renovating the kitchen with much new equipment.

The kitchen will be part of White’s domain as general manager and executive chef.

A certified executive chef, he’s worked in places in New York City, France, at Vermont ski areas, and, most recently, at the Farm Neck Golf Club on Martha’s Vineyard.

He said the upscale comfort food at the Crown & Hammer will include choices like meatloaf, seafood, veggie pasta, various types of steak, lobster and lobster mac and cheese.

White said he also plans to buy locally whenever possible.

“I’m gong to try and buy as much local as possible,” White said.

In addition to local produce, the restaurant will offer products such as Bison burgers, from animals raised in Massachusetts.

White said the menu will also likely change a couple times a year and will include many seasonal specials.

The owners plan to open the restaurant Tuesday through Sunday and open for lunch and dinner. A bar menu will be available as well. While exact details need to be worked out, White said the restaurant will also continue the tradition of live music. 

The restaurant will soon have an updated Facebook page that will include photos of the progress at the restaurant. He said the restaurant also plans to keep as many of the most recent workers as possible, and will employ approximately 15 people. 

White said he plans to move to Collinsville and is happy to be back in the area.

“I’m looking forward to getting back to where I grew up and becoming an integral part of the community,” he said.