RIDE-CT – Classic Cars Celebrating Classic Cars in Connecticut
BETHEL, CT – The landmark Sycamore Drive-In Restaurant, which closed on Christmas Eve after 78 years, may not be gone for good. The Danbury “NewsTimes” reported today that the property’s owner is in lease negotiations with a potential new tenant who is expected to reopen the business in a month or two following renovations.
The “NewsTimes” quoted Julio Russo, one of property’s owners, as saying the Sycamore name is expected to be retained as well some of the former menu items. Signature items included the Dagwood burger and homemade root beer.
The Sycamore has been run for the past 28 years by the Austin family. In a Facebook post on the morning of Dec. 26, Chris, Patrick and Kathleen Austin reported “our lease was not renewed” and that the drive-in had closed. “An era has come to an end!” the posted stated, while thanking customers, friends and employees.
Reaction to the drive-in’s sudden closure was immediate, widespread and uniformly expressed sadness over the loss of a treasured gathering spot. Besides being an iconic eatery, the Sycamore was also the home of a regular and well-attended Saturday night cruises that drew classic car owners.
The “Newstimes” reported that Russo owns the property with his brother, Rocco Grosso, and their mother, Theresa Rotella. Russo did not disclose the identity of the new tenant and said that it was by mutual agreement that the previous lease with the Austins expired. “We had a great relationship with the Austins and their family. They have been a great tenant,” Russo said.
Russo added that renovations are expected to begin in a few weeks.
