Renaissance on the Avenue: Historic Versailles Restaurant Moves to New Location on Greenwich Avenue

GREENWICH, Conn., Sept. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Versailles Restaurant, considered "an icon on the Avenue," has moved a little over 100 feet on Greenwich Avenue to 339 Greenwich Avenue from 315 Greenwich Avenue and officially opened for business today in its new location.  The opening extends Versailles' 30 years of uninterrupted service to the community on Greenwich Avenue, and is among the few restaurants in Greenwich still operating under its original name.

The restaurant, which is also offering a formal dinner menu for the first time in six years, has an additional 800 square feet in the new location that features a coffee bar and expanded wine list. Versailles has also greatly expanded its wine cellar and will now offer more than 40 varieties of champagnes and wines, the majority of which will come from France.

Versailles also has a new executive chef and general manager, Jean-Pierre Bagnato.  Chef JP, who joined Versailles in May, has created an exciting new menu that offers many new culinary delights in addition to the traditional heartwarming dishes for which Versailles is renowned.

"Keeping Versailles on the Avenue was critical when we bought the restaurant but we knew for it to succeed would require a change of location and major investment in culinary talent," said Ingrid McMenamin, co-owner of Versailles adding, "We love this restaurant and saving it has become a passion for everyone involved."

Versailles faced certain closure in the spring of 2009 when the original owner/chef died in a tragic accident.  Ingrid McMenamin and her husband Steve immediately stepped in, saving not only the famed local restaurant, but retained over a dozen long standing employees who all faced an uncertain future if Versailles closed.

"This restaurant is part of the fabric of the Greenwich community and its closure would have been a true tragedy as generations of families gather regularly and local business leaders meet daily," McMenamin said.

"We are delighted that Versailles' long tradition will continue on Greenwich Avenue.  It's pastries are decadent and their breakfast-brunch are legendary," said Greenwich First Selectman Peter Tesei, the Town's highest ranking public official.  "The Versailles team and Ingrid and Steve have our very best wishes for another 30 prosperous years in our community."

Versailles has expanded its hours from 7:30 am to 10 pm. The new dinner menu will feature an assortment of regional cuisines including Cassoulet, souffles and Steak Frites.

"Our new location will allow us to improve every facet of Versailles from our food to the comfort of our customers without losing the restaurant's original character," said Jean-Pierre Bagnato, adding, "Our new location will also offer an ideal venue for private events and expand our catering capabilities with our exclusive bakery."

About Versailles

Versailles is located at 339 Greenwich Avenue.  The restaurant is open from 7:30 to 11 AM, for breakfast, 11 AM to 2:30 PM for lunch, and 6 to 10:00 PM for dinner.  Visit us on the web at: www.versaillesgreenwich.com or call us at (203) 661-6634 for reservations or further information.

SOURCE Versailles