California restaurant chain BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse debuted Monday its first Connecticut location at the Shoppes at Buckland Hills in Manchester.
BJ’s Restaurants Inc. said its newest eatery at 344 Buckland Hills Dr. occupies approximately 7,500 square feet and seats about 230 guests.
The free-standing location is open every day serving its signature deep-dish pizza and handcrafted beers, among other items.
BJ’s, which owns and operates 206 casual-dining restaurants in 28 U.S. states, has now opened four locations in 2019. It plans to open additional Connecticut restaurants in the coming years, said CEO and president Greg Trojan.
The chain received a special exception to Manchester’s zoning rules in Aug. 2018, to allow construction of the brick-and-concrete restaurant and an outdoor patio area, which sits across from the Red Robin restaurant, according to town meeting minutes.
Founded in 1978, BJ’s, which is not affiliated with Mass.-based BJ’s Wholesale Club, is a registered nonprofit organization due to its support of charities benefiting children’s health care and education.
