Downtown eatery rises from the ashes

After a fire severely damaged the Trinity Bar & Restaurant in 2017, it took nearly two years for the business’ owners to repair the damage so they could reopen.

In mid-June, they did just that, and now co-owners Shane Carty and Eddie Higgins are happy to report their loyal customers have returned, and they are attracting new ones. 

On Wednesday, they celebrated their grand reopening formally with a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Mayor Toni N. Harp and other dignitaries. 

“I missed this place — it is very close to City Hall, and I’m very glad to be part of this celebration,” Harp said. “For the past two years, the owners have worked painstakingly to recreate the atmosphere and ambience that had attracted so many New Haveners. I love it here, and I think you will as well.”

L-r, Eddie Higgins, Shane Carty and Mayor Toni Harp

Higgins said he and Carty felt a “huge sense of relief” now that the business, in Pitkin Plaza at 157 Orange St., is open again.

“It’s been humbling to see so many customers come to see us,” he said. “It takes a while, but word is getting out.”

According to Higgins, the damage from the September 2017 fire was so extensive that “everything had to be taken back to the studs.” 

The fire started in an apartment space above the restaurant. Workers spent months doing work to get the business ready to reopen, including replacing floors and ceilings, and completely redecorating, including adding new furniture and décor.

Carty, Trinity’s chef, said the fire had a huge impact on everyone. 

“It is great to be back,” Carty said. “You wonder if people will have moved on, but shortly after we opened, you couldn’t move in this place [because of the crowds].”

The establishment has an Irish flavor, and offers American and Irish menu items such as the Dublin Decker, Shane’s Shepherd’s Pie and the Craft Beer Corned Beef Reuben.

Best friends since childhood, Carty and Higgins originally opened the eatery in February 2015. Both were born in Ireland and came to the United States in 1994. They decided to join forces and open a business similar to what you might find in Dublin — a casual-style bar and restaurant featuring sports and music. 

Contact Michelle Tuccitto Sullo at msullo@newhavenbiz.com