Three More Chain Restaurants to Open In Enfield

Three restaurant chains will be opening on Hazard Avenue in the coming months, according to Enfield Director of Economic Development Ray Warren.

The Building Department is currently undergoing plan review of sites to house Moe's Southwest Grill, the Hibachi Grill and Supreme Buffet, and the Chipotle Mexican Grill.

Moe's plans to open in the Enfield Commons, next to Ocean State Job Lot; Hibachi is slated to open in the former Old Country Buffet location in the Brookside Plaza; and Chipotle will occupy a portion of the former Bickford's at the beginning of the Enfield Square access road, Warren said.

"Any investment is great news for Enfield," Warren said.

According to Moe's web site, "The first Moe’s restaurant opened in Atlanta, Georgia on December 1, 2000, and offered burritos, tacos, quesadillas, nachos, salads and fajitas. Guests could choose from over 25 fresh ingredients including grilled chicken, steak or tofu. There were meals just for kids, beverages just for adults, and free chips and salsa for all guests to enjoy with every meal. Over the years, Moe’s has added ground beef, pulled pork, bacon and Junior burritos to the menu and has featured popular limited time offers like the Chicken Club Quesadilla and Phil E. Burrito."

Despite the name Hibachi Grill, the food there will not only be Japanese, but also Chinese, American and Italian. The restaurant will have seating for 400 people, and is one of 20 planned for Connecticut over the next four years, a spokesman said.

Chipotle was founded in Colorado in 1993, and quickly grew into a nationwide chain serving gourmet burritos and tacos. The company web site states it takes pride in using meat from animals raised without the use of antibiotics or added hormones, sourcing organic and local produce when practical, and using dairy from cows raised without the use of synthetic hormones.

Warren addressed rumors about two other possible Enfield locations for restaurant chains. "No plan for Sonic has been presented to town officials, but we hope they do," he said. "As for Hooters, there has been no discussion, and no one's chasing them."