Iconic Restaurant & Real Estate | Stonington Borough
Business Description
The Opportunity: 143 Water Street, Stonington Borough
Own a piece of history in Connecticut’s most coveted coastal village.
Rarely does an opportunity arise to own both a thriving business and the underlying prime real estate in the heart of the historic Stonington Borough. Located at 143 Water Street, this iconic café/restaurant is a staple of the community, offering an unbeatable location with high foot traffic, affluent demographics, and the timeless charm of a seaside whaling village.
The Real Estate
The real value of this offering lies in the fee-simple ownership of a commercial asset in a high-barrier-to-entry market. Stonington Borough is known for its strict preservation and limited inventory—finding a "for sale" sign on Water Street is a once-in-a-generational event.
Prime Location: Situated on the main thoroughfare, surrounded by high-end boutiques, galleries, and luxury residences.
Meticulously Maintained: The building has been thoughtfully preserved and updated, balancing historic character with modern commercial requirements.
Versatile Layout: A welcoming storefront with large display windows, a professional kitchen, and an intimate dining area that captures the "Old World" essence of the Borough.
The Business
The café is a turnkey operation with a loyal local following and a massive seasonal surge from tourists, yacht owners, and summer residents.
Turnkey Assets: All FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment) are included in the sale.
Established Brand: Known for its quality offerings and inviting atmosphere, the business is ready for a new owner to step in and continue the legacy or pivot to a new culinary concept.
Growth Potential: Opportunity to expand hours, offer private evening events, or enhance the catering side of the business to serve the nearby nautical community.
Why Stonington Borough?
Consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful towns in New England, the Borough is a destination for discerning travelers and high-net-worth individuals. With its deep-water harbor and historic architecture, it offers a "village" lifestyle that is increasingly rare. Investing here isn’t just a business move—it’s a legacy play in a market where property values have shown incredible long-term resilience.
Investment Highlights
Sale Includes: Real Estate, Business Assets, and Goodwill.
Visibility: Unmatched "Main-on-Main" exposure in the Waterfront District.
Scarcity: One of the few commercially zoned properties available for purchase (not lease).
Own a piece of history in Connecticut’s most coveted coastal village.
Rarely does an opportunity arise to own both a thriving business and the underlying prime real estate in the heart of the historic Stonington Borough. Located at 143 Water Street, this iconic café/restaurant is a staple of the community, offering an unbeatable location with high foot traffic, affluent demographics, and the timeless charm of a seaside whaling village.
The Real Estate
The real value of this offering lies in the fee-simple ownership of a commercial asset in a high-barrier-to-entry market. Stonington Borough is known for its strict preservation and limited inventory—finding a "for sale" sign on Water Street is a once-in-a-generational event.
Prime Location: Situated on the main thoroughfare, surrounded by high-end boutiques, galleries, and luxury residences.
Meticulously Maintained: The building has been thoughtfully preserved and updated, balancing historic character with modern commercial requirements.
Versatile Layout: A welcoming storefront with large display windows, a professional kitchen, and an intimate dining area that captures the "Old World" essence of the Borough.
The Business
The café is a turnkey operation with a loyal local following and a massive seasonal surge from tourists, yacht owners, and summer residents.
Turnkey Assets: All FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment) are included in the sale.
Established Brand: Known for its quality offerings and inviting atmosphere, the business is ready for a new owner to step in and continue the legacy or pivot to a new culinary concept.
Growth Potential: Opportunity to expand hours, offer private evening events, or enhance the catering side of the business to serve the nearby nautical community.
Why Stonington Borough?
Consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful towns in New England, the Borough is a destination for discerning travelers and high-net-worth individuals. With its deep-water harbor and historic architecture, it offers a "village" lifestyle that is increasingly rare. Investing here isn’t just a business move—it’s a legacy play in a market where property values have shown incredible long-term resilience.
Investment Highlights
Sale Includes: Real Estate, Business Assets, and Goodwill.
Visibility: Unmatched "Main-on-Main" exposure in the Waterfront District.
Scarcity: One of the few commercially zoned properties available for purchase (not lease).
About the Business
- Years in Operation
- 32
- Website
- https://www.waterstcafe.com
- Market Outlook / Competition
- This is truly a one of a kind "rare gem". A focal social gathering point in the historic town and Borough of Stonington Ct.
- Opportunities for Growth
- The restaurant is currently under utilized operating only for dinners 5 nights per week on the first floor. The second floor is "turn key" for an additional 50 person capacity including a hand carved mahogany bar from the "gilded age", pool room and lounge area.
Real Estate
- Owned or Leased
- Owned
- Included in asking price
- Building Sq. Ft.
- 4,374
About the Sale
- Seller Motivation
- retirement
- Transition Support
- current owner/management is willing to stay on for 6 months during transition (longer if needed).
Listing Info
- ID
- 2471729
- Listing Views
Attached DocumentsAttachment Disclaimer
143 Water salient facts_26.pdf
Business Location
Listing ID: 2471729 The information on this listing has been provided by either the seller or a business broker representing the seller. BizQuest has no interest or stake in the sale of this business and has not verified any of the information and assumes no responsibility for its accuracy, veracity, or completeness. See our full Terms of Use. Learn how to avoid scams.
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