A New Home For ‘The World’s Finest Customers’ Rises in West Haven

It took the better part of a year, but the replacement for a legendary Connecticut  shoreline drive-in restaurant is just about ready to make it's debut.

For generations our parents and grandparents made the trip to Beach Road in West Haven to enjoy the fried clams, famous split hot dogs, and burgers at Chick's Drive In. Chick's permanently closed almost 10 years ago in November 2015, and the building sat vacant until July 2024, when Amico Group LLC forked over $1,000,000 for the site. Shortly afterwards, the drive-in where your grandma met your grandpa was leveled. Here's the view from August 2024 -

The new doors in which 'The world's finest customers' will pass through will be called Riva Bar and Restaurant, and the teaser description bills Riva as 'Beer Garden, Restaurant, Tiki Bar, Brick Oven, Entertainment, Fire Pits, Ice Cream'. One week ago a job posting looking to recruit multiple positions for the new restaurant went up on their social media. With a few weeks of training, it's possible that Riva could Possibly be open for Memorial Day weekend, but there has been no official opening day announcement. One band has already been announced to appear in August, with more to be announced.

I remember going to Chick's in the late 80's and early 90's, and it was a great place to hang out for the beach atmosphere, but the food quality was not that great. I started going to the nearby Captain's Galley and the Rusty Scupper (RIP to both), instead, and then there were none. West Haven needs a clam/fish/lobster roll/seafood restaurant again.