Legendary Bethel Restaurant J. Lawrence Set to Be Replaced Before 2022

After four years of being one of Bethel's most popular restaurants, the owners of J.Lawrence Downtown decided to make a change and pursue another business opportunity which meant they placed J.Lawrence up for sale.

It didn't take long for former Bethel native and experienced restauranteur Chris Bruno to swoop in and buy the property, which will become another eatery called Edison Kitchen. When I asked Chris about the opening date, he told me, "There's no opening date set yet, but we're hoping before the end of the year.

The authenticity of the building at 186 Greenwood Ave. was a key factor for the new owner. The building is Bethel's historic Opera House, where renovations have begun and are close to wrapping up.

There's a connection between us and the featured photo up top. Pictured on the ladder is Dan McKee, the owner of Designs and Signs in Brookfield. Back in the 80s, I used to host a show at 6 PM called I-95's Psychedelic Psupper, and Dan was the man who designed and printed a limited number of unique Psychedelic Psupper t-shirts.

Back in his early days, Chris worked at the legendary Chuck's Steak House, where he discovered how much he loved cooking and decided to pursue a career in the culinary arts. While creating savory seafood dishes at Scrimshaws in Ridgefield, he realized that cooking seafood was his passion.

He's already decided to feature an oyster bar along with a compelling combination of traditional and creative American cuisine at his new place called  Edison Kitchen, opening soon at 186 Greenwood Avenue in downtown Bethel.