Home Global Influence

The Iconic Chick's Drive-In Is Gone: 5 Must-Know Details About Riva, West Haven CT's New Waterfront Destination

• minute read
Contents

For decades, the name "Chick's West Haven CT" was synonymous with the Connecticut shoreline, conjuring images of classic hot dogs, fresh lobster rolls, and the iconic drive-in sign that welcomed "The world's finest customers." As of late 2025, the conversation has officially shifted from a nostalgic look back at the beloved landmark, which closed its doors in 2015 and was demolished in 2023, to the exciting, modern future of 183 Beach Street. The former site of Chick's is undergoing a massive transformation, giving rise to a brand-new, must-visit destination that promises to redefine waterfront dining: Riva Restaurant & Bar.

The transition from a beloved, 65-year-old institution to a new upscale concept is a major development for the entire West Haven community, symbolizing the city's revitalization efforts along its beautiful coastline. This article provides the most up-to-date information on the new project, the legacy it replaces, and why Riva is set to become the next major culinary and social hub in the South Central Connecticut Planning Region.

The Undying Legacy of Chick's Drive-In: A West Haven Institution

To understand the excitement surrounding the new development, one must first appreciate the profound impact of the original Chick's Drive-In. Founded in October 1950 by Chick Celentano, the restaurant quickly evolved from a simple hot dog stand into a cultural icon on the West Haven shore.

  • Opening Year: 1950
  • Location: 183 Beach Street, West Haven, CT
  • Founder: Chick Celentano
  • Years of Operation: 65 years (1950–2015)
  • Signature Menu Items: Hot dogs (including the famous "Savin Rock" style), lobster rolls, and a wide variety of fried seafood.
  • Iconic Slogan: The famous sign above the door read, "Through these doors pass the world's finest customers."
  • Closure and Demolition: The restaurant closed in 2015 following the death of its owner, and the building was finally demolished in September 2023 to make way for the new development.

Chick's was more than just a restaurant; it was a destination, a cruise spot, and a central gathering point for generations of families and car enthusiasts. Its closure left a significant void in the West Haven shoreline experience, making the subsequent redevelopment of the site a highly scrutinized and anticipated project.

Riva Restaurant & Bar: What to Expect from the New Waterfront Destination

The new project, spearheaded by developer CDM Holdings, is a complete reimagining of the prime Beach Street location. The new establishment, Riva Restaurant & Bar, is designed to be a modern, indoor/outdoor destination that capitalizes on the stunning views of New Haven Harbor and Long Island Sound.

The concept moves away from the classic drive-in model and embraces a contemporary coastal dining experience. The name "Riva" suggests a focus on the water, and the overall design aims to create a year-round, high-end, yet accessible social hub for the Connecticut shore.

5 Exclusive Details on the Riva Restaurant & Bar Concept

The new venue is loaded with features designed to draw crowds from across the state and beyond, ensuring the former Chick's Drive-In site remains a major landmark. Here are the most current details:

  1. Coastal Cuisine and Craft Beverages: Riva is positioning itself as a premier spot for coastal cuisine, emphasizing fresh seafood and a curated selection of craft beers. The menu is expected to be a significant upgrade, offering a sophisticated take on beachfront dining.
  2. The Rooftop Beer Garden: The most anticipated feature is the indoor/outdoor design, which includes a dedicated rooftop beer garden. This space will offer unparalleled panoramic views, making it a prime location for sunset viewing and social gatherings.
  3. The Tiki Bar and Entertainment Zone: Adding a fun, vacation-like vibe, the plans include a dedicated Tiki bar area. This section is expected to host live music and feature outdoor games like cornhole, establishing Riva as a major entertainment venue.
  4. The Attached Ice Cream Shop: In a nod to the family-friendly nature of the previous establishment, the development includes an attached ice cream shop. This ensures that the location continues to serve as a perfect stop for families visiting the West Haven beaches.
  5. Targeted Opening Date: The project is moving forward rapidly, with the current schedule targeting a late spring/summer 2025 opening. The goal is to have the new restaurant operational in time for the peak summer season, with some reports even pinpointing a soft opening in July and a grand opening in August 2025.

The Economic Impact on West Haven's Shoreline Development

The redevelopment of the Chick's Drive-In site is a cornerstone of the broader West Haven shoreline development strategy. The city has been actively working to revitalize its beachfront, and the investment in Riva is seen as a major catalyst for economic growth.

By replacing an empty lot with a high-profile, year-round destination, the project is expected to create numerous jobs and significantly boost tourism revenue for the city. The new restaurant at 183 Beach Street will serve as a modern anchor, attracting visitors who are also likely to explore other local businesses and attractions in the area, such as the Savin Rock Park and the extensive West Haven boardwalk.

The shift from a seasonal drive-in to a multi-faceted, high-capacity restaurant and bar reflects a strategic move by West Haven to compete with other popular coastal destinations in Connecticut. The inclusion of features like a rooftop beer garden and Tiki bar ensures its appeal to a diverse, modern audience seeking premium dining and entertainment experiences. The successful launch of Riva in 2025 will undoubtedly mark a new chapter for the West Haven waterfront, honoring the spirit of the past while building an exciting future.

The Iconic Chick's Drive-In is Gone: 5 Must-Know Details About Riva, West Haven CT's New Waterfront Destination
chicks west haven ct
chicks west haven ct

Detail Author:

  • Name : Mr. Ryleigh Reichert
  • Username : amanda.hettinger
  • Email : altenwerth.boyd@yahoo.com
  • Birthdate : 1999-04-30
  • Address : 12936 Elnora Springs East Ollie, ND 53049-1065
  • Phone : +1 (520) 761-2435
  • Company : Green-Lakin
  • Job : Nonfarm Animal Caretaker
  • Bio : Provident esse quo consequatur consequatur blanditiis. Optio labore voluptatum tenetur voluptatum nisi eos et et. Deserunt tenetur nobis labore optio distinctio voluptatem.

Socials

facebook:

  • url : https://facebook.com/nhessel
  • username : nhessel
  • bio : Est pariatur et iure id inventore et. Dignissimos magnam natus dolorem qui.
  • followers : 1476
  • following : 2029

tiktok:

Random Posts