The Brownstone West Hartford will be opening in 2026 at 7 South Main Street.

Pepperoni Pizza from The Brownstone. Courtesy photo

By Ronni Newton

The owner of successful Hartford restaurant The Brownstone has confirmed that he will be opening a second location – in West Hartford Center – later this year.

The sign permit has been approved, and other permit applications are in process for The Brownstone to take over the space at 7 South Main Street that until this past January was occupied by Sam’s Gyro.

“The Brownstone West Hartford is a come-as-you-are neighborhood pizza pub featuring New York–style slices, 18-inch large pies, 12-inch personal pies, smash burgers, chicken sandwiches, salads, and more – rooted in Connecticut’s rich pizza culture,” owner Matt Rusconi told We-Ha.com. “With happy hour, late-night ‘Smash & Slice’ deals, and private events, it’s a go-to for any occasion, including late-night cravings.”

Classic cheese pizza from The Brownstone. Courtesy photo

If Rusconi’s name sounds familiar, it’s because he was one of the original franchise partners in the West Hartford location of Moe’s Southwest Grill – and fans of Moe’s bemoaned the closing of the Blue Back Square location in May 2016,

A Connecticut native, Rusconi said he got his start in the restaurant business 18 years ago, when Moe’s in Blue Back Square opened in 2008, and said he “is excited to once again be part of the town’s vibrant dining scene.”

The Brownstone Hartford, the restaurant’s first location, opened in August 2023 at 114 Asylum Street – across the street from what’s now the PeoplesBank Arena.

In preparation for the opening of The Brownstone West Hartford, which Rusconi said should be in late spring or early summer of 2026, the menu at the Hartford location was updated last week to include the “Smash & Slice” late night menu (9-11:30 p.m.) that features smash burgers and fries, and cheese and pepperoni slices, as well as drink specials.

Chicken parm sandwich from The Brownstone. Courtesy photo

The regular menu is family-friendly and moderately priced, and features appetizers like garlic knots, wings, mozzarella sticks, and “gnocchi in a box”; a variety of salads including Caesar, caprese, and Cobb ($11-$13, and protein can be added); chicken parm ($15); sandwich options including fried chicken or tomato basil mozzarella ($13-$15); seven varieties of pizza by the slice ($3.50-$5.00); and specialty as well as build-your-own personal (12-inch) or large (18-inch) pizzas.

Rusconi said The Brownstone has gluten-friendly cauliflower crust that can be used for its pizza. The house dough is vegan, he said, and a veggie pizza without cheese is vegan, as is the “Hot in Hartford pizza – hold the sausage and pepperoni, and rectangle marinara pie – hold the pecorino,” he said. The house salad without the feta and croutons is also a vegan option, and he added that they are exploring use of cheese substitute to increase vegan options.

Margherita Pizza from The Brownstone. Courtesy photo

When Sam’s Gyro closed in January, a sign on the door indicated they would be relocating. Those plans are in progress according to a member of the family that owns Sam’s Gyro, but they are not yet ready to disclose any details.

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