By Sharon Challenger
(September 10, 2025) — The tradition of gathering in spaces at tables to share food, drink and lively conversations with family and friends goes back to the beginning of time. It is during those moments, over tasty food, that we can connect. Our busy lives slow down for a moment and we share what has been happening with one another. We share laughter, concerns and stories, while enjoying a meal that someone thoughtfully prepared for us.
Whether we dine at home or in restaurants, the goal is the same: live, love, laugh, and enjoy a great meal with others. It is about connections!
Creating a place that is welcoming to all is a daunting task, but it is exactly what Caleb Ellinas and Vincent Balisciano are working hard to accomplish in the space that formerly was known as Dino’s Restaurant in Higganum. Chenzo’s Italian Kitchen & Bar is set to open before October 1, 2025 and residents are eagerly awaiting the day.
Over the years Caleb and Vincent thought about starting a food truck service or opening a restaurant together. The opportunity arose when Caleb’s brother, the owner of Anger Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (next door), informed him that Dino was looking to retire and sell his business.
The partners decided that the location was a plus, and the fact that Dino had enjoyed twenty-nine years of success there was a good sign. They also realized that there are not many casual, elevated, fair-priced restaurants in the immediate area. So, they set the wheels in motion to make their dream become a reality.
Upon entering the restaurant, people will immediately see how much has changed. A great amount of work has been done on the interior because the space had to comply with the new building codes. While getting permits was easy, finding the laborers in the summer was not.
When completed, there will be thirteen tables inside and twelve bar seats surrounding the new bar that is on the right side of the dining space. The full bar will offer guests a wine list, cocktails and espresso. The focus of Chenzo’s will be on dining in, but they will also provide take-out options and delivery service (third party).
When it comes to food, both partners agree that their mother’s cooking played a role in their tastes. Caleb enjoys cooking and trying new recipes and, according to Vincent, is “great with flavors, more specific, more detailed.” Caleb’s mother’s Greek salad is a family favorite, while Vincent’s mother makes delicious meatballs and an impressive sauce.
The menu will have a variety of options including appetizers, meals, 10-12 brick-oven-fired specialty pizza options as well as traditional pizzas. They stressed they are flexible and want to plan according to the favorites of the community. There will be weekly specials as well.
Their goal is to make Chenzo’s a place where high school kids gather for pizza, families come for lunch or dinner, and people stop by for a drink and friendly conversation. While they have ideas on what they would like to offer, both agreed that they want to meet the needs of their customers. They are “willing to shift.”
Future plans may include outdoor dining tables in the front and a deck in the back overlooking the pond. Taking it one step at a time seems to be their plan for now. Primarily, they want to open and provide a great dining experience for all.
Happy hour will be Monday through Friday with bottles of wine half-price on Mondays. A prix fixe lunch menu will offer three courses, entrée, salad and dessert. Handheld sandwiches will also be available. Dinner options will also be available during lunchtime.
Location: 968 Killingworth Road (Route 81) Higganum CT 06441 (Across from New Image Auto)
Open for Business:
Monday – Thursday 11:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Friday and Saturday 11:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Sunday 11:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Chenzo’s is hiring! To apply, go to their website: https://chenzospizza.com/
Photos provided by Chenzo’s
