By Laura Lefko
(June 29, 2023) — The much-anticipated Twisted Goat restaurant has opened in Killingworth in the space formerly occupied by June’s. Owners Dave Bodner and his wife Deanna came up with the name “Twisted Goat” when one of their pet goats became “twisted” in their fence and they heard it crying out to be rescued. Don’t worry. The goat is fine.
Deanna wanted to create a place where families would feel comfortable, and friends out for a few cocktails would enjoy getting together as well. To that end they designed a restaurant that has booths on one side that are more geared toward families and friends out to dinner, while the other side has a full bar with high-top tables, TVs to watch sporting events, steel tip dart boards, and karaoke. They plan to start a dart league soon, too.
As of this week the Twisted Goat has received its liquor license and will have a full bar, with specialty beers such as Back East and New England along with others; they are also the only place in Connecticut where you can find La Fin Du Monde on tap. The bar will feature other local beers on a rotating basis. Frozen drinks like Pina Coladas and Daiquiri’s are also on the menu, along with their house- made Whipped Frozen Lemonade.
Dave appeared on the Rachel Ray show while working as a chef with Rick Nielson of Cheap Trick, and on the Oprah Winfrey show. Dave is the nephew of the original owner of Sally’s Pizza in New Haven, Salvatore Consiglio, and he grew up in the restaurant business, working at Sally’s as a teenager from 1995 until 2001. The pizza at Twisted Goat is very similar to what you get at Sally’s. The menu features appetizers, traditional and specialty pizzas, and mouthwatering desserts.
Dave worked as an accountant for many years but like so many of us, realized that being behind a desk just wasn’t for him; so, when he saw the “For Lease” sign out in front of the plaza, he knew it was a perfect opportunity for him and Deanna to get back into the business. They love the location because it’s close to their home, convenient for residents, and close to the outlets.
Dave and Deanna have four adorable children and are happily awaiting the birth of twins, due in early July.
Stop by the Twisted Goat and welcome them and Killingworth’s newest business to town. The Goat opens on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 4:00 p.m. with the kitchen closing at 8:00 p.m. On Friday and Saturday opening time is at 2:00 p.m. with the kitchen closing at 9:00 p.m. and on Sunday they are open from 11:00 a.m. with the kitchen closing at 7:00 p.m.
Twisted Goat Restaurant
184 Route 81
Killingworth, Connecticut 06419
Takeout orders: 860-452-4928
twistedgoatrestaurant.com
www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089821645547
Photos by Dave Bodner
