Milford eatery opens and customers are talking about the unique 'vibe'

From the New Haven Register November 27,2020

Sandra DeRosa-Briggs, of Milford, recently opened the Hair of the Dog bar and grill at 128 Bridgeport Avenue, a stone's throw from where she grew up, in Milford, Conn. on Tuesday, November 24, 2020 Sandra DeRosa Briggs has been working in the restaurant and bar business for 35 years, but she never wanted to own her own place-until everything changed. Last year, she was let go from her job, a moment that could have been devastating. But instead of giving up, Sandra decided to take control of her future.

She didn't just want any bar; she wanted the bar where she had worked for so long. So, in August, she bought it. She renamed it ''Hair of the Dog'' and opened it on November 2, even though the world was dealing with a pandemic. ''I never wanted my own bar until they let me go. Then I said, 'I don't want my own bar, I want that bar,'' Sandra said, showing just how determined she was. In just a few weeks, Sandra's hard work and passion paid off. Customers started talking about how great the food was, how fun the atmosphere felt, and how the bar lived up to its slogan: ''The neighborhood bar that you wish was in your neighborhood.''

Sandra's journey wasn't easy. When she lost her job at the bar last year, it was because of some disagreements with the owners. But when she decided to buy the place, the previous owners supported her decision. She actually grew up in the house right down the street and started working bussing tables at age 12 in the very same building where her bar is now.

Sandra's experience in the restaurant business isn't limited to just this bar. She also worked in her family's restaurants in Westport and Trumbull. Even though she never wanted to own a place before, she always had ideas for how to make things better and more fun. Now that she owns Hair of the Dog, she's finally putting those ideas into action.

''The minute you walk in, I want you to be entertained,'' Sandra said. She's created a lively, welcoming environment where customers feel at home. The bar's walls are painted orange with turquoise accents, and there's always good music playing-anything from '80s pop to Van Halen, depending on the crowd's mood. Sandra even names the menu items after popular songs, like ''Rice, Rice Baby,'' which is pineapple fried rice served in a half pineapple, and ''Don't Go Bacon My Heart,'' a bacon cheeseburger. Customers love it because it adds to the fun vibe.

Sandra's story shows that even when things get tough, it's possible to turn things around and create something great. She took a difficult situation and made something special-a place where everyone feels welcome and enjoys themselves. As customer Justin Wells said, ''Everything was perfect'' especially the service. I think Sandra is going to do even better once this COVID is over and next spring arrives.''