Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/479389
2014 | Doing Business in Connecticut 111 By Christina H. Davis T he rise of the "foodie" has been much documented in the media. Americans have developed a taste for elaborate cuisine and a certain group of restaurant-goers (the aforementioned "foodies") are con- stantly seeking new dining experiences to stimulate their taste buds. Connecticut offers a broad array of restaurant choices for the food tourist, none quite as long-lasting and able to reinvent itself as Carole Peck's Good News Café, which is nestled in the southern corner of Litch- field County. Peck co-owns and operates the restaurant with her husband Bernard Jarrier. e 170-seat full-service restaurant makes perennial appearances on the "best of " lists in the state from Connecticut Magazine and others. It's also been called one of the top restaurants in the United States by Zagat. Peck founded the Good News Café in 1992 and was a true pioneer in the farm-to-table movement, which emphasizes sourcing food from local farms. "I was the innovator," she said in regards to her early farm-to-table efforts, adding with a laugh, "Now I've become sort of the grandma!" Part of the recipe for success at the Good News Café has been Peck's consistent hand. On a recent aernoon, she was on the line in the kitchen, prepping for that day's dinner service. Unlike many big name celebrity chefs, she's oen on site, chatting up new and returning customers. At the same time, she is constantly evolving the menu and the ambiance. e restaurant is known not only for its food, but also for hosting a rotating art gallery. "I keep the place, as much as I can, updated," she said. "We do our art gallery, which changes every two to three months so the place looks different a lot of the time." One thing that hasn't changed at the Good News Café is the presence on the menu of lobster macaroni and cheese, which has become a staple of many restaurants, but was, according to Peck, her original invention. "People come for [the lobster mac and cheese]," she said. "Years ago I tried to take it off the menu and substitute lobster soup. People tell me they're going to boycott if I try that again." q PHOTO/COURTESY Carole Peck owner, Good News Café Nomination deadline: August 26, 2014 Ad closing date: October 1, 2014 Issue date: November 3, 2014 Event date: October, 2014 GET RECOGNIZED IN 2014 WITH THIS SPECIAL ISSUE AND AWARDS EVENT CATEGORIES: • Full Time Employees less than 25 • Full Time Employees 25-75 • Full Time Employees 76-199 • Full Time Employees 200+ Family businesses are an integral part of the social and business fabric of our state. These awards recognize outstanding achievements in family-owned businesses and tell the story of a select group of the region's most successful firms. This event is an excellent networking opportunity and learning experience for business leaders. Contact BRIAN BAUM at 860-570-2493 x134 or email bbaum@HartfordBusiness.com for any questions and link to nomination form F I L L O U T T H E N O M I N A T I O N F O R M O N L I N E A T : www.HARTFORdbUsINEss.cOM cLIck ON "OUR EvENTs" In Partnership With: 2 0 1 4 2013 cover shown PrOFILE