Arturo’s Mexican Restaurant—

New Boss Boasts: Best Traditional Favorites, Recession Fighter Specials

By John Voket

It has been almost a year since Arturo’s Mexican Restaurant in the Stony Hill section of Bethel underwent something of an identity crisis.

While the restaurant’s new manager Tim Winans said he and owner Peter Masi worked to revive the ethnic eatery, its previous manager attempted to open another Arturo’s just a half-mile down the road at the former Hot Shots location in Newtown.

That venture ultimately failed before the legal owners took action to achieve the same end, and Mr Winans is happy to report that the “original” Arturo’s is back with a whole new attitude, seven days worth of authentic Mexican favorites and a Monday through Thursday “Recession Fighter” menu that offers most of its entrees for just $9.95 from opening until closing.

“Arturo’s was originally operated by Arturo Ortega and Gerald Short,” Mr Winans explained one recent evening as his waitstaff whisked margaritas and sizzling dishes of fajitas to waiting patrons. “But the business was purchased lock, stock, and barrel from Arturo by Peter Masi. After a parting of the ways which caused the place to close for nearly two months, we reopened only to learn that Mr Ortega had established another Arturo’s at Hot Shots.”

Two Arturo’s within a half-mile of each other created great confusion, Mr Winans said, but since Mr Masi owned the business and the name, “the other place changed its name and subsequently went out of business.”

Through it all the original Arturo’s maintained its chefs and most of its original floor staff, bringing in Mr Winans, who previously owned and managed the Food Shop in Litchfield center, Mama’s Food Shop in New York’s East Village and served as a private caterer and chef for the San Francisco family that owns The Gap clothing chain.

Although he still maintains a few New York and California clients, Mr Winans is ready to broaden Arturo’s offerings and opportunities for clientele to enjoy a variety of food along with intimate catering space at the Stony Hill Road location.

“Since we’re currently open for lunch only Saturday and Sunday, there’s opportunities for private groups, business meetings, professional organizations or individuals to host luncheons, meetings, testimonials, even small parties, weddings or baby showers here — and they aren’t limited to Mexican food on our regular menu,” Mr Winans said. “I can work with any catering client on a menu that suits their needs. We can do breakfast, vegan, other ethnic specialties, whatever the private catering client desires.”

Broken out, the two private catering rooms offer either 20- or 30-seat configurations, combine to seat 50 with a private entrance, bar and bathrooms, or clients can expand into the entire establishment which seats a total of just over 100 patrons at capacity.

“If a client needs to have the whole space, we are happy to accommodate those select parties,” Mr Winans added.

But for those who love the food and atmosphere of the “cantina,” Arturo’s hosts happy hour from 3 to 6 pm Monday through Friday with buy one, get one free drinks, sangria or beer, a selection of appetizers and most of its regular combinations (excluding steak dishes) for $9.95 or less. Mr Winans said he feels the financial crunch just like many of his patrons, so he is extending his $9.95 “recession fighter” pricing on regular entrees until closing time Monday through Thursday.

“These are the same Mexican favorites Arturo’s patrons have enjoyed, generous portions,” he said. “Many of our guests comment that the food is as close to authentic Mexican as they can get. And we are one of the only Mexican options on Routes 25 and 6 between Bridgeport and Danbury.”

Mr Winans invites people to “like” the Arturo’s site on Facebook to receive exclusive notices about events, promotions, and specials.

“We’re putting a new face, a greatly improved customer service attitude and a few new food ideas on an established name here in the Bethel/Newtown area,” he added. “We’re much more of a family restaurant than a bar, even though we have a wide selection of popular Mexican beers and tequilas.

“So if you had a bad experience here at the ‘old’ Arturo’s, I’m inviting patrons back to see what we have to offer today.”

Patrons can also peruse Arturo’s website — arturosct.com — or call in orders to pick up at 203-744-7700. Delivery is provided by Vroom Service at 203-270-3663.

Arturo’s accepts most major credit cards for take out or dining in.