I’m excited to officially share the news that many of you have been waiting for—Black Pup Bar & Grille is coming to the former Modesto’s Restaurant location on Route 32 in North Franklin!

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My journey in the restaurant industry began in 2014 when I opened Oliver’s Dairy Bar & Grill in North Windham, Connecticut. Thanks to the incredible support of our loyal customers, Oliver’s grew into a successful seasonal destination that I was proud to operate for 11 wonderful years. In 2024, I made the difficult decision to close Oliver’s in order to pursue a lifelong dream: opening a full-service, year-round restaurant.

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That dream has led me to North Franklin, where I found the perfect opportunity to create something special for the community. I’m bringing the same passion, dedication, and commitment to quality that helped make Oliver’s such a meaningful part of so many families’ lives.

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At Black Pup Bar & Grille, our goal is simple: create a welcoming place where everyone feels at home. Guests can look forward to delicious food, exceptional service, a fun atmosphere, and great value—all in a setting designed to bring people together.

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While we’re not ready to reveal everything just yet, I’m proud to announce that we’ve partnered with Executive Chef Modesto, a familiar and respected name in our community for more than 35 years. What makes this partnership even more special is that Chef Modesto’s culinary journey began in the very same building where Black Pup Bar & Grille will soon open its doors. His experience, creativity, and signature recipes will help shape an exciting new dining experience that honors the location’s history while creating something fresh and new.

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We’re also grateful for the friendship and support of our neighbors at Black Dog Bar & Grille, who have generously shared some of their knowledge and expertise along the way. While Black Pup Bar & Grille is independently owned and operated, we deeply appreciate their encouragement as we bring this vision to life.

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Construction and planning are moving forward, and our team is working hard every day with hopes of opening in the fall. We’ll be sharing updates, behind-the-scenes progress, menu previews, and special announcements as opening day approaches, so be sure to follow us on our social media pages.

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We’re also now hiring for all positions and look forward to building an outstanding team to help us create a memorable experience for every guest who walks through our doors.   Fill out an application today through our website. 

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Thank you for your support, encouragement, and excitement throughout this journey.  We can’t wait to welcome you to Black Pup Bar & Grille and become part of the North Franklin community.

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See you soon!

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Cindy Matthews
Owner, Black Pup Bar & Grille