The allure of Bridgeport drives many a businessman to investigate the opportunities. From the big shot developers like Donald Trump and Steve Wynn to the local entrepreneurs, the untapped downtown remains an enticing citadel in a sea of suburban Fairfield County. But all that glitters is not gold, and Bridgeport’s hard economic realities and entrenched bureaucracy have stymied more than helped development.
Tony Ancona, founder of Fountainhead and Fat Cat Pie Co. bought the dream that Eric Anderson of Urban Green Builders, was selling. Anderson was promoting the idea of a geothermal heated building, renovating an old office building with gilded art deco architecture into a cool hip building that fulfilled the urban cool or live work space. Expansive lofts to live in and the hip Fat Cat Pie Co. in a former Bank lobby would have been a centerpiece to the Bridgeport urban landscape.
“I wanted to believe that there was a developer that would do real things for real people,” said Ancona. The allure of green proved to be a road paved with good intentions.
This was the rubber hitting the road in green building. For four years the project stalled for various reasons. “Anderson told me everything I wanted to hear,” mused Ancona. The building would be creative space, heated by geothermal energy. Cutting edge, but also catering to the creative occupants that would have the large spaces to pursue whatever fueled their passions. This energy fit right in with the Fat Cat mystique, environmentally conscience, high quality and accessible. But green can be mean.
“It’s not any one thing that made us change directions, but we needed to. It was time.” Added Suzanne Ancona.
The direction change was to return back to Norwalk. After agreeing to build the Fat Cat Pie Bridgeport location, the demands of building out the space took more and more time. So, Tony, Suzanne and the cat moved to a loft apartment in the same building. Yet, getting to a point where they could open Fat Cat Pie Bridgeport soon dominated their lives for many more months with no opening date in sight. Anticipating the opening of the flagship Fat Cat Pie Co in Bridgeport was proving to be more difficult than either imagine. With the endless delays, it was time for them to make a business decision to move back to Norwalk. And, the cat just wasn’t happy in Bridgeport.
“After having the experience of trying to open another venue in Bridgeport, we appreciate Norwalk more than ever. We can expand right here.” Suzanne revealed. “We’re going to make this corner of Norwalk famous and fun.”
The plans for the Fat Cat City in Norwalk run from launching an Internet Radio station, to expanded activities within Fat Cat Joe and Fat Cat Pie. Always open to creative ideas, many non profits and educational groups have used the Fat Cat facilities to host events and gatherings. More of that will happen, but also new things like Fountainhead focused supper clubs. The Fountainhead experience will mix the wines with groovy music and food pairings that excite the palate.
Fountainhead is the wine shop that Tony and his brothers opened several years ago, featuring an eclectic selection of organic and small winery vintages from around the world. Fat Cat Pie often introduces wines and organic beers to its patrons.
Fat Cat Pie has been open about four and a half years at its Wall Street location in Norwalk. “It was so much easier opening in Norwalk,” reminisced Suzanne. “Norwalk is very welcoming and the steps we took to make Fat Car more of a community center were welcomed with open arms.” This embracing attitude has fueled possible new venues to add to the mix on Wall Street. With an eye on expanded menus and more experimental retail opportunities, the Fat Cat businesses are planning to grow organically.
“Moving forward, we’re back in Norwalk to really expand on the investment we made in Norwalk,” Tony concluded. “Joe and Pie are doing well, and we’re having more fun with it. The base is set.”
