Jimmie's Restaurant West Haven Property Sale Hits the Market

Jimmie's restaurant West Haven property sale is now underway. The site of the closed Jimmies of Savin Rock has been listed for sale. The restaurant served the community for a century before it closed last year.

The listing calls it a rare Long Island Sound waterfront redevelopment opportunity. It notes the potential for panoramic water views and strategic access to New Haven. The details were first reported by the Hartford Courant. West Haven's official site is on the City of West Haven website.

Jimmie's Restaurant West Haven Property Sale Covers a 5 Acre Site

The site is assessed at $2,003,050. City records show it is owned by Jimmies Inc. The listing does not include a sale price.

A 12,923 square foot building stands at 5 Rock St in West Haven. The property already has waterfront access and parking. It also sits beside the shoreline path used by walkers, runners and skaters.

The listing describes an irreplaceable coastal location. It points to significant redevelopment and value add potential. It also says the site lies in an emerging waterfront district.

Why the Jimmie's Restaurant West Haven Property Sale Matters

Mayor Dorinda Borer called the listing a welcome step. She said the city is seeing a revival along its coastline. She would rather not see a closed restaurant next to The Kelsey.

She expects interest in the site very soon. It is still premature to speculate about its future, she said. More will become clear as things progress.

The Savin Rock District was once home to a booming amusement park. It is now considered historic. The area sits near Interstate 95, Route 1 and the West Haven Metro North station. That station links the city to New Haven, Fairfield County and New York City.

Jimmie's Restaurant West Haven Property Sale and the Closure

Jimmie's announced its closing on Facebook last year. The family said it was time to retire. Five generations had served the community, the owners said in a video.

The restaurant closed its doors on December 7. That brought a 100 year chapter to a close. The owners spoke of summer nights on the shoreline and family traditions passed down through generations.

Jimmie's Restaurant West Haven Property Sale Joins a Shoreline Revival

The sale comes as West Haven waterfront redevelopment gathers pace. The city has worked for years to turn its shoreline into a destination. Plans include housing, better roads that do not flood, businesses and restaurants.

Next door, the former Savin Rock Community Center will become The Kelsey. It will be a high end steak and seafood restaurant under a city lease. The plan includes rooftop dining and space for weddings and events. An opening is expected in 2027.

Riva opened in 2025 where the legendary Chick's Drive in once stood. Michael Del Vecchio, one of its three owners, says the venue is bringing back the feel of the old days. The old Debonair Motel has been cleared. Its site could become about 20 luxury condos with a pool if approved. A former bait and tackle shop site is under construction as a high end coffee shop with rooftop seating.

Funding was also secured to raise Beach Street. Borer had called it the city's top priority in 2019. For more updates, read the latest restaurant news on HCP.