Angels Take Over Plain Jane Restaurant

Two brothers named Angel Curillo are the new owners of Plain Jane's Restaurant. “My mother loved her father very much and his name was Angel, so she named us both Angel,” smiled the older brother, who goes by his name. His younger brother uses his middle name, Guillermo, and has joined Angel in keeping Plain Jane's Restaurant going.

 Angel had dreamed of owning Plain Jane's for more than two years before the dream came true.  When he heard the restaurant was for sale, Angel, who had been cooking at the restaurant for 14 years, let the owner know immediately that he was interested in purchasing the business.  Unable to meet her price, he patiently waited as no other offers came in.  

As time went on, and the economy worsened, she dropped the asking price several times.  All along, Angel always let her know that he hoped to purchase the business. Finally, after two years, with no other takers to be found, she accepted his offer. “My heart was jumping,” Angel said.

 Angel invited his brother to join him, and together Plain Jane's is serving up the same fare as ever, with no major changes made to the menu. “We have kept everything the same, the food, the price, and the staff.  The girls bring in the business because they are so nice and always smiling."

One new change has been the addition of a Sunday Brunch.  "We added a few new items to the menu, plantanos, empanadas, and internationally flavored omelettes,” he said. “I cook breakfast at home for my three daughters, and they love my fried eggs and plantanos, so I wanted to bring that here.”

Angel, who came to this country from Ecuador 25 years ago, has worked in restaurants the entire time. "I worked at the coffee shop at Danbury Hospital for 15 years, and part time for 14 years at Plain Jane's," he said. 

 Angel credits the customers with his smooth transition as owner. Billy Michael, musician, is now playing there regularly. Tara Burgess, local art curator for the restaurant, has brought in stunning paintings with a Hispanic flair, by Erin Nazzaro. The bright colors bring an elegant yet vibrant energy into the space. Burgess said she is also very excited about the change and is looking forward to helping Angel with a Grand Opening in April.

 On Saturday afternoon, Rep. Dan Carter, R., came by the restaurant to honor the change of ownership. He said, “Whenever someone takes on a new business in this economy, they need all the support they can get.”