Hot Dogs and Bratwurst Restaurant ‘White Buffalo’ Proposed for Downtown New Canaan

A new restaurant selling hot dogs and bratwurst is being proposed for a vacant commercial space located off of Elm Street in downtown New Canaan.

Rendering of the interior of proposed White Buffalo restaurant in New Canaan.

‘White Buffalo’ would offer a wide variety of hot dogs—including a “singature” blend of pork, veal and beef— as well cheese-and-sauerkraut, hot and “big bacon cheese” bratwurst topped with relish, spicy mustard, chili, bacon bits and more, according to a draft menu submitted to the Planning & Zoning Commission along with a site plan application for 72 Park St. The commercial building, occupied until recently by New Canaan Music (now at 90 Man St.) is located down “the alley” by the former Chef Luis space.

72 Park St. in New Canaan is located “down the alley” that runs off of Elm Street by the former Chef Luis space. White Buffalo is proposed for the space on the right. Credit: Michael Dinan

Site plan approval is needed by P&Z for a change of use to food service.

Renderings for the long narrow space show a cozy bar with 13 stools and four flatscreen TVs as well as two-top tables lining one wall. 

The eatery would be a truly local affair: The owners of White Buffalo LLC are New Canaan residents, according to records on file with the Connecticut Secretary of the State.

Site plan details for proposed White Buffalo restaurant in New Canaan.

The proposed menu appears to pay homage to New Canaan’s past. One of its hot dogs is to be called “The Delong Dog,” as the menu describes, “Made famous by the one and only Connie Delong from the original Kwik Stop at Mead Park, our signature hot dog with chili, cheese and bacon on a bun.”

P&Z is to hear the application at its Sept. 25 meeting. 

The property is located in the Retail A zone. Under the New Canaan Zoning Regulations, restaurants are permitted in the zone with site plan approval (see page 73).