Cecilia, a new American-contemporary spot from 1743 Hospitality, is slated to land this spring at 266 E. 4th St. in Bridgeport, taking over the former Taphouse 23 address. The owners say they plan to hang on to the building’s sprawling outdoor patio while reworking the interior to carve out a more clearly defined dining room.
The project is being steered by Scott Dougherty and Bruce Goodman, the team behind the Blue Bell Inn, the Country House at Bluestone and Copper Crow, according to Patch. They describe Cecilia as a contemporary American concept with global influences and are eyeing a spring opening as construction and design tweaks move ahead.
Patio Remains the Star
"It's a beautiful space," Dougherty said. "The outside patio holds over 160 people, with a beautiful large bar," he told What Now. The plan is to trim the indoor bar’s footprint a bit to free up room for a more intentional dining area, while keeping the second floor available for private parties and smaller events.
Menu and Vibe
"We have a menu that's very approachable for people who want to come and get a pizza, burger or sandwich," Dougherty said, while also promising "a beautiful steak or piece of fish" for dinner, according to What Now. The team plans to install the same pizza oven they use at Copper Crow, and the lineup will mix small plates, salads and shareable items with more substantial entrees. Dougherty said the goal is to deliver a "good-quality product" that matches the group’s existing reputation.
Local Ties and Continuity
Taphouse 23 had been a neighborhood fixture before it closed in May 2025, and the new owners say they want Cecilia to keep the space’s role as a community hangout, per Patch. The name Cecilia is said to nod to the family that originally built the space, and designer Judi Goodman, who has worked on the group’s other concepts, is leading the interior overhaul. The owners say Bridgeport’s revival made this the right moment to bring a fresh restaurant concept to the borough.
Cecilia is expected to debut this spring, with a firm opening date to be announced once renovations wrap. Until then, the buildout continues, and the team says it will share updates on its channels as opening day approaches.
