Stew Leonard’s Push to Open Orange Store Faces Continued Delays

Stew Leonard’s, the beloved Connecticut-based upscale grocery chain, has hit a roadblock in its plans to open in Orange. The company had been eyeing a prime location at Colonial Commons shopping center, but negotiations with the landlord have stalled over leasing terms.

This dispute could mean shoppers in Orange will have to wait longer for the arrival of a store that many residents have hoped for. Let’s take a closer look at what’s going on and how it’s affecting the area.

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Background on the Orange Store Plans

For years, Stew Leonard’s has wanted to set up shop in Orange, Connecticut. The proposed location sits at the intersection of Indian River Road and Marsh Hill Road, right in a busy retail corridor along Route 1.

This site is less than a mile from another spot Stew Leonard Jr. tried for 14 years before walking away in 2010. It’s a high-traffic area, and honestly, it seemed like a perfect fit.

The Lease Dispute

Negotiations between Stew Leonard’s and property owner Brixmor have reportedly come to a standstill. CEO Stew Leonard Jr. says the landlord wants “top dollar,” which makes the lease terms too steep for the investment to make sense.

Colonial Commons currently has seven vacancies, including a former Christmas Tree Shops space that’s about 53,000 square feet—smaller than most Stew Leonard’s locations. That’s not ideal, but it’s not a dealbreaker either.

Why Lease Terms Matter

Stew Leonard’s stores aren’t like traditional supermarkets. Their locations have unique designs and layouts that need expensive renovations.

Each store is built to accommodate interactive displays, specialty sections, and the company’s farm-fresh branding. It’s not something you can just drop into any old supermarket footprint.

Financial Feasibility Concerns

Because construction costs run so high, landlords offering competitive lease terms can make or break a project. Real estate analyst John Boyd thinks landlord improvement costs and competing offers from other retailers might be playing a role here.

Impact on the Local Retail Landscape

Orange and nearby towns like Milford, West Haven, and New Haven could get a real boost if Stew Leonard’s opens. The store draws shoppers from all over—Stratford, Bridgeport, Hamden, you name it.

Without a big anchor tenant like Stew Leonard’s, Colonial Commons may keep struggling with vacancies for a while. That’s not great news for the plaza or the area.

Competition Along Route 1

Stew Leonard Jr. has hinted at looking at other sites along Route 1, maybe even near grocery competitors like Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s. Retail centers like Raymour & Flanigan Plaza have large spaces that could work, too.

What Stew Leonard’s Brings to a Community

A new Stew Leonard’s usually becomes more than just a grocery store—it’s a destination. Families make weekly trips for prepared foods, bakery treats, and fresh seafood, and sometimes even tourists drop by just to see what the fuss is about.

Towns like Norwalk and Danbury, where the chain already operates, have seen increased local spending and more stable retail centers. It’s hard not to notice the difference a store like this makes.

Economic Ripple Effects

If the Orange store happens, it could create dozens of new jobs—from cashiers to bakers. Nearby businesses like restaurants and shops would probably see more foot traffic, too.

Service providers in the area might benefit as well. It’s a ripple effect that goes beyond just groceries.

Looking Ahead

The Colonial Commons lease dispute is a setback, but it doesn’t mean Stew Leonard’s has given up on Orange. Leonard’s optimism suggests talks could pick up again, or maybe they’ll just find another spot sooner than we think.

Potential Next Steps

If Stew Leonard’s looks at other sites, places like Shelton and Branford might get a shot. It really just depends on what the chain wants most right now.

People all over greater New Haven County are waiting to see where this store finally pops up. There’s a lot of curiosity—maybe even impatience—about the whole thing.

Key Takeaways:

Lease disputes at Colonial Commons have stalled negotiations in Orange.
The planned site is smaller than most Stew Leonard’s stores.
Building a store isn’t cheap, so they need a good lease deal.
Nearby towns could see an economic boost if they land the store.
They’re also checking out other spots along Route 1.
Colonial Commons still has empty spaces, which is tough for the landlord.

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Here is the source article for this story: Stew Leonard’s is still trying to open a store in Orange. Here’s the latest

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