Kimberly Wipfler Photo
After a countdown from three, Kevin Mackenzie took a bottle of champagne — and smashed it against the side of The Cannon, the new combination sports pub-plant-based eatery on Dwight Street.
“We thought,” Mackenzie said, “this was a little more our style.”
Cannon co-owners Skyler Melton, Kevin MacKenzie and Tessa Davis (speaking), along with city Deputy Economic Development Director Carlos Eyzaguirre and Mayor Justin Elicker.
Mackenzie and fellow Cannon co-owners Skyler Melton and Tessa Davis joined city officials and community members on Thursday afternoon for what was billed as the official ribbon-cutting of their new establishment on Dwight Street. A ribbon turned out to be unnecessary.
The soccer-themed spot opened this past March, the only vegan and vegetarian sports pub in the city, offering BBQ lentil nachos, broccoli rabe sliders, and a seitan reuben. (Click here for a previous story showing Melton, the head chef, preparing vegan rice noodles in garlic chili sauce.) The full opening occurred several weeks ago, when the liquor permit came through and the pub could start serving draft beer, wine, and classic cocktails.
The restaurant’s name comes from the London-based football team Arsenal, and it’s now the home for the team’s local supporters’ club, the New Haven Gooners. Back in November of 2021, the Gooners helped raised funds for the opening of the restaurant, which got pushed back as a result of the pandemic.
Lisa Reisman Photo
Inside The Cannon.
Kimberly Wipfler Photo
Cannon co-owners Tessa Davis and Kevin Mackenzie greeting Mayor Elicker.
During Thursday’s official christening, city Deputy Economic Development Director Carlos Eyzaguirre called The Cannon a “trailblazing establishment,” noting that there hasn’t been a restaurant or bar on Dwight Street in decades. Mayor Justin Elicker praised the co-owners for creating a cruelty-free menu and fostering an inclusive, socially conscious environment to match.
“It was different going into this with the kind of background that we have, and a passion for hospitality and food service. We build relationships behind the bar, in the kitchen with the food that we provide for people, and just talking to everyone. I think coming out of such a devastating time, even living in the climate that we do right now, it’s important to see friendly faces,” Davis said.
Co-owner and head chef Skyler Melton (above) preparing the rice noodles (below).
I wish them luck for what sounds like an interesting venue. I will definitely try it (I live quite close). However, this is such an out-of-the-way location, they will have to make a major effort to bring it to the attention of the many people who would never be in that area.