Jeffrey Lizotte Leaving ON20 To Open Present Company In Former Mill At 2T Location

Jeffrey Lizotte, the esteemed chef of ON20 in Hartford, is leaving after four years at the helm to open Present Company in the former Mill at 2T space in his hometown of Simsbury with managing partner Tom Gale.

While no official date is set, they are hoping that Present Company will open at the end of August. "We just got the keys last week, a lot of things are to be determined," said Lizotte. Things they do know however, are that the menu will be small and seasonal, and stay around the same price point of Mill at 2T ($10-15 for starters, $20-38 for entrees). There will be a tasting menu and reservations are recommended as the space is small. The restaurant will be open for dinner Wednesday-Saturday with special events on Mondays. 

As for renovations, Lizotte says there won't be many. "I think it's a great space. We'll be putting up a new coat of paint and doing a bit of back of house build out to make the walk-in bigger, but no major renovations that will be noticeable to guests." 

Present Company will be Lizotte's first restaurant endeavor as chef/owner. He has been the executive chef at ON20 since 2012, and served as the sous chef for three years prior to that. During his time there he earned a silver medal while participating in the 2012 Bocuse D'Or USA National Finals, and represented the United States in the international culinary competition, Trophee Passion, where he was awarded Valrhona Best Pastry. Prior to his time in Hartford, Lizotte spent time at David Bouley's Danube, the three Michelin starred Le Bernardin, the acclaimed La Tupina in Bordeaux, France, and La Bastide St. Antoine, a two star Michelin restaurant in Grasse, France. 

The Mill at 2T closed earlier in the month as the owners are moving to Charleston, South Carolina, the Hartford Courant reported. Present Company will honor outstanding gift certificates.  

Present Company will be located at 2 Tunxis Road in Tariffville, CT. While their website is not currently complete, you will soon be able to visit presentcompanyct.com, and can call (860) 658-7890 for questions.