Hearty Kitchen to Open in West Hartford in Mid-January

Park Road will have a new restaurant come mid-January 2014 when the Hearty Kitchen opens.

The 500-square-foot restaurant located at 280 Park Road will feature Southern fried chicken (hormone free, free range, pasture-raised chickens), country stews, comfort soups, gluten-free items, fresh Juices, and a “long list” of traditional comfort food made from family recipes passed down from generations, according to Justin Lovelace, who is the co-owner along with his wife Irina.

Justin Lovelace said that everything in the restaurant will be made fresh and from scratch.

“We know real flavor does not come from the likes of MSG, high-fructose corn syrup, or corporate food experiments on American citizens for the sake of profit,” Justin wrote in an e-mail to Patch. “Real flavor doesn't come from a can, or the freezer vault. It comes from real and wholesome ingredients cooked fresh to order.”

The ingredients for Hearty Kitchen’s recipes will come from local, sustainable sources, with an eye toward the Lovelaces growing everything themselves, Justin said.

“Recipes which can only be made the 'old fashion' way ... with passion and heart,” Justin said. “There are no shortcuts here. And, of course, at an affordable price with generous portions.”

Justin Lovelace said that the idea behind Hearty Kitchen started when he found himself traveling to the Hartford area from New York City on business.

“I always seemed to find myself have lunch or dinner in [West Hartford Center],” he said. “[It’s a] beautiful area, but it was a bit overwhelming.”

Justin Lovelace said that the Park Road area has several places to eat, “but nothing that stood out.”

“An 'A-HA' moment ensued,” Justin said. “I was made aware of an opportunity in the area, and me and my wife decided to pursue it, since we were looking at establishing something that the family could be a part of and contribute. …

“[W]e wanted to create a place that we, as patrons, would visit time and time again. A place where we could bring our children and family, and not have to worry about sabotaging their health with mystery ingredients. There is nothing new with our concept, we just felt that it wasn't well represented in this area.”

Justin said that, more than anything, he is looking forward to the restaurant opening.

"Quite honestly... we can't wait to have you join us for a meal," he said.

The restaurant will be open Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. with counter service - lunch and dinner, and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., full service - breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. There will be take out and delivery service available, as well as online ordering.