Cecilia, a new American contemporary restaurant from 1743 Hospitality, is coming to Bridgeport this Spring.
Scott Dougherty and his business partner Bruce Goodman founded the hospitality group. They also own and operate The Blue Bell Inn, The Country House at Bluestone and Copper Crow in Horsham.
The new restaurant will open at 266 E. 4th St., taking over the former Taphouse 23 space, built and owned by Gary Johnson, often called Bridgeport’s “unofficial mayor.” Taphouse 23 closed on May 12, 2025.
“Taphouse 23, in my opinion, was perhaps the nicest spot in the town from a restaurant standpoint,” Dougherty told What Now Seattle.
Johnson is the brother of Goodman’s wife, Judi Goodman, the designer behind the group’s concepts, creating a full-circle moment. The name Cecilia also nods to the family.
“Our team spent months talking about a name. It’s harder than naming a baby. You’re so nervous to make the wrong decision,” Dougherty joked.
He said after months of exploring ideas, the team chose a “proper name” and settled on Cecilia.
“Gary’s mother’s name is Cecilia. Our team really loves the name and we think it is a great fit. We may even want to play Simon & Garfunkel’s ‘Cecilia’ for last call every night,” he said.
The team is renovating the former space while preserving the renowned outdoor patio.
“It’s a beautiful space. The outside patio holds over 160 people, with a beautiful large bar. The space has large glass garage doors, perhaps giving it a similar feel as the ones in the terrace at the Blue Bell Inn,” Dougherty said.
Interior upgrades will slightly reduce the bar to create a more defined dining room atmosphere. The second-floor space remains “stunning” and will serve as an ideal setting for private parties and intimate date nights.
The duo will draw inspiration for the menu from the group’s Copper Crow concept.
“We do American cuisine, and we have global influence where we can. We’re putting in our own pizza oven, the same one we have at the Crow. The menu will be similar to the Crow in size. There will be ample small plates, appetizers, salads, and entrees like steak, fish, and chicken,” Dougherty said.
He continued, “We have a menu that’s very approachable for people who want to come and get a pizza, burger or sandwich. But, if you want to come and have a nicer dinner, you’ll still have a beautiful steak or piece of fish.”
Dougherty said he looks forward to bringing 1743 Hospitality’s charm to Bridgeport.
“I’m excited to create a good-quality product that fits in our brand that will live up to the reputation that we’ve built with our other businesses. I like to think we have a reputation of quality,” he said. “Bridgeport’s revival is coming along nicely these days, so I think that it’s a good time for this to happen.”
Cecilia debuts this Spring. Follow along on Facebook and Instagram for updates on the grand opening.
