We are delighted to welcome Dev’s on Main, formerly Dev’s on State in New London, to Niantic this summer. With its unique blend of Mediterranean and Asian cuisine, they specialize in small plates, great wines and a casual atmosphere. Owners Candace Devendittis and Guy Blackburn have completely transformed the space at 255 Main Street, most recently a Dunkin’ Donuts.
Their vision for a “comfortably modern” vibe features a mix of textures that include wood, tile and shiplap. It boasts a 20-foot gray concrete bar that will seat up to 12 guests. Soothing paint colors along with waterfall effects add to the coastal feel of the restaurant. Candace has worked closely with the town to be sure the aesthetics are in keeping with her Main Street neighbors. The restaurant exterior has been painted whale gray with white trim.
The venue can seat 60 people indoors. Additionally, outdoor dining is available.
Candace is known for using only the freshest ingredients available from local sources in her restaurants. She and her cousin, chef Rachel Devendittis, have brought their signature dishes from the former New London location. They plan to add some seafood options to the menu.
Popular tapas from their extensive small plates menu include toasted goat cheese – a trio of warm goat cheese with honey and almonds on crostini – and crispy pork meatballs laced in linguini and deep fried with a side of soy dipping sauce.
Their dinner entrees feature appetizing steak and seafood options, and so much more. You’ll want to save room for dessert, too! For lunch, you have your choice of soups, salads, burgers or sandwiches. Dev’s offers vegetarian and gluten-free options and will work with you to accommodate allergies.
Candace was born in New London and lived there until the age of three. Her dad’s work as a nuclear consultant brought the family to live in Spain, the Philippines and Taiwan, where Candace graduated from high school. Her love for the cuisines of these countries was born, and those influences can be found in her unique “Mediterrasian” dishes.
After attending college in Boston, she worked in the Food and Beverage industry for twenty years, including stints at Saybrook Point Inn and Foxwoods Resort Casino. The tragic events of September 11, 2001 prompted Candace to rethink her life. It was time to return home to New London. She opened her first restaurant there in 2007 – Dev’s on Bank. Since then, she has successfully navigated four restaurant moves within blocks of each other in downtown New London.
During the pandemic, as Candace and her team worked tirelessly to keep the New London restaurant going, she and her business partner Guy Blackburn began to explore locations for a second restaurant. After considering several options, they agreed Niantic was the perfect place to expand. Candace has been friends with Guy and his wife Caitlin, a Niantic native, for many years so opening the restaurant here on Main Street felt right from the beginning. They ultimately decided to close the New London location and focus solely on Dev’s on Main in Niantic.
They plan to offer special monthly events as they did at their New London location. Examples of past events include Taste of Italy, Midsummer’s Eve and a bourbon dinner, which featured bourbon tastings paired with bourbon-infused dishes. For these events, Chef Rachel comes out to introduce herself and discuss the menu for the evening. Tables are put together so that guests are seated with old and new friends. Reservations are required.
Candace’s mom, affectionately known as Miss Bunny to loyal patrons, will be making cameo appearances. Be sure to say hello! Candace and her team at Dev’s like to say, “You can come alone, but you’ll never be alone.” As soon as they see that someone has come in by themselves, inevitably someone will strike up a conversation to help make that person feel right at home. Dev’s has always been the friendly neighborhood bar and restaurant where old friends gather and new friends meet. That’s what you can expect from Dev’s on Main. Even more than great food and service, you’ll find a sense of community here.
The exterior painting and the new Dev’s on Main signage is the work of SIGN Craft, a Niantic business owned by father and daughter duo John and Jill Wilson. Candace says, “We plan to give back as much as we can to the community to show our appreciation for the warm welcome we’ve received.”
Follow Dev’s on Main on Facebook and Instagram and visit their website to stay on top of their news and special offerings.
Dev’s on Main
255 Main Street
Niantic, CT 06357
East Lyme, CT 06333
devsonmain.com
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 11:30am – 9pm
Hours subject to change. Please check with restaurant.
Opening Tuesday, August 10. Menu coming soon!
About Our Main Street Blogger:
Joanne lives in, and loves, our community. She was looking for an opportunity to help share all that our local businesses do to make East Lyme such a special place to call home, and she is excited to contribute to our blog. Joanne brings to the role her experience from New London Main Street where she contributed content to their website, newsletters and email communications for many years.