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Good evening, Crescent Beach community. The Board of Governors is pleased to share an update on the Stand for the upcoming season. After a rigorous RFP and interview process, we have selected Lauren O’Rourke and Eric Inkel of Niantic as the new operators.

We were impressed by their experience, customer service philosophy, and thoughtful approach to technology and staffing. Lauren and Eric have put together a delicious and beach-friendly menu we think the community will enjoy. The duo are seasoned restaurant owners/operators, and we are excited about what they will bring to Crescent Beach.

Last November, they opened Coastal Crust on Flanders Road, and Lauren is also the owner/operator of The Lobster Shack in East Haven. Together, they operate as a husband-and-wife team, combining strong business acumen with hands-on restaurant experience.

Eric brings a background in retail and the corporate sector, and has since transitioned into hospitality with a focus on shoreline food operations. Lauren brings extensive hands-on experience as a restaurant owner, having previously worked in insurance before moving into hospitality and then going on to own and operate her own business. As Lauren puts it, “food service is in my blood.” She collaborates with her cousin who owned the famous O’Rourke’s Diner in Middletown, which was featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives.

Lauren shared, “We have owned a home in Niantic, less than two miles from the Stand, since 2018. We are excited for the opportunity to be part of the beach this season and believe we’ll be a great fit for the community.”

As Lauren and Eric begin preparing the Stand for the season, you may start to see activity on site. If you do, please feel free to stop by, say hello, and welcome them to the Crescent Beach community!

We’re looking forward to another great season at Crescent Beach.